St.Kitts-Nevis Ambassador Concludes Assignment as Member of Commonwealth Observer Mission to Zambia Elections
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HE Constance V Mitcham
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of St.Kitts-Nevis Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris, Her Excellency Constance Mitcham has concluded her assignment as a member of the Commonwealth Observer Team to Zambia’s General Elections and Referandum.
In a statement issued on Sunday August 15th HE Dr Jakaya Kikwete, Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group urged calm and tolerance following the declaration of the results of the Presidential Elections in Zambia.
Dr Jakaya Kikwete, congratulated the President-Elect Edgar Lungu who has been re-elected, according to official results. The electoral commission said Mr Lungu had secured 50.35% in Thursday’s vote, just over the 50% threshold needed to avoid a second round under a new electoral system.His main rival, Hakainde Hichilema, won 47.67%.
Dr Kikwete praised the people of Zambia for the peaceful manner in which they voted.
Voters lining up during recent Zambia Elections and Referandum
Immediately after the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Justice Esau Chulu, announced the final results of the Presidential Election, Dr Kikwete said:
“On 11 August, Zambians voted in dignity to elect their leaders. They continued their country’s cherished and admirable legacy of peaceful elections. The winner must be magnanimous, and those who were unsuccessful must show statesmanship and a commitment to upholding this country’s noble reputation in Africa and beyond.”
Supporters of the Zambian Ruling party Patriotic Front and incumbent president Edward Lungu gesture as they cheer during his presidential campaign closing rally on August 10, 2016 in Lusaka.
Violence during Zambia’s election campaign could keep frightened voters away from the polls, a watchdog said on August 10, on the eve of voting in a country known for its relative stability. A tense presidential race between leading candidates incumbent Edgar Lungu and businessman Hakainde Hichilema has been marked by clashes between rival supporters. The Zambian Elections Information Centre (ZEIC) said at least three people had been killed and many injured during the campaign. / AFP PHOTO / GIANLUIGI GUERCIA
He has urged all leaders and citizens of Zambia to respect the will of the people and to channel any grievances and concerns through the prescribed legal channels.
HE Mitcham and the Dr Jakaya
Dr Jakaya Kikwete
Kikwete led Commonwealth Observer Group have been in Zambia since 4 August and will depart on 18 August. HE Mitcham’s inclusion is a significant milestone of the new Team UNITY Administration and in the development of St.Kitts-Nevis International recognition and Foreign relations and is also a historic moment for women in the federation, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Mark Brantley played a major role in the federation;s presence and inclusion in the high powered Commonwealth Observer Group .
Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland with St.Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris
Since taking office the Dr. Timothy Harris led Team UNITY Administration has made significant strides in the development of International Foreign Affairs and Relations.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Scotland with St.Kitts-Nevis Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Mark Brantley
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Mark Brantley has lauded and congratulated HE Mitcham’s historic work in the Zambian General Elections and Referandum.
Hon. Brantley said “Let me take time to congratulate Ambassador Constance V Mitcham for being the first SKN woman to be part of a Commonwealth Observer Mission to elections in Zambia.” Brantley also described the achievement as quite historic for the Federation and the Women of the Federation of St.Kitts-Nevis
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