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Zambia: Rupiah Sworn in at Colourful Ceremony

Kaiko Namusa and Sylvia Mweetwa

3 November 2008

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PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda was yesterday sworn in as the fourth Republican President during a colourful ceremony, with various political leaders urging the losing candidates to accept the election results and work together to promote development.

Chief Justice Ernest Sakala earlier declared Mr Banda duly elected after he polled 718,359 with results from all the 150 constituencies declared, against his closest rival, Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front (PF) who got 683,150.

United Party for National Development (UPND) president, Hakainde Hichilema had 353,018 while Godfrey Miyanda of Heritage Party only managed 13,683 votes.

Mr Banda's vote represented 40.09 per cent of the total votes cast, leaving Mr Sata at 38.13 per cent, Mr Hichilema at 19.70 per cent and Brigadier-General Miyanda at 0.76 per cent.

A total of 1,791,806 votes were cast out of the 3,944,135 registered voters, representing a turnout of 45.43 per cent in the polls where 23,596 ballots were rejected.

Mr Justice Sakala declared Mr Banda the duly elected president pursuant to Article 38 of the Constitution of Zambia following the vacancy that occurred in the office of the president following the death of president Levy Mwanawasa on August 19, 2008.

There was jubilation from the MMD supporters after the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson, Florence Mumba, finished announcing the results from the 150 constituencies.

Mr Banda took oath as president at 14:45 hours at a ceremony attended byregional leaders, who included Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, Malawi's Bingu wa Mutharika and Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa.

The ceremony was also attended by former first lady Maureen Mwanawasa, former presidents Kenneth Kaunda, and Frederick Chiluba who was accompanied by his wife, Regina.

Baloons in the national flag colours were released in the air as Mr Banda was being sworn in.

Justice Sakala arrived at the ceremony with other judges immediately after declaring Mr Banda the winner of the election at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

The president waved back to the crowd surrounded by heavy security personnel before taking to the podium where the chief justice awaited him for the swearing-in session.

Mr Banda then proceeded on the red carpet to inspect a guard of honour mounted by the Zambia Army, Zambia Police, Zambia Air Force, Prison Service and the Zambia National Service.

The Army gave the incoming president a 21-gun salute as ZAF planes flew past the National Assembly grounds.

Former vice-presidents Christon Tembo and Enoch Kavindele, who were among hundreds of invited guests, said in separate interviews that time had come for Zambians to support Mr Banda in continuing various development programmes.

"I think it is a good thing that we have held our election in a free and fair manner. Now is the time for all of us, even those that had lost the election, to re-focus our efforts and drive further the country's development," Lieutenant-General Tembosaid.

Mr Kavindele said he was happy and satisfied with the outcome of the election and described Mr Banda as a leader who would deliver on what he had promised the people during his campaigns.

He said the major challenge for Mr Banda was creating jobs for Zambians, especially the youth.

Forum for Democracy and Development president, Edith Nawakwi said it was gratifying that the people had decided to allow the MMD to finish its five-year term.

On Mr Banda's major challenges, Ms Nawakwi said he should ensure improved conditions of service for employees, especially in the mining sector.

Luapula Patriotic Front (PF) member of Parliament, Peter Machungwa said he was enthralled by Mr Banda's declaration that he would be president for all.

Bank of Zambia governor, Caleb Fundanga said now that the election period had passed, Zambia would recover from some of the internal shocks it had faced such as the fluctuations of the Kwacha.

Dr Fundanga said the major challenge was to ensure inflation rates were reduced before the end of the year and that during the remaining two months, Zambians should work hard and support Government's efforts in stabilising the economy.

He said despite copper prices experiencing a sharp reduction on the global market, fuel prices had reduced and that this should be utilised by all, especially the farming community, to produce more food.

Mr Banda's campaign agent, Benny Tetamashimba assured, shortly after the president was sworn in, that Mr Banda would not revenge on people who insulted him during the campaigns but would work towards developing the country for the benefit of all.

"We are happy that Mr Banda has been allowed to rule Zambia because he shall embrace all despite their political affiliation because he has the interests of the people at heart, "he said.

Bible Gospel Church in Africa bishop, Peter Ndhlovu and Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes executive director, Lee Habasonda welcomed the election of Mr Banda and also stressed the need for him to embrace everybody.

Other guests were UNIP president, Tilyenji Kaunda, United Liberal Party leader, Sakwiba Sikota, All-People's Congress president, Ken Ngondo and Zambia Democratic Conference national chairperson, Langton Sichone.

Service chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps were also present at the ceremony.

Dr Mwanawasa appointed Mr Banda as his vice-president in 2006.

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