Britain Ready to Fund Zambia’s Presidential Polls

The British government on Thursday said it would be among Zambia’s cooperating partners willing to fund the forthcoming presidential election following the death of incumbent President Levy Mwanawasa on Tuesday in Paris, France.The British government made the pledge to Zambia following the death of Mwanawasa in a Paris military hospital after suffering a stroke in Egypt two months ago.

Outgoing British High Commissioner to Zambia Alistair Harrison told journalists on Thursday that his government would assist the Zambian government in holding the unexpected election.

Under the Zambian constitution the country is supposed to hold an election within 90 days of the position being declared officially vacant after a sitting president dies.

The British government has been a major contributor to Zambia’s previous presidential and parliamentary elections.

Meanwhile, various churches in Zambia have kicked off official public mourning for the late president. Open air prayers and songs from different choirs began on Thursday as the country gets ready to receive the body of President Mwanawasa which arrives on Sunday from Paris.

Source African Press Agency

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