Tensions Rise Following Mwanakatwe’s Promotion

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has opposed the appointment of Margaret Mwanakatwe as Finance Minister.

TIZ Executive Director Wesley Chibamba says although Mrs. Mwanakatwe is qualified for the job, she is not qualified to serve as Minister on account of the High Court’s nullification of her election as Lusaka Central MP for allegedly engaging in electoral malpractices, a decision she has appealed against in the Constitutional Court.

He has questioned how President Lungu will fight corruption working with people whose seats have been nullified.

Mr. Chibamba says what President Lungu should have done was to fire Mrs Mwanakatwe and Higher Education Minister Professor Nkandu Luo whose seats were nullified by the High court on account of engaging in electoral malpractices.

And Governance Activist David Kapoma has expressed concern over the appointment of Margaret Mwanakatwe as Finance Minister, saying Felix Mutati was equal to the task.