Japan injects US$642,000 IN January 20, presidential polls

–More cooperating partners have come on board
to assist in funding the Zambian government to hold a free and fair presidential election on 20 January 2015.

A few days ago, the United States of America gave Zambia US$1.6 million (K9.6 million) for the January 20, 2015 presidential poll.

US Ambassador to Zambia Eric Schultz, who disclosed this when he met Acting President Dr. Guy Scott said the moneys would go to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for the monitoring of election.

The latest is the Japanese government that has given Zambia US$642,000 towards the procurement of materials for the forthcoming presidential election.

The funds have been given to Zambia under the Japanese emergency grant aid through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Trust Fund, which has been set up for January 20 presidential election.

Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Kiyoshi Koinuma said his government prioritises democracy and good governance, hence Japan’s support to the presidential poll.

ZANIS reports that the Japanese envoy said this in a statement released today by Japanese First Secretary for Political, Public Relations and Culture, Hideaki Machida.

"The Japanese government is pleased to contribute to Zambia’s own efforts to promote democracy and good governance and is delighted to be associated with the forthcoming presidential election," Mr Koinuma said.

He disclosed that the funds would be used to purchase voter education handbooks, electoral acts, directional posters and forms among other required materials.

ECZ has presented a K344 million budget to government for holding the next month’s presidential poll.