Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa on Thursday swore in Justice Ireen Mambilima as head of the independent Electoral Commission of Zambia, as the southern African country prepares for next year's general elections.

He urged the electoral body to work hard to ensure good preparations and smooth holding of the elections.

"Rigging is perceived by the public when there is a confusion," he said, quoted by the state TV Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Reform Technical Committee on Thursday submitted its final report to Justice Minister George Kaunda. The committee headed by Mwangala Zaloumis was appointed in August 2003.

The committee recommended, among other things, that the future president be elected with a 50 percent plus one vote majority, a system that have been demanded by the country's opposition parties.

Justice Minister Kaunda said the government will study the report in detail and urged all stakeholders to join hands with the government in putting in place an credible electoral process.

Source: Xinhua