President Hichilema Swears in ECZ Vice-Chairperson and Commissioner

President Hakainde Hichilema has sworn in two members of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) with a charge to deliver free, fair and credible elections.

Major-General Vincent Mbaulu Mukanda has been elevated to Vice-Chairperson of the Commission, while Zevyanji Sinkala has joined as Commissioner. The swearing-in ceremony was held at State House today.

President Hichilema emphasized that elections must never be a platform for violence but conducted in an environment of law and order befitting a democratic country.

“We expect that you, under the leadership of the Chairperson and management, will work with government and the people of Zambia to deliver free, fair, credible and peaceful elections,” he said.

The Head of State underscored the central role of the ECZ in safeguarding democracy, noting that leadership in the country is attained through elections conducted by the Commission. Major-General Mukanda has served as Commissioner since 2021 before his elevation.

On Mr. Sinkala’s appointment, President Hichilema said it demonstrated commitment to duty, adding that it should encourage young people as leadership roles are available for everyone.

“You are citizens and therefore can be anything in the public and private sector,” he said.

President Hichilema further linked peace and stability to Zambia’s economic progress, citing the $12 billion investment attracted in the mining sector since 2021. He stressed that without calming the volatile electoral environment, debt restructuring would not have been achieved.

 “If we hadn’t calmed the country down, we would have been paying $2.3 billion in debt servicing; today we are paying about $900 million, a differential of $1.4 billion,” he said.