LUSAKA – FRIDAY, 26TH AUGUST, 2016 — LEADERS of South Africa and Sudan, His Excellency Mr. Jacob Zuma, and His Excellency Mr. Omar Hassan Ahmed Al-bashir have joined several other world leaders and international organisations to place their individual full weights behind the election of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu in the August 11 elections.
President Lungu’s spokesperson, Amos Chanda, confirmed this in a statement released this morning. Other countries and organisations that have already congratulated President Lungu are the US, UK, EU and African Union, among others.
HERE IS THE FULL STATEMENT AS RELEASED BY THE PRESIDENT’S SPOKESPERSON:
South Africa’s President His Excellency Mr Jacob Zuma has congratulated His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu President of the Republic of Zambia on his re-election as Republican President in the August 11 general election. In his congratulatory message dated August 16, President Zuma has assured and re-confirmed his appreciation of the excellent, warm and close relations that exist between South Africa and Zambia and the two peoples. President Zuma is confident that the good relations between the two countries built over the years will continue to grow and prosper under the able leadership of President Lungu. ‘’I have the honour to convey to Your Excellency, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, sincere congratulations on your reelection as the President of the Republic of Zambia,’’ President Zuma said. And Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmed Al-bashir has also joined other leaders in extending congratulatory messages to President Lungu on his reelection as sixth President of the Republic of Zambia. President Al-bashir says President Lungu’s victory is a clear manifestation of the confidence that the people of Zambia have in his leadership. The Sudanese President expressed confidence that the cordial relations that exist between Zambia and Sudan will continue to grow under the noble leadership of President Lungu. ‘’This victory is clear manifestation of the confidence imposed on you by the people of Zambia,’’ President Al-bashir said. Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) President Felix Mutati has conveyed a message of congratulations to His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa President of the Republic of Zambia for the divine privilege bestowed on him for his re-election as President in the August 11 polls. In his message of congratulations, Mr Mutati notes that the party did not find it difficult to endorse and support President Lungu’s candidature because of his good leadership anchored on humility, inclusiveness and the fear of God including many more leadership virtues as exhibited in the short period of time of his presidency. Mr Mutati says such virtues will help steer the nation to greater heights of development, peace and national unity. The MMD president prayed that God will inspire President Lungu to identify skillful hands in the men and women of Zambia that will serve the Zambian people and His Excellency with integrity and to the glory of God. ‘’Your Excellency, we wish you God’s blessings, wisdom, good health and long life.’’ Mr Mutati said. United Freedom Fighter of Zambia Independence Chairman and National Director Sikota Wina has also extended congratulations to President Lungu describing his victory as a confirmation by the people of Zambia for the value they have placed on his leadership. Mr Wina extolled President Lungu for demonstrating good leadership through enhancement of democracy, rule of law, implementing sound economic policies, promoting unity through the slogan ‘’One Zambia One Nation’’ and encouraging national prayers. Mr Wina wished President Lungu God’s continued protection and providence in wisdom, strength and love as he successfully continues to govern and preserve the country’s moral values that freedom fighters embraced in order to liberate Zambia. ‘’The United Freedom Fighters of Zambia Independence (UFFZI) comprising Senior Veterans and their families who participated in the liberation of our beloved country Zambia from the colonial masters due hereby congratulate you for the victory you scored at the just ended 11 August, 2016 general election,’’ Mr Wina said. 2 ______________________________________________________________________________
Issued by: AMOS CHANDA SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT (PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS) STATE HOUSE