Brussels, 26/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, speaking on behalf of the European Union, welcomes the smooth conduct of the general elections (presidential, legislative and local) in Zambia on 20 September. The elections were won by Michael Sata who thus becomes President of the Republic. Ashton congratulates the people of Zambia for the resolve they have shown in bringing about peaceful elections. In a statement published on 23 September, she speaks of success, saying: “I am very keen to maintain and deepen our relations with Zambia and to strengthen the long-standing partnership between Zambia and the EU” and that, “as a long-standing partner, the EU will continue to support Zambia in its efforts to promote the country's social and economic development.”
“These were the fifth democratic general elections since a multi-party system was re-introduced in 1991. This election and the peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box strengthens Zambia's position as an example of democratic culture in the region and elsewhere”, the high representative asserts. She congratulates Michael Sata for his elections, and also the outgoing president, Rupiah Banda, “for his commitment to civil and political rights which made these elections possible”.
Catherine Ashton also praises the work carried out by the EU electoral monitoring mission headed by Maria Muniz de Urquiza, MEP. (AN/transl.jl)