Speaker rallies youths

Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini has urged young people to fully participate in the country’s democratic governance system as Zambia celebrates 50 years of independence.

Speaking during the official opening of the International Day of Democracy (IDD) celebrations at Parliament buildings today, Dr. Matibini says there is need to educate youths on democracy so that they can participate in the democratic processes.

Dr. Matibini, who is also Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) Zambia National Group PRESIDENT says in order to effectively commemorate the International Day of Democracy; the National Assembly of Zambia has lined activities focused on the youth in accordance with this year’s theme “Youth Involvement in Democracy”.

Dr. Matibini explains that the IDD dates as far back as November 8, 2008 when the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution 62/7 declaring 15th September as the International Day of Democracy.

He says the resolution further recognizes that while democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy and that democracy does not belong to any country or region.

Dr Matibini has however clarified that the National Assembly of Zambia was unable to celebrate this day on the 15th of September due to other parliamentary commitments.

Speaking at the same event, Clerk of the National Assembly Doris Mwiinga says the IPU Zambia National Group undertook a two day sensitization programme during which members from selected youth based organizations and tertiary institutions were invited for discussions on their role in a democratic governance system.

And addressing Journalists after the official opening, Ministry of Home Affairs Deputy Minister Steven Kampyongo says young people must draw their inspiration from freedom fighters who were not educated but remained focused in liberating the country.