NAKONDE, MAGOYE AND CHONGWE PARLEY POLLS DATE SET

The Electoral Commission of Zambia –ECZ- has set 24^th November as the date for Chongwe, Nakonde and Magoye parliamentary by-elections.

ECZ Public Relations Manager, Cris Akufuna has also announced the same date for 35 local government by-elections while nominations for all the polls has been set for 1^st November.

The Chongwe parliamentary seat fell vacant after the resignation of the MMD Member of Parliament, Japhen Mwakalombe.

Parliamentary elections for Nakonde and Magoye could not take off on 20^th September, following the demise of named political candidates.

The local government by-elections could also not take off on 20^th September due to errors on ballot papers.

Meanwhile, non-state actors have welcomed pronouncements of plans to start printing ballot papers locally.

Yesterday, President Michael Sata promised government’s unwavering resolve t have ballot papers printed locally.

Transparency International Zambia Executive Director, Goodwell Lungu says the decision will act as a stringent measure towards the fight against corruption in Zambia.

Mr Lungu has told ZANIS that the anti-corruption crusade has failed in the past due to failing political will.

And Foundation for Democratic Process Executive Director, MacDonald Chipenzi has said the printing of ballot papers locally reduce cases of mistrust and suspicions over the process.

PRESIDENT SATA DISAPPOINTED AND IRKED BY MEDIA ATTACKS ON JUDICIARY

President Michael Sata is disappointment with media attacks on the credibility of some members of the judiciary.

The President said this today with particular reference to Director of Public Prosecution, Chalwe Mchenga.

Mr Sata, who said the attacks do not have evidence, explained that he is uncomfortable with the stories as those being attacked can not defend themselves.

He was speaking at state house today when he swore in Justice Permanent Secretary, Mbololowa Wamunyima, Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary, Charity Mwansa and Deputy Army Commander, Major-General Tobbly Lubaya.

ZAMBIA LISTED ON TOP 10 CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABLE NATIONS

Zambia has been listed as one of 10 most vulnerable countries to the emerging triple crisis facilitated by climate change.

According to Action Aid, Zambia is highly unprepared for the triple crisis, which is projected to affect the entire globe.

At least 10 countries, accounting for more than 1.5 billion of the world’s population, are highly vulnerable to a climate-related food crisis.

This is according to a latest Action Aid report titled ON THE BRINK - WHO IS BEST PREPARED FOR THE CLIMATE AND HUNGER CRISIS, after a research in 28 developing countries.

ECONOMIST ADVISES CAUTION IN PLANNED MINES TAX REGIME

An Economist has advised government on the need for a cautious revision of the mines tax regime in order to maximise national revenue benefits.

Oliver Saasa says there is need to strengthen the entire tax regime and not just address the proposed re-introduction of windfall tax.

Professor Saasa has told ZANIS in Lusaka that the taxes in the mining sector must be amalgamated in order to realise maximum benefits from Zambia’s mineral wealth.

He has further advised the PF government to take time in revising the mines taxes in order to avoid introducing retrogressive policies and taxes.

CHIPOLOPOLO BOYS COACH DARIO BONETTI FIRED

Chipolopolo boys coach, Dario Bonetti has immediately been fired by the Football Association of Zambia -FAZ.

FAZ General Secretary, George Kasengele has announced this in a statement to Muvi TV sports today.

Kasengele explained that the decision follows a meeting between the 50-year-old Italian coach and FAZ President, Kalusha Bwalya.

He has explained that FAZ and Bonetti mutually agreed to terminate the Italian coach’s 2-year contract, which was to expire next year.

Kasengele further says FAZ will soon announce a new technical team to lead the national soccer to the 2012 Africa Cup of nations after consultations.

When reached for a comment, the Italian said by phone that he will issue a statement at a press conference.

SWEDISH EMBASSY NOTES PRIVATE SECTOR IMPORTANCE IN DEVELOPMENT

The Swedish Embassy says the private sector plays a critical role in poverty reduction in developing countries such as Zambia.

This is according to the embassy’s Development Analyst, Nina Strandberg.

Ms Strandberg says the private sector brings about innovation and sustainable solutions into the work of poverty reduction.

To this effect, she has explained that the embassy has been prompted to assist the country to achieve this important goal by partnering with the private sector.

She has stated that this is through the opening of a facility to assist businessmen financially upon approval of their business proposals.

Ms Strandberg was speaking in Kitwe today during the launch of the application cycle of the Swedish programme.