Top news items in major Zambian media outlets

The following are the highlights of Zambia's major media outlets on Wednesday.

-- The swearing-in ceremony for Zambia's President-elect Edgar Lungu has been set for August 23, the government has announced.

Secretary to the Cabinet Roland Msiska said the inauguration ceremony will be held at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, the country's capital. Results showed Lungu gaining 1.8 million votes compared to 1.7 million by his main rival Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development.

The opposition party however intends to petition the results, citing fraud and malpractices in the results. The filing of the petition will delay the inauguration ceremony since the constitution says the inauguration of the president-elect could not take place if there is a petition. The Constitutional Court will have 14 days to dispose of the case. (Times of Zambia)

-- Former Zambian President Rupiah Banda has congratulated President Edgar Lungu for winning last Thursday's election, saying it was a well-deserved victory.

Banda, who ruled Zambia from August 2008 to September 2011, said Lungu's victory was the free will expressed by the Zambian people. (Daily Nation)

-- The Zambian government said it was in the process of formulating a parliamentary bill on social work.

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary Like Mukelabai said the bill will lead to the regulation of social work practice and education in Zambia. (Zambia Daily Mail) Endit