MOVEMENT for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) president Nevers Mumba says the discussion and debate on democracy is long overdue and has since commended the co-hosting of the summit in Zambia.

He has however advised the western world not to use democracy as a pipeline to impose certain values against the country’s norms.
Dr Mumba has since challenged the western world to respect the county’s cultural, religious, christian and social values.
The politician, who is also a former vice president, said during the sidelines of the summit, there is a lot of business with the western world to help propel development and that is why the business should not be hindered by other agendas.

“We think the discussion and debate on democracy is long overdue. Africa is ready to take on this debate. What we are against is interference from the western world or anywhere. We do not want democracy to be used as a pipeline to impose certain values. If this continues, there will be a huge divorce from the pipeline,” he said.

Dr Mumba said a strong partnership with the western world will continue but that they should respect the country’s cultural values.

“We have a lot of business of Democracy and we remain committed, but we do not want anything to come in between that,” he said.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 30th March, 2023)

VICE President Mutale Nalumango says if the voice of democracy is to succeed, collaboration and networking should continue beyond the summit.

Ms Nalumango has since implored participants of the Summit for Democracy that if the mantle of Democracy is to be flown high, the promises made at the Second Summit for Democracy should be delivered.

Speaking during the closing of the second Summit for Democracy today, the Vice  President said progress should be shown on what has been agreed at the Summit.

“The summit has resulted in concrete commitments for Democracy. Let us endeavour for democratic governance. As Africa countries, we have made commitment for democracy. We have a collective responsibility to deliver. Let us continue networking, collaborating and deliver on the promises from the summit,” she said.

And USAID Assistant Administration for Africa Monde Muyangwa said  if Democracy is to succeed, there must be collective efforts from all stakeholders.

“Democracy is not easy, but we have no shied away. The discussions have been inspiring. I leave here inspired by strong and unwaivering beliefs for democracy. I am inspired by the willingness to deepen democracy,” she said.

She further added by encouraging African leaders that the path to democracy is not always easy and that is why they should be encouraged by such summits whose aim is to push forward democracy.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 30th March, 2023)

UNITED States of America Secretary of Education Miguiel Cardona says what Zambia has accomplished in its election outcome is an inspiration to the world.
Dr Cardona said Zambia’s is a success story of potential which has been realised through the youths.

Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated his commitment to address the threats that democracy faces.

He has since outlined that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of democracy and thus the commitment to ensure that the threats to democracy are addressed.

In his address at the official opening of the second Summit for Democracy,  Dr Cardona called for democracy to continue propelling forward as team work and partnership will help brighten the future of democracies world over.

“What you have accomplished in Zambia is an inspiration to the world. Zambia is a story of potential as the young people have been realised,” he said.

He noted that people confused elections as democracy, but forgot that for elections to be described as such, there is need to plant a seed of democracy which will germinate.
Dr Cardona also commended President Hichilema for the strides on Education stating that education plants the seeds of Democratic participation.

“Education plants the seeds of Democratic participation. We commend President Hichilema for your important strides in education because education is a great equalizer which creates institutions that give hope.  We are in this together. For successful democracy, we need to ensure we learn freedom and from our mistakes,” he said.

And President Hichilema said democratic threats need to be addressed through concerted efforts. “We are committed to address the threats that democracy faces.
We are too many countries in Africa changing presidency and so it is our duty to ensure the work together,” he said.

He further reiterated the pledge to strengthen electoral integrity and called on leaders to share their democratic success stories.

“Let us not just exchange technical experiences, let us also get practical experiences of democracy. We commend President Joe Biden and the Americans for furthering the agenda for Democracy. We pledge accountability and transparency as We are here to discuss pertinent issues with regards to democracy, an opportunity the Summit provides,” he said.

The Head of State also said democracy is not as static as an on and off switch of car, but is a living thing which need nurturing.

“Let us mobilise collective actions to respond to challenges of democracy. We managed to mobilise elections amidst COVID-19 and as such, let us push through challenges and threats that democracy is faced with,” he said.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 30th March, 2023)

(Picture by US Embassy)