THE European Union has finally disbursed six million euros (seven million dollars) on Tuesday to finance part of Zambia’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections due late this year. The EU had initially withheld the money from the Zambian government on grounds that it was not happy with the government’s record. “Given the crucial importance of the upcoming elections and to enhance the democratic process, the EU has nonetheless decided to disburse the agreed amount of six million euros,” the EU statement said. The EU and the Zambian government had signed an agreement in December last year in which Zambia pledged to enhance public confidence in the electoral process and to increase voter participation. “By supporting the electoral process in Zambia, the EU is demonstrating its preparedness to walk that necessary extra mile despite the obvious non-fulfilment by the government of obligations under the financing agreement,” the statement said. Campaigning for Zambia’s presidency was thrown into disarray by President Frederick Chiluba’s now abandoned re-election bid. – AFP