Vice President Inonge Wina says President Edgar Lungu will still be Head of State during elections and that it is mandatory for the public media to give him coverage wherever he goes as he may articulate government policies that the public needs to be aware of.
She was speaking with regards to the dissolution of parliament and cabinet to pave way for campaigns ahead of the August 12 polls, saying Lungu will still be President during the time, hence deserves to be treated as such.
The Vice President thanked the national broadcaster ZNBC saying it has tried its best to give coverage to all political players. Wina said ZNBC covers all political parties during elections and that it is perceived to cover the ruling party more when the President is involved.
Her sentiment were in response to a question by Chimwemwe Member of Parliament Elias Mwila who asked her to describe the quality of representation in the 12th session of Parliament scheduled to dissolve this month.
She also called on Members of Parliament on the importance of reaching consensus on important issues that matter to Zambians and not take partisan lines, saying taking partisan lines disadvantages the people that parliamentarians represent.
The Vice President has however expressed disappointment with some MPs for opposing some progressive bills that were brought before the House. -znbc