By CHRISTINE  MWAABA –
UNITED States (US) Ambassador to Zambia Eric Schultz says democracy is still the best form of governance and that violence should not be entertained in a democratic country like Zambia.
Mr Schultz said this during the 240th anniversary of the American Independence Day celebrations held at his residence yesterday.
He said this year’s elections should reaffirm Zambia’s status as Africa’s most successful multi-party democracy, and further aspire to play a leading role on the continent in the promotion of peace and democracy.
He said elections were an opportunity for a nation to renew the faith in itself and in its ability to choose for itself.
“In fact we want to see Zambia play an ever great role in the region. We support her aspiration in that regard both morally and materially,” he said.
He said the American government continued to contribute to the country’s various sectors through key initiatives.
He cited a budget of US$500 million a year which had been devoted to the Zambian health sector by building a number of hospitals and clinics.
Mr Schultz said the elections this year would provide a foundation for a closer partnership between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Rayford Mbulu thanked US President Barack Obama for his unwavering efforts in contributing towards the social and economic development of Zambia.
Mr Mbulu expressed appreciation for the continued support through mechanisms such as the United States Government Millennium Challenge for improved infrastructure investment and institutional strengthening activities.
He said as the people of the US prepare to go to the polls in November this year, the polls should be held in a manner that would ensure that the country continued to uphold the principles of liberty and democratic governance that guaranteed social and political harmony.