Lukulu East Member of Parliament, Christopher Kalila, has made history as the second Zambian and fifth in African to be elected as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Executive Committee.
His election took place in a closely contested race during the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, held in Sydney, Australia. The term of office is three years.
In a statement issued to RCV News by Zambia Embassy in Australia and New Zealand First Secretary for Press and Public Relations Charles Mucholo, Dr. Kalila emerged victorious on 7th November 2024 over Speaker of the Barbados Parliament Hon. Arthur Holder, and outgoing Acting Chairperson of the CPA, by a single vote in a decisive rerun
“The race for the Chairperson position saw three candidates vying in an initial round, where Dr. Kalila received 77 votes, Mr. Arthur Holder secured 93 votes, and Mr Zainab Gimba of Nigeria garnered 71 votes,” said Mr. Mucholo.
Mr. Mucholo said as Chairperson, Dr. Kalila will lead the CPA Executive Committee, which oversees and directs the Association’s activities and policies.
He added that his duties will include serving as the spokesperson of the CPA on policy matters, presiding over Executive Committee meetings, and providing policy guidance to various subcommittees.
And the Speaker of the Zambian National Assembly, Ms. Nelly Mutti and Zambia High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand Dr. Elias Munshya congratulated Dr. Kalila on the victory.
By Margaret Mwanza
