Issued by: Office of the President
STATE HOUSE LUSAKA, REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
14th November, 1996
Dear Mr. President and Brother
I thank you for your message of 14th November, 1996 and for your very prompt action of sending Judge Goldstone to meet with our chairman of the Electoral Commission Justice Bwalya. As the Chairman of the body responsible for elections Justice Bwalya explained to Judge Goldstone, postponement of the Elections scheduled for next Monday 18th November, 1996 is a totally impossible proposition which the principal opposition parties taking part in the Elections have also said they will not accept. The costs for the country and the eleven (11) participating parties have been astronomical especially in relation to our limited resources.
Above all there is no threat to the internal security and stability to warrant a draconian move like a State of Emergency, which, in any case would have to be approved by Parliament the immediate existence of which election postponement negates.
Mr. President we thank you for your genuine concerns and wish to assure you the elections will proceed peacefully. Our commitment to democracy and good governance are irrevocable and we will to this end ever entrench and institutionalise consultation with all political stakeholders.
I will revert to brief you further next week. Meanwhile, thank you once again for your efforts and wise counsel.
Frederick J. T. Chiluba PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA
His Excellency Mr. Nelson Mandela, President of the Republic of South Africa, SOUTH AFRICA