By Chris Mfula
LUSAKA, June 15 (Reuters) – Campaigns in Zambia for
parliamentary by-elections next month have the potential to
spark political violence while investors are worried
privatisation deals struck by the former president could be
reversed in a crackdown on suspected graft.
The government in Africa’s top copper producer, in place
since September, has angered its political foes with the probes
into corruption and may find it difficult to push laws through
parliament against an increasingly united opposition.
Investors were rattled by its move to double the royalties
it charges mining companies on base metals and frequent power
shortages look set to worsen the problems facing the industry.
Ratings agency Fitch in March downgraded Zambia’s outlook to
negative from stable, saying it was on the wrong path.
ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
Elections are scheduled for July 5 in three constituencies
following the death of one member of parliament and
nullification of results in two constituencies.
Zambia’s parliament has 158 MPs – 150 elected and eight
nominated by the president.
Continued…
