By CHARITY MOONGA, DELPHINE ZULU and JAMES KUNDA –

JAPAN and Norway have congratulated President Edgar Lungu on his election as Zambia’s sixth Head of State.
Norwegian Prime Minster Erna Solberg said her country appreciated the democratic and peaceful process that Zambia had followed during the election following the untimely demise of late President Michael Sata in October last year.
“Democracy is now deeply entrenched in Zambia, and Norway looks to Zambia as a model for other countries in the region,” the Prime Minister said.
Norway wanted to increase its trade and investments in energy and other sectors, and collaborating with Zambia internationally in promoting democracy, human rights, gender equality, sustainable development and peaceful settlement of conflicts.
Norwegian Ambassador to Zambia, Arve Ofstad, expressed his admiration for the well organised election undertaken by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), despite the difficult weather conditions.
Mr Ofstad congratulated all candidates that participated in the last election, in particular the runner-up United Party for National Development (UPND) Hakainde Hichilema who increased his number of voters and his percentage dramatically since the previous presidential elections in 2011.
The Ambassador mentioned that the low turnout of only some 32 per cent of registered voters was a challenge for all stakeholders, and especially for the political parties.
“Also, it is regrettable that the ECZ has not been able to update its voters roll, so that in fact none of those turning 18 years since 2011 were able to cast their vote this time,” he said.
He said Norway looked forward to continued cooperation with Zambia in important sectors for development such as conservation agriculture, correct collection of taxes particularly from the mining sector, and gender equality.
Meanwhile, Japanese Foreign Press secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura congratulated the newly elected President in a statement released by the Embassy of Japan in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Kawamura commended Zambia for holding a peaceful presidential election on January 20.
The Japanese Government hoped that, under the leadership of President Lungu, Zambia would further promote its social and economic development and continue to contribute to the stability of the Southern African region as a whole.
Japan looks forward to strengthening the cordial and cooperative relations with Zambia.
The United States Government has also pledged to work closely with President Lungu.
US department of State spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement yesterday that her country would continue strengthening relations with President Lungu and his Government.
“Together, our two nations have a strong friendship on which to build as we cooperate on providing health care, promoting peace and security, attracting investment, and spurring economic development.
“We look forward to an even more dynamic and positive partnership in the years to come,” Ms Psaki said.
Ms Psaki congratulated Zambians for conducting another democratic election despite logistical challenges that hampered the voting process.
“We acknowledge the important work of the Electoral Commission of Zambia and its chair, as well as the domestic, regional, and international monitoring groups.
“We hope that any issues will be resolved in the same spirit and democratic tradition and we encourage the people of Zambia to move forward as their national motto states: “one Zambia, one nation,” she said.