.LUNGU

By SYLVESTER MWALE –

All is set for the inauguration of Edgar Lungu as sixth Republican President at Heroes Stadium today after the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) declared him winner.
Mr Lungu, 58, beat his closest rival Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) to become the sixth President.
Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba said Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe arrived on Friday for the inauguration ceremony which would also be attended by Swaziland Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini and his counterpart for Tanzania Mizengo Pinda.
Apart from Mr Mugabe, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president Joseph Kabila and Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba are also expected to attend the ceremony this morning.
Mr Kalaba said there would also be foreign affairs ministers from Angola, South Africa and Malawi as well as Under Secretary of State for the United States Sarah Sewall who arrived on Friday.
“All is set for the inauguration, invited guests are expected to be seated by 07:00 hours while the actual ceremony starts at 09:00 hours,” Mr Kalaba said.
Acting President Guy Scott and Secretary to the Cabinet Rowland Msiska as well as other Government officials yesterday inspected the National Heroes Stadium to check on the preparatory works.
The Lusaka City Council (LCC) says part of Independence Avenue, Church Road, Cairo Road and Great North Road would be partially closed to facilitate the inauguration ceremony at the new stadium.