Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has warned the opposition and civic groups that they will face treason charges if they reject his government’s plans to amend the constitution, state media reported on Wednesday.”President Mwanawasa says people daring his government over the National Constitution Conference (NCC) will be arrested for treason,” ZNBC radio said.
In 2004, Zambia launched a constitution review commission that toured the country collecting views and recommended that the constitution should be adopted by an assembly of eminent people before being passed by parliament.
But leaders of political parties, including the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), have agreed instead to present a bill to parliament to amend only selected parts of the constitution, a move rejected by the opposition.
“Any more nonsense bordering on malice, they are going to be arrested and charged with treason. As you know, treason is not bailable,” state television quoted Mwanawasa as saying.
Mwanawasa was elected for a second term in 2006 in a vote foreign observers declared largely fair and transparent. But the opposition said the election was fraudulent.
ECONOMIC SUCCESS
Critics question Mwanawasa’s commitment to democracy, saying his government has failed to give ordinary Zambians a say in drafting a new constitution, a process that had been scheduled to start in August and one that will take a year to complete.
“The president wants to make it impossible for those with contrary views to discuss the contents of the constitution because he wants his views and the government’s views to prevail over the people’s views,” said Chileshe Mulenga, head of the Institute for Economic and Social Research think tank.
“What this entails is producing another constitution that will lack legitimacy as has been the problem in the past. Mwanawasa’s constitution will be like a castle built on the sand. It will lack legitimacy.”
Mwanawasa, who built his reputation as a lawyer for the former opposition, has made Zambia a rare African economic success story. But his policies have come under growing scrutiny.
Despite securing a huge debt relief package and major investments from China and India, Mwanawasa has battled a growing public perception that he has done little to benefit most of Zambia’s 11.5 million people.
Zambias copper industry — its economic lifeblood — is booming. Yet 65 percent of Zambians live below the World Bank’s poverty threshold of $1 per day.
By Shapi Shacinda(Reuters)
What economical success do you boast about in nation where fuel shortage is the order of the day. You cant pay the suppliers and you keep buying time by telling us stories that Tazama will soon start pumping oil to Indenei.Hey! come on, Zambia would have done much better if we had a president who understands that a viable economy is one which is driven by its Locals. As for the constitution ,politicians should NOT be in the driving sit of constitution amendment.Why arresting the people for what they think is right for them. Your law has gone up to you head sir just because you are now DR. I wish you had achieved you doctorate through pen and paper perhaps it would have made you to understand the plight of the masses crying for a better constitution. Remember you have promised Zedians to live a better constitution for them and so give them what they want.As for your economical achievement you keep boasting about you are from it and you don’t what you are suppose to know.
Mwinepabo,
Who told you that the best of leadership come from years of book worms? Did Hastings Kamuzu Banda with all his academically acquired PHDs leave behind a better Malawi? And which school taught you that economic success come from a foundationless scenario?
The Country is on the right track better than ever before. If you don’t like seeing the better days ahead out of this strong foundation, stay where you are in the Diaspora don’t come back. Zambia has enough learned professionals of strong backgrounds keen to consolidate this foundation.I repaet we don’t need you. In the US when consecutive regimes spoiled the economy and place of america as a world leader,Reagan layed the foundation and Clinton realised the dream completely different from the failures of Carter. You think the destruction of decades could be overcome without the current foundation?
Unless Lusaka Times is not reporting the President correctly, then someone has gone bonkers. How can one be arrested for treason for refusing to endorse a constitution? That is a joke! But on a continent where we have had Idi Amin and etc etc, who am I to say this cant happen? How can you hold a gun to someone’s head and demand he signs a piece of paper designed to protect his rights? It defies logic.
Sometimes I wonder if Mr Mwanawasa ever consults his aides before making public pronouncements or could it be that his aides knowingly allow him to embarass himself the way he has repeatedly done over the years he has been in office? Somestimes he strikes me as man suffering from a compulsive disorder of some kind. I thought he had learnt a lesson after seeing how was overwhelmingly rejected by urban areas after the last elections, and one way of making up for that should have been to listen to the people’s call and giving them a people’s contitution, but he has chosen to be a dictator who thinks he knows it all, shame!. What is it that Mwanawasa and his government are afraid of that they rushed to pass the NCC into law? Whats wrong with allowing the public a chance to debate and offer their views on a product that is supposed to be theirs? Because of people like Mwanawasa and the majority in his government, we will never have a constitution that every citizen will be proud of.
what better days are u on about? life back home is terrible and its people like you who believe life has improved that we dont need! In the USA wakuti because it is among the perpetrators that is keeping us down today. politiciansrule the day and are only in politics for their own personal gain. THEY SHALL BE FLUSHED OUT SOON!
On the constitution, I can trust LPM. Unlike FTJ, he gave us a fake one. Sata was part of the thuggery, though in my own opinion Sata is got his own strengths which I know very well. LPM go on, give us our constitution.
Zambian,
The liberal democratic system has a traceable history of ruling parties loosing to the opposition in urban cities. Do comparative politics by looking at American politics in Washington and New york since 2001. Look at Uganda’s Movement, Zimbabbwe’s Zanu-PF, Namibia’s Swapo,Tanzania’s Chama Chamapinduzi, cameroon and Libya. Tell me if what happened to MMD is in anyway strange unless you are a arm-chair critic too clueless to understand political dynamics.
My fellow Economist (5),
But how soon is your soon? Hope we don’t see you flushing yourself with your soon mysteriously. Otherwise Flush them.I wish you well as time records who will be flushed that soon. But chances are high that Posterity is bound to judge you harshly.
#2Ba Patriot Bamudala mwachitile can you remember type of english? #1 didn’t say the best of leadership comes from book worms. There is word ‘Perhaps’ from where you picked the argument. and believe me sir there is no tangible economical develop to boast about in Zambia yet, because most Zambians are still destitute and vulnerable to poverty I agree with #1.
I was personally mystified by the fact that Oasis elected to stay away from a processes they helped concieve (NCC).I supported LPM on basis that he sat with all stakeholders and collectively came up with NCC. LPM should fully understand that in leading a nation there are frastrations and things dont always the way you want. What LPM did on his arrival is the equivalent of pouring petrol on a fire that is almost extinguished. His threats where unnecessary and un called for. More than 70% of the entities that make up Oasis have elected to participate in the cons dialogue. Oasis is facing its own demise, its slowly becoming irrelevant to Zambian politics. By attacking Oasis you are just giving them the attention they dont deserve. I probably understand The right hounarable Sata’s oposition mentality. He would love to be the one enacting the cons IF he wines in 2011. that doesnt mean i condon his position on such an important issue. Again “The only thing i know is, i know nothing”
KK balimuteshampo kuli ka coup by Shamwana and later Mwamba Luchembe. Ba FTJ nabo balibateshapo by Capt Solo but pipo plz never attempt to do the same to Dr Chuchu, for he will just feint once and for all.
Dr Chuchu nomba has all the qualities of dictatorship. Of late, he looks more like Field Marshal Idi Amin Dada even the talks and line of thinking. (Watch the movie last king of Scotchland, you will agree with me)
#9 Patriot
Ala uli mungulu. You need to see Dr Sondashi to prescribe umusosoka that can put back your empty folly brain into normal mode. Can’t you see that Dr Chuchu together with his chuchuchangs from China have destroyed MY country? Wait, it’s the matter of time they will be flushed out and the pension he’s banking on will be used to pay those pensioneers who are still struggling to get their dues since 2001.
My Presido Ba sata all he has achieved in life is teaching us dagga smocking and replicating children everywhere there is a dumcell.
“I will soon be retiring from public life and there is no need for me to look for employment. I am sufficiently qualified. I passed with merit in law at UNZA. I was admitted as solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and I have been conferred with the honour and dignity of State Counsel.
So professional-wise, what more do I need? Some people are saying they are not recognising this doctorate and I don’t invite them to recognise it.
Why copying democracy who can not even pay attention to 50 000 000 pipo without healthy insurance. This is ten times the population of Zambia. However the president is misfiring by attempting to arrest pipo for treason because they dont agree with his views. Afterall opposition is basis of democracy Dr. LPM dont forget that the in democracy the majority rules so why should you worry about one sector of pipo who dont to see what the majority are asking for. Please give us a new constitution so that pipo who have plundered the economy can be brought to book within a short period of time. Zedians has spent most of the time on NCC instead of investing their energy in constructive development.
Fellow zids,lets wake up and give direction in this matter.For me it looks like real zambians are politians especially the MMD and the most talkertive politians.There ‘re saying zadiens have spoken over the NCC, apart from listerning to them on TV and radio just arguing and trying to justify their selfishness, and there say the people have spoken.Which people?
In a democratic country you expect people to debate on constitution matters in order to foster development and unity.
I hope LPM can think and finish a good Dr at the end of his tenure in office.
In this age you would look irrelavant to be dictetor because time has changed.I hope someone can advise our good Dr.
Fellow Zambians wish me a quick recovery from my mental lapsis.
Mr President please realize that the NCC issue is national matter and not personal and that means every voice of every zambians matter and not for only those who agree with your views. Really how many constitutions are we going to have ?? One for every new president that comes along NO NO NO / from you, Long are the days when fear was a weapon of governance, And please clarify what kind of change you now is for better or worse ??????Those who live by the sword shall perish by the sword
Matthew 26:52
Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.
Dr Chuchu’s chipumputu is surely getting out of hand, has someone pls got some medicines for this mental lapsis of Dr Chuchu. Indeed he has come back a change person, worse than he was. Americans what have done to our presdo?
Dedicating this song to Dr Chuchu
-Dr Chuchu napena lelo tecakupapa
-eminnine pakonaula
-icolo censu
-Zambia, Zambia, Zambia
We have heard of educated fools and now we have seen them namely Dr Chuchu, Mulyata, Mpomboz, Fact, Patriotic, Pragmatist and Veteran. Castration won’t be bad for these chaps for they have no sense of humour in their deeds.
I think its time Zambians listened to the General, All things put aside, General Miyanda comes out as the most reasonable man to deliver this country. Mwanawasa has been just another disapointment. Iam sure by now the American University that honoured him with a Doctoral degree is regreting.
#19 Good song!! I am sure the Americans knew that this person is mentally not 100% normal and wanted to make him worse by honouring doctorate degree he did not deserve. And now he has become big headed and he is only dreaming of the treason cases he defended musakanya, tembo and the rest and now he wants to castrated zedian pipo who are against him.
#19 Jose
It is better to be an educated fool than an illiterate fool like micheal Sata
#23 Citizen
Iwe Citizen, just bring Dr Chuchu and ba Sata for a debate. I can assure you beans kuti yapya pakuti Dr Chuchu apwishe ukulanda a 5 word sentence and the Americans won’t even hesitate to grab back that Doctorate to distance themselves from embracement. Iwe Citizen just tune to BBC African news and listen how ba Sata shined and the praises and thanks showered at him after the interview.
mwanawasa is an *****.cant wait till he leaves office. perhaps before……………….
THIS IS A CONTEMPTIBLE ATTEMPT BY MWANAWASA TO HIJACK THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS.AGREEMENTS , DISCUSSIONS AND DISAGREEMENTS ARE PART AND PARCEL OF DEMOCRACY.SINCE WHEN HAS MWANAWASA BECOME THE EMBODIMENT OF DEMOCRACY, WHOSE OPINIONS AND IDEAS ,NO MATTER HOW ILL-CONCEIVED, ARE SACROSANCT?THE SOONER HE GOES THE BETTER.
#Ba Jose,
Iam trying to find the Sata’s Interview on the BBC’s African news but can’t seem to find it, can you provide a direct link? Thanks
#24 Ba Jose,
All over the world the quality of men who are presiding over thier countries continues to improve. Due to the complex nature and the depth of understanding required to deal with current national problems ,it is a must that a leader must have at least a University Degree.We do not need Presidents who make populist decisions without understanding the ramifications. We prefer a an executive President who is able to make prudent, rational businesslike descisions. Sata is far from having such qualities.
By the way please tell what academic or profesional qualifications has Micheal Sata got?. Which schools did he attend and what level did he attain?. Who were his classmates?.
Sata was a railway policer officer until 1963 when he joined UNIP. His secona renoun career is stop is that of Lusaka governor. There after he has held many ministrial positions including that without portfolio. The world has become complex and the west they know the world will not wait for them. This is a reason why those holding office should be able to understand this complexicity. Education is a key even a person who has no formal education today can afford it. How will someone who has not understanding of these matters can defend his nation of economy agression.
#19 Jose
It is better to be an educated fool and illiterate fool like Dr Chuchu Chipumputu Muwelewele
Iwe citizen 29 be careful stop insulting the head of state. If you have any grievalences just adress them. I thought you guy are you have become mature and talk about things that affect your daily life like fuel shortages and fighting diseases like Malaria. Why politics of hartrage? Jealousy will not take you anywhere just work hard citizen so that you get a noble price like Al Gore or Doris Lessing. Even that German professor you need to match him for discovering magnÃtical that you use in your IPOD or Mobile computer. Everytime lamborring after others. For your own information Sata will not be president of Zambia because he lacks support from western and southern provinces of Zambia.
#29 & 30
Imposter- definatly it’s not me and Easy
I’m very bitter that my bootlickers i dedicated to sing the PF song on LT have lamentably failed us to add to our rhetoric the expected mileage against Levy. I henceforth warn the trio: Chapi, Ba Jose and Original Pundit that you have failed me. In spite of my party’s investment in you through Henry Mtonga to orient you in our PF shushushu skills, you have failed to deliver. The party has been over infiltrated, all my MPs are frauds, Chungu our financier has been tracked all all assets frozen. The international community know as political terrorists a tag you have failed to help remove on your party. As a result, opportunities for bilateral shushushu training have been denied. So will continue with your subnormal shushushu. But my life is in danger because these *****s have failed to protect me.Should i be “Litvinenkoed†its because of my own shushushus i suspect of having sold themselves out. My blood will be on Chapi, Joze and TOP.
Dedicating this song to Dr Chuchu
-Dr Chuchu napena lelo tecakupapa
-eminnine pakonaula
-icolo censu
-Zambia, Zambia, Zambia
Is this how corrupt Zambia has become?Ladies and gentlemen, when we built MMD it was for a purpose not a joke, but some incompupu has deviated from our original line of thought.Iam going to ask Baldwin to intervene as soon as possible, our people cant go on like this, sufferring 24/7 because of one simple ugly person.God doesnt like this ,nayamukutusha
Ronald Penza (34),
My the demon of late Penza and Baldwin not depart from you till you reason together why you killed Meridian Bio.
Ronald Penza (34),
May the demon of late Penza and Baldwin not depart from you till you reason together why you killed Meridian Bio.
Fellow bloggers,
With much sadness i have decided to change my user ID to my unique number 645-58-0690 to help eliminate the impersonation business here.This number is unique in the sense that only me own it under the sun. Any impersonation will be practicing identity theft and thus acting in contravention of the law. Kindly respect my choice of ID.
Thanks