PRESIDENT SATA PROMISES LOCAL PRINTING OF BALLOT PAPERS

President Michael Sata says he agrees that the 20^th September general elections were not transparent.

Mr Sata says this is evident in the fact that some ballot boxes are still in police hands for various reasons.

And the President has further promised that government will work within its ability to ensure that ballot papers are printed locally.

Mr Sata has also stated that never again will ballot papers be printed outside the country, adding that every resource will be invested into printing machinery.

And the President has also argued that there is no peace in Zambia because people are being denied opportunities for individual development.

Mr Sata has said that he could not describe peace in the midst of hunger, unemployment and other challenges for the Zambian people.

He has further outlined several challenges such as corruption, which he said would make his presidency irrelevant if they continued.

The President has also called for sacrifice among people if some socio-economic challenges can be overcome.

He was speaking today at the inter-denominational post-election thanks giving service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka.

And speaking earlier, the church challenged political leaders to prioritise national interest beyond their partisan interest.

Father Cletus Mwila stated that the nation is more important than political parties because it provides sanctuary for all Zambians.

He challenged political leaders to understand that peace is an important ingredient to development.

And Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia Executive Director, Pukuta Mwanza noted the roles played by each Zambian with respect to a widely acceptable outcome for the elections.

Reverend Mwanza also recognised the smooth transition from the former ruling party, MMD, and now opposition to the Patriotic Front.

The church service was attended by Republican President, Michael Sata, his Vice, Guy Scott and their spouses respectively.

Other dignitaries present were first Republican President, Kenneth Kaunda, Chief justice, Ernest Sakala and other government officials.

Meanwhile, prayers recitation and choral music from various church groups and interest groups characterized the service.

All the church mother bodies, namely Zambia Episcopal Conference, Council of Churches in Zambia and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia, each gave a prayer.

The Non-Governmental Organisation Coordinating Committee –NGOCC- recited a prayer on behalf of non-state actors.

NGOCC bemoaned the various challenges young people face, despite constituting the majority of the national population.

In its prayer, the organisation also called transparent embracement of the youth and not just for socio-economic and political exploitation.

Meanwhile in a symbol of reconciliation, the attendants in the service were allowed time to exchange handshakes.