Government‘s commitment to democratic tenets is one of its landmark strides in 2017: The respect for the rule of law, independence of the three arms of Government and citizens’ liberties, which include the freedom of the media.

Other specific landmark achievements are President Edgar Lungu‘s timely invocation of Article 31 to deal with the acts of lawlessness and sabotage in country, and the national dialogue initiated together with the Commonwealth Secretary -General’s office.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) released the incarcerated UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema via nolle proseque.
Government also commissioned the US$2.1 billion Lusaka Ndola dual carriage road project that will see Government rake in US$ 1.4 billion in 17 years once completed.
Government introduced a routine HIV/AIDS testing, counseling and treatment policy as well as embarked on the on-going distribution of HIV/AIDS self-testing kits in public institutions.
The Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Patrick Matibini cracked his whip on the erring 48 UPND Members of Parliament (MPs).
We expect MPs who were suspended for 30 days for their gross misconduct from the House to have learned a lesson, and will not repeat the same mistake in the New Year.
We pray that they will cooperate and work with Government in taking development to all parts of the 156 constituencies.
The Judiciary experienced the highest level of independence from the Executive as many court cases were ruled against the State.
However, the Judiciary, like the Executive and the Legislature, was not spared by some citizens that took turns throwing stones at them.
The Opposition parties lamentably failed to provide checks and balances to the Government, but instead resorted to politics of character-assassination, witch-hunting, and hate speech, provocative and inflammatory statements.
However, we expect them to get geared for the issue-based politics and not otherwise in the New Year.
The Church helped unite and not divide the nation. However, they need to do more in guiding the nation.
Zambian DNA is of the view that the Church, traditional leaders, Opposition parties, civil societies and ordinary citizens should work with Government in building a country anchored on ‘ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION.’
We wish every Zambian a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year!
We would also like to take this opportunity to wish President Lungu good health and pray that God grants him wisdom as he guides the nation in the New Year and beyond!
Issued by:
ZAMBIAN DNA SPOKES PERSON
SPUKI MULEMWA