ACP PRESS RELEASE, 29 September 2011: The Secretary-General of the ACP Group, Dr. Mohamed Ibn CHAMBAS, has noted with the utmost satisfaction, the Presidential, legislative and local elections held in Zambia on 20 September 2011.

The Secretary-General expresses delight at the smooth conduct of the electoral process which was held in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere to ensure the credibility of the results obtained. The Secretary-General considers this new Zambian experience as further proof of the African countries’ willingness to take bold strides towards democracy and the reinforcement of the rule of law.

On behalf of the ACP Group, the Secretary-General hereby congratulates the President elect, Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, on his accession to the Presidency of the Republic of Zambia and also takes this opportunity to pay vibrant homage to the outgoing President, Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda, for accepting the results of the elections in good faith and for having demonstrated throughout his term of office such rare qualities of a true statesman that he is.

The Secretary-General hereby conveys to the people of Zambia his best wishes of peace and prosperity.

Pictured: H.E Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, President of Zambia (Source: President's Facebook Page)