By JAMES KUNDA –

. KALABA

THE hosting of 15 diplomats accredited to Zambia by United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema at the weekend is an indication that Zambia’s democracy is strong and mature, Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba has said.
Meanwhile, Mr Kalaba has announced that the Government has started sending out invitations to international organisations interested in observing the August 11 general elections.
Mr Kalaba told a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday that Mr Hichilema’s interaction with the envoys at his residence in New Kasama area on Saturday was an affirmation of Zambia’s strong democratic beliefs and practices.
The minister said this was contrary to assertions by some sections of society that the Patriotic Front (PF) abhorred freedom of expression and assembly.
“I would like to state that the visit to the residence of the UPND leader by diplomats accredited to Zambia is a clear indication of the strength and maturity of our democracy.
“It demonstrates that, contrary to the views expressed by some political players, the PF Government upholds the principles of freedom of association, expression and the right to alternative sources of information by stakeholders in the political process,” Mr Kalaba said.
He said the engagement of the diplomatic corps by stakeholders such as political parties was normal practice in any democratic country, including Zambia which was headed for general elections.
“In other countries, such gatherings would not be accommodated by the government in power, but in Zambia, events of this nature are accommodated as long as they are conducted within the confines of the law,” Mr Kalaba said.
He said while Zambia would endeavour to improve her democratic principles in the fulfillment of her own people’s aspirations, the country was proud of how, over a relatively short period of multiparty system of governance, it had continued to make significant strides to enhance democracy through subsequent popular and representative governments.
Mr Kalaba said the Government, through the ministry of Foreign Affairs, had started sending out invitations to regional and international orgnaisations, including cooperating partners, to participate as election observers in the August 11 polls.
This, Mr Kalaba said, was being done in keeping with Zambia’s tradition of transparency and openness as well as the Government’s commitment to upholding the Republican Constitution.
“The Government of His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu remains committed to democracy, good governance and the rule of law.
“We will ensure that these elections are conducted in a manner that is free, fair and credible and on a level playing field,” he said.