Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

NIMD has been privileged to have met the President on a number of occasions, the last time being at the launch of the Zambian Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) about one year ago. The support he has provided towards the establishment of ZCID and the consolidation of multiparty democracy in Zambia are lasting gifts that will continue to guide the partnership between NIMD, ZCID and the Zambian political parties.

NIMD honours him for embarking on a broad based constitutional review process in Zambia which will, when completed, provide Zambia with a new constitution that is not only democratic but also popularly accepted. It may become an example for other countries to follow.

NIMD also salutes Mr Mwanawasa’s courageous leadership as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in taking up the issue of the Zimbabwe crisis. His effort to use regional cooperation to work towards an urgently needed resolution of the crisis that allows the Zimbabwean people to live in peace, has earned him esteem far beyond the borders of Zambia.

Unfortunately, his passing away does not allow him to witness the completion of the constitutional review process in Zambia nor the return of peace and democracy in Zimbabwe. NIMD trust that the political leadership of Zambia will continue to advance the two processes, for which President Mwanawasa has provided so much inspiration.