Council of Non-governmental Organizations in Zambia (CNGO) would like to commend government on the appointments the Head of State made on 23rd November 2022.
The Electoral Commission that is key to free and fair elections in Zambia is critical to our democracy in Zambia and its effective management will give right holders the expectations and trust in the electoral system that is expected for a 58 year of an independent state. It is our hope that the new Chairperson, Counsel Mwangala Zaloumis, and Mr. Ali Simwiinga will be up to the task with the support of Mr. McDonald Chipenzi with his vast experience in electoral and national policy as well as advocating for free and fair elections. We would like to sincerely congratulate the appointees, Mr. McDonald Chipenzi, in particular, from civil society, and current Chair of the CNGO for this appointment that we are confident will uphold the interests of the people of Zambia as well as stakeholder participation in electoral processes.
The confirmation of Mr. Patrick Kangwa as Secretary to the Cabinet, subject to ratification by the National Assembly, is well appreciated, and it is hoped his vast experience for him and his deputy Dr. Oliver, Mubita Kalabo, will bring forth the expected results in the affairs of Cabinet for the people of Zambia.
CNGO also looks forward to the work of the newly appointed Mr. Tom Trevor Shamakamba to Anti-Corruption Commission(ACC) as Director General, will bring about the much needed fair and transparent investigation without fear or favor for the sake of good public resource management.
CNGO would also like to take the opportunity to commend government on the appointment of Mrs. Caroline C. Zulu Sokoni as Judge of the High Court for Zambia. The increase in the number of women in decision making positions is critical for the balanced operation of government and more women are needed to ensure all state wings mainstream gender, and operate under the effective leadership of the many qualified women available and up to the task. CNGO hopes that the next appointments will not only include more women, but encompass youths and differently abled persons.
CNGO would like to thank government for the appointments made and would like to encourage the appointees and all government wings to continue upholding the rights of citizens to participate in development processes through the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the support of Civil Society in various stakeholder platforms in Zambia.
For and on behalf of:
Council of Non-Governmental Organizations in Zambia (CNGO)
Tamara Phiri-Banda
Vice Chairperson
