All is set for commencement of political dialogue

Commonwealth Special Envoy Professor Ibrahim Gambari

Commonwealth Special Envoy Professor Ibrahim Gambari says all is set for the commencement of the much talked about political dialogue in Zambia.

Professor Gambari says it is now time for the dialogue to start beginning with the formation of a stirring committee which will be launched on the 26th of March, 2018.

Briefing journalists in Lusaka, Professor Gambari says members of the stirring committee where selected by political parties and other stakeholders.

He says it is pleasing that Zambians have committed themselves to a national political dialogue including peace, respect for the separation of powers, end to political violence, the right to freedom or expression, end to tribalism and good governance.

Professor Gambari says a lot has been talked about and now is the time for the dialogue to start.

He has explained that the first step will be the formation of the steering committee comprised of eminent and respected Zambians, which will lead and direct the dialogue process.

Professor Gambari has also disclosed that the process will include the establishment of a Working Group including three sub-groups which will examine the issues of constitutional and institutional reform, electoral reform, and tolerance and activity in public life.

He has emphasized that the dialogue process will be Zambian led and Zambian owned.

He has stressed that Zambia is a respected member of the Commonwealth.

Professor Gambari says ahead of the dialogue meeting, he has between September 2017 and March 2018 paid four separate visits to Zambia.

The Commonwealth Special Envoy is pleased that Zambians have committed themselves to national dialogue and that he is looking forward to the commencement of the political dialogue.

The Commonwealth Special Envoy has since left the country and will be back for the commencement of the dialogue process.