The First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Honourable Catherine Namugala, MP, has welcomed the partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and National Assembly of Zambia which goes as far back as the early days of the Parliamentary Reforms whose implementation commenced after Zambia reverted to multi-partism.

The Deputy Speaker said this during the launch of the UNDP and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Democracy Strengthening in Zambia (DSZ) Project worth $13.2 Million. The Project that was launched on Tuesday, 20th October, 2020 at Neelkanth Sarovar, Premiere in Lusaka aims to promote transparent, credible, peaceful, free and fair 2021 General Elections. The project is also focused on assisting to strengthen the electoral system.

During her address, Honourable Catherine Namugala said that the focus of the project is in line with the National Assembly’s vision to be a Model Legislature for Democracy and Good Governance. She added that the National Assembly fosters an environment where members of the public are free to participate in Parliamentary democracy. Honourable Namugala stated that the project is also in line with reforms being implemented by the National Assembly with a view of increasing the number of platforms available for citizen participation in the work of Parliament.

Furthermore, Honourable Namugala said the partnership with UNDP through the Democracy Strengthening in Zambia Project will provide opportunities for continued interactions between the electorate and their representatives. She added that the National Assembly would through the project, enhance communication platforms, capacity for Members of Parliament and staff, and support to female Members of Parliament in order to contribute to equal participation of women in political leadership.

The National Assembly of Zambia is one of the partners for the Democracy Strengthening in Zambia (DSZ) project.