Thursday, March 28, 2024

Chitala backs Teta’s choice of RB for president

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Zambia’s Former Ambassador to Libya Mbita Chitala has supported Party Spokesperson Benny Tetamashimba’s suggestion that Acting President Rupiah Banda be MMD’s presidential candidate for the scheduled November Presidential by- election.

Mr. Mbita said it will not only be suicidal if the ruling party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) does not adopt Mr. Banda.

He said the Mr. Banda who is a symbol of stability and unity in the party, is suitably qualified to carry on from where Dr Mwanawasa left.

He told ZANIS in a statement today that the acting president has served as vice present diligently under President Levy Mwanawasa.

Ambassador Chitala said the suggestion by former Commerce Minister Dipak Patel was in bad faith and a disastrous route for the party.

“I know that all our party organs in all the nine provinces will endorse the nominations of the vice president for the position of party president as swell as presidential candidate for the forthcoming elections, ” he said.

Mr. Chitala said Mr. Banda will be the best replacement late Dr. Mwanawasa.

The former Ambassador was reacting to Former Commerce minister Dipak Patel’s statement in the media where he ruled out the possible candidature of the acting President.

ZANIS/MK/ENDS/MM

151 COMMENTS

  1. mama this script is unfolding faster than any of use thought. Looks line compaighn has also already started in MMD even before the body of LPM arrives in Zambia.

  2. Well put Chitala i think it would be a good direction RP was vice president for a reason. And if the elected president will only save the remaining 3 years then this is the logical decision as whatever programs are there can be completed. If not they will shoot themselves in the foot they will have no reason to ask people to vote for them. A new person to run government for 3 years impossible they will try to make sure they last the full 5 years and that will bring its own drama

  3. Now Dipak Patelo,

    if you have a preferred candidate please feel free to float him,

    such manuvourings are decieving anyone later on helping your candidate,

    please conduct your business in a mature manner

  4. I didnt know that Chitala can be such a bootlicker! RB does business with you, the least you could have done keep your gob closed. Look at RB, at his age, weight and looks does he look like he will cause another Presidential by election in the not too distant future? Cut that line off. Other reasons for rejecting RB cant even be written on this forum by a well meaning critic. Just shelve RB and find new blood. Keep him as VP if you like

  5. HH should have annouced his canditure through party member who will by way of just issuing a statement suggest that he will stand that is politics not always making it obvious you are campaining. In this area UPND needs to mature and fast ask FTJ for advice self confessed engineer (political that is he even has a Doctorate for it)

  6. The game is set. let all those with ambitions to contest come aboard. RB will face an uphill battle, within and outside the MMD.
    First he has to deal with being a Foreigner, then being an outsider, fourth, his standing in the MMD.
    This is good grief.. Let the game beginning of the start.

    Dipak is more than correct… Mbita, has no job, just job seeking and trying to back the obvious.

  7. Number 1 pipo knew ba LPM would not pull through so all this is just the stuff we forced down our throats for fear of ….abena Mpombo and crew. Otherwise now we are free to say what we wanted to say at Levy’s FIRST death on 4th July!

  8. @ Uchipo…

    Think you are right,moreover this an MMD term,

    i think it would be wise to let them carry with there business finished or unfinished,

    let them turnish and mess themselves up,so that come 2011 they will be no excuse or vice versa

    personally i wouldn’t wanna be prez just for 3 yrs then hit the road campaigning again,

    i would want pipo to judge me on a full term basis,

    but again knowing the power of greed….hmmm that’s a tough supposition even here on this forumn

  9. Maureen represented Zambia nicely as a first lady and I wonder if Mr Banda s wife can do so.The roles of first ladies have become very significant in the modern world.I thoght Mr Banda was appointed as veep together with Daniel Munkombwe in the name of tribal balancing.Veep looks like a very soft man he might fail us in the fight of corruption

  10. #8 u r making a lot of sense..But still, if we have someone sensible to steer the nation back or accelerate the decision which were delayed by LPM.. the 3 years would be a good scope period.

  11. How about Mr. Muamma Gaddafi, or a member of the Chinese Central Committee. Any one of thenm could make a great candidate for President on the MMD ticket, don’t you agree Mr. Chitala?

  12. Chitala is a heartless man trying to seal off RB’s fate. Can’t he see that RB’s weight speaks volumes of the disaster in waiting if he’s put under stress. He’s a tired horse – no offence. Gentlemen, ever thought of Fundanga F.

  13. There is alot of speculations..Where tour third president will be burried.. teka, Palabana, Cabinet Office, Showgrounds, leopolds, Chingwere, Independence stadium.. The list is growing
    Pragmisticalistiym the insider..Where?

  14. HH’s candidature to stand was announced by a UPND party member,kakoma, just as other parties are announcing their possible candidates for the presidential elections.stop attacking tongas in the name of upnd.

  15. Why hold elections when there is a vice President. A waste of TAX PAYERS money. RB was appointed by Mwanawasa as his Deputy, now that Levy has passed away it is logic in my thinking that RB takes over.I do not understand why we should hold elections. If it is the law that says so then it should be amended forthwith. RB should continue in order to finish off Mwanawasa’s term of office, after all it was not Mwanawasa as an individual that won the elections but MMD. Either RB continues or MMD appoint someone else to be President and let that Person rule for the remaianing time. Remember it is 2 terms of 5 years each

  16. @ JUST ICE,

    No wonder progressives have been submitted and been calling for a change in the electrol college,

    either we adopt the a British,Indian,Isreali etc system of electing parties as opposed to individuals who are simply tied to parties,
    in such this would simply have been an MMD internal affair,

    or

    the American system of electing 2 individuals,the prez and his running mate,
    remember the JF Kennedy assasination,prez Johnson was sworn within 2hrs of JFK being pronounced dead and life moved on,
    this would also mean the veep position would not cheapened to a hire and fire/shuffle position as he’s elected,infact he may even be free to publicly differ with his prez

    Ta

  17. RB is not an MMD chap, fitalafye fyabayashi ba LPM to appoint him veep. The big fishes in MMD cannot adopt him. Besides he is a tired man who has no vision at all. If MMD wants to lose like Tilyenji, they should go for RB as their presidential candidate. Abene Teta and chitala they have seen the end hence they want to keep RB, they are simply job seekers. Bane time has come to change your careers!

  18. #19 RB is not even MMD. He is Either FDD or Unip so where does he fit in the MMD picture? Unless they are desparate of course

  19. Those wishing for RB to continue as president without holding elections must understand that the Zambian constitution does not allow that. It requires for elections to be held within 90 days to choose a new president. Sorry RB you cannot be promoted to that post you have to be elected to be president of Zambia. Hard luck!

  20. Ba fired Chitala, Dipak is right. Mr. Goodhearted Ruphia Banda can continue as Veep and not President. Where can he represent Zambia? We need “young” vibrant leaders. If we need grandpa’s type then look at INONGE MBIKUSITA, she would be best for next 5 years. Problem we have is that Sata is a patient too, soon there will be another funeral, and people will start running ku Ng’anga. HH is too egoist, and abit uncivilised. People lets swallow pride and beg among young news making people: Caleb Fundanga, Felix Muthati, Katele (alileka ukwiba), Patrick Mvunga). Among the “elders”, we can recycle: Ba Kavindele, Ba Miyanda… even if it take merging 19 parties, lets just do so

  21. Remember the last convention for MMD?Why was the vice party president nullified it was because Austin Chewe had managed to un sit Katoloshi.Austin was actually going for the party president at that moment before the OP managed to pick his plans,he is still a factor in MMD.not really sure of his maturity to lead.RB looks more of a chancer,not really the right man and would easily be trounced by the likes of Sata or HH.Its time MMD swallowed there pride and go after Brigadier Miyanda he is the only one who can save them and deligently follow Mwanawasas programmes.Forget about his Heritage guff the man is MMD.The rest is too much of a risk for them.RB is a waste of time Dipak is 102% right.

  22. Justice Kafusha you are a moron. Who told you the cabbage had the power to anoint his successor? Thats why we have a constitution we mbushi we. If cabbage wanted a smooth transition with in MMD he shouldnt hav cancelled the VP elections. But just because Lupando the boot liker was goint to loose he cancelled the elections. Cabbage is the waste dictator MMD has ever seen…

  23. Where are all the *****s on here who were spouting rubbish about ukulosha?

    Your fellow *****s have started campaigning and supporting each other. Got to move on! They are not wrong except they are are all daft!

    Thank God I wont be voting! Again!

  24. The MMD must seriouly conisder Magande for President. The issue now is economic management. Magande is sober and knowledgeble and will be well received not only by the well meaning Zambians but also the international community. Let us not experiment with the position of President. May I urge you to analyse the proposed candidates seriously and in doing so avoide tribalism but focus leadership qualities. I am definetely coming to vote

  25. #19 has a point only that he didn’t score it well. For sure RB must continue as president or the MMD should appoint another president. Remember when Blair resigned half way through his term, UK did not hold fresh elections because the Labour party still had the mandate to rule for a full term. Similarly it’s not Levy alone who won the elections but the MMD as a party. Surely tax payer’s money could be saved if RB or another MMD heavy weight would continue. But of course our useless constitution states otherwise.

  26. #19 & 31 Looking at your posts one doesn`t need a brain to see that you are in diaspora. Chances are you do not understand and/or have not had a chance to read the Zambian constitution

    Looks lke you are in the Kingdom! Nothing wrong though except don`t come on here spouting rubbish lest that Jonny in Zed hiks you are right.

  27. #32 Come on Ching Chua, what’s the harm in letting RB continue for the coming three years and then we hold elections in 2011. What meaningful changes can the opposition bring to the country in three years. What changes have they made to their manifestos since the previous elections? What new ideas do they have now that they were not talking about as opposition parties should. Surely my man resources can be put to better use. But of course the constitution has to prevail at the end of the day.

  28. This is the chance Zambia has to elect somebody with a forward vision just like Obama here in the U.S.A. We were warned about Levy of his tiredness a long time ago. Tax payers’ money is not for people who are tired like RB and late Levy. I do agree with # 13. We have young men like GBM and the rest who have energy. This is a blessing actually for us to pick somebody who can stand and defend our country on an intellectual platform with Gordon Brown and others without shying away because of UNIP oldage. We need investments in the country as soon as we can.A new president needs to know were to get the investors rather than relying on advise from unexposed civil servants.

  29. #34 Hold your laughter Anonymous – we’re talking tax payers money and realities here. Look my man, there is absolutely nothing meaningful that HH, Sata or Ngondo can do in three years. I know it will be fulfilling to go to the polls but surely we can allow the MMD to finish its constututional mandate and save tax payers money. By the way Anonymous I know you’re still awake – here is something out of topic. Turn on your T.V and see how these Chinese are closing the Olympics. It’s the best Olympics ever.

  30. Why do we have a constitution if we are not going to follow it?? If it was not followed, the first to cry foul would be the same asking to ignore it now – certain people should learn to keep their gobs shut!!!

  31. #38 so you sayin its ok for govt to increase their salaries ? believe me you , its all they gat at hand…

  32. # 39 Bauze you’ve missed the point. A constitution is for the people and for the good of the people. It can be changed if the change is genuine and for the good of the people. Gentlemen, are you surely telling me that you’re not seing sense in letting the MMD finish its mandate? You people are unbelievable!!

  33. Dr Joshua Kanganja for president. He has been the best secretary to cabinet zed has ever had. Any comments?

  34. #40 Kaleza I understand your concern. But remember how we fought Chiluba’s third term. I think we should reach a point as citizens were we can not allow politicians take us for a ride. Look at it this way, if MMD fields in Honourable Magande and they win the elections in 90 days time and they go ahead and increase their salaries – are we going to keep queit just because they’re in power. No man. We’ll still fight as citizens. My concern is the waste of resources when we can do otherwise.

  35. #44 these oppotunist knew levy was dead when then they proposed for salary increaments , my worry is zedians are just good at kulibonesha and are cowards salaries will be increased….

  36. #45 Kono tulibaji bamalumbu aba. There’s no way will allow that. Mark my words that would be the end of the MMD if they go on with the increaments. Zambians can be serious when they mean to. Kolangiliha taata.

  37. No.44 the president is given a mandate as a person and not as party. It is not the party with most candidates that has a president. It is the person who receives the most votes who becomes the president even if his party has the minority in parliament.The constitution should be followed. The tax payers’ money has been wasted on by-lections due to mps jumping from one party to another and the length process of adopting the constitution. On this occasion it is worth it and may even direct the nation on a straight path thereafter.

  38. #47 The point I’m trying to score is not about what the consitution says or does not say. It’s about what is morally right and what we’ll be beneficial to the people in Chipulukusu or Malota. Even if we went to the polls it we’ll do us no good economically. It’s not like we’ll change Magande’s budget and start afresh. Remember politicians are just policy makers and not controlling officers. What new policies are they going to make and implement in three years. Let RB continue or allow MMD to appoint another president.

  39. You people from Ng’ombe Hilede, why join in the scruble for posts and wealthy. Bembas say ukufilila munsenga… but lets see if those ministers will get even a single salary from their own increaments. Its painful to set salary level for yourself on a friday, and get fired monday morning. PF will enjoy for sure.

  40. #49 You’re missing the point. Even if they got fired, they’ll still benefit. The thing is ministers benefits are calculated on the basis of their last salary. Thus if a minister gets fired today, he’ll still get his benefits based on his last salary. Either way they win. We must stop them.

  41. If RB is elected ,there is no gaurantee he will keep the TREE. He could elected as a UNIP president and not answerable to MMD. This could be political suicide for MMD. UNIP is looking for a new President, why not RB?

  42. Try E Kavindele.We need the rail line to Maputo completed on record time.
    This will automatically enhance our economic development.

  43. #2,8 & 9, this is life, the earlier you wake to facts the better you will be prepared. MMD does not deserve preference over other parties just coz LPM did not finish his term. To sad he didnt but life is very cruel to people with less preparation. LPM should have known better. He played FTJ’s game and its come back hurtling on the MMD. Have respet for the constitution fellas or you are not suited for the modern times. Like everybody else RB must first the legitimate sons of MM (his stepdad didnt leave a will), then the masses at the polls. I can only imagine the furore the will ensue during MMD’s nominations.

  44. awe tifuna fresh minds, please let us do our beloved
    nation Zambia a favor and elect young people, nothing against RB, but been there recycling minds si pasa.

  45. Bane twilasabailafye about next president all we need is a next president to run our country who is developmental orriented in economic policies with solid backgroung,corrupt free, visible and measurable effects in his deeds as president regardless of his tribal belonging or political affiliations.Stop attacking each,politics of such nature long gone. One Zambia One Nation.

  46. Rb cannot be president of Zambia,that is taking ourselves backwards.He is not even intelligent enough to articulate issues.It was a shock even in his own wildest dreams that he got the veep position.We have to give this a serious thought-lekani ti nshike first.

  47. Sata – He does not qualify on three basic points (1) His father hails from Mbeya in Tanzania (2) He is clearly not of sound mind, he suffered a mental breakdown in 1959 (3) His recent heart attack is tastement to his poor state of health.
    HH – He rose to power on a charade of a stinking tribal tsunami, would be the last to dream of as a national figure worthy of occupying the office of president.
    Miyanda – Notorious coup plotter and always meandering: army, NADA, MMD, Heritage and god knows what next.
    Rupiah Banda – UNIP card carrying member of Malawian parentage.
    Kavindele – Acceptable candidate.

  48. The time is now that all Zambians should awake from their deep slumber of ignorance, lets vote HH, young, healthy,intelligent, successful and rich.

    We do not need dead man walking(Sata) in plot 1, nor do we want poor and ignorant(RB) who will end up like bus conductor(Chiluba), by plundering with this money hungly cabinet we have.Neither do we want the clueless(Godfrey Miyanda)he will lose track of the good economical direction that the Cabbege but hard working(LPM) left us in.Nor do we want the I know it all(Magande) who will not be able to listen to advise as he thinks that he know better than anybody else, this will reduce investor confidence in Zambia.

    Lets all vote HH.

  49. he list of candidates so far put forward is uninspiring.

    Sata is sick,
    Godfrey Miyanda looks like he has no clue,
    RB is not popular in his new party,
    Magande is a Mr Know-it-all loud mouth
    Others are simply not easy to sell…

    Oh waite God has given us HH.

  50. Tezavotela wamene uyu HH, if you people realy want progress you must consider HH. Just reserch more on him, rather than dwelling on being tribalist.

  51. When you start using you brain and develop proper analysis and judgement you will realise that HH has no brains to win an election. He lucks the credentials of a good leader like the late Mazoka.

    Stop this HH just because you like the guy and wish he becomes president then you think he is going to win any election. He failed in 2006 with votes from FDD, UNIP and UPND. Cant we get someone new?

  52. #26 Youa are a mon…key Chika…la cha wiso, I have the right to air my views on this blog, teya kwa wiso iyo, shallow minded Zedian. It just shows that the mentality of animalism is still in your Broken Hillman brian, kolwe kwena uli chipuba, while other are reponding with sense iwe you start responding like an ape, anyway Zed no wonder. FREDOM OF SPEACH

  53. #26 Youa are a mon…key Chika…la cha wiso, I have the right to air my views on this blog, teya kwa wiso iyo, shallow minded Zedian. It just shows that the mentality of animalism is still in your Broken Hillman / Chimpazi brain, kolwe kwena uli chipuba, while other are reponding with sense iwe you start responding like an ape, anyway Zed no wonder. FREDOM OF SPEACH. Anyway the “Jungle is better”

  54. #20 Thank you for your intelligent response.I think after this we need to reconsider the position of VP, I feel if this is the case as you have explained then VP must be elected and not appointed. My point and worry is the TAXPAYERS money that is going to be used during campaign, we all know that

  55. Ladies and Gentlemen, RB is not presidential material and as such we should not even talk about him. He is finished and needs to rest. Chitala and Teta are job seekers period. We all know how he was appointed. it was not on merit but tribal balancing. How do we entrust such a person with the responsibility of running a country.

  56. HH is rich but not intelligent. He lacks maturity and above all, he was elected on tribal lines. We dont want any tribalism in Zambia. Viva KK and one Zambia, one Nation.
    Tribalism will always haunt HH.

  57. RB FOR PRESIDENT? BA TETA….ANYWAY AM NOT SUPRISED THAT TETA WANTS RB AND HE’S BEING BACKED BY ANOTHER JOB SEEKER CHITALA. TETA YO TIME IS UP YOU SHALLOW MINDED PRICK. BA CHITALA YOU BLEW UP SO JUST KEEP QUIET FOR NOW. RB IS OLDER THAN LEVY SO WE MAY JUST GET ANOTHER BYE-E MID 2009. MAGANDE (WHO WAS LEVY’S CHOICE) CAN STAND, MUTATI (INTELLIGENT BUT FROM THE WRONG TRIBE CONSIDERING WHAT BANTU BOTATWE THINK)CAN BE FLOATED AND MAYBE BRIAN CHITUWO. RB? NOOOOO. BESIDES HE IS JUST NEW WINE IN AN OLD WINE SKIN.

  58. You bloggers,why do you like featuring names that are not even known in Mikomfwa?Search your hearts with sincerity and will realise that its only RB.RB is the only person to carry over properly from where our late beloved LPM has left.If we want to our economy continue growing like the way it is has been, Rythym’n’Blues is the right candidature,but if we need another retrogression feature another candidate.

  59. The drama in MMD has just began. Its about time MMD paid the price of denying LtChewe the position of MMD Vice president at their last convention. Maybe they shouldnt have been this desperate after all. What a turn of events. Blind gready leadership MMD. Lelo lelo!

  60. Guys come on the debate is getting heated but it seems like we are making no headway. In as much as the MMD has a mandate to finish off the last 3 years they must not take it for granted. They must re-organize there camp instead of them using back door methods to campaign for themselves. Let the tough tested draw the line and be willing to put there heads on the chopping board. If they are called to serve let those who are MP’S relinquish there positions and challenge for the presidency then we will know that they are prepared to die alittle for mother Zambia. Not just shouting for dark corners so that in case plan A fails they can remain with plan B.

  61. R.B is the not best candidate for MMD but hes the most sellable….no one else in MMD has a betta chance to win than R.B….But the thing is MMD wont win whoever they choose if Levy had to strugglenor rig to win wat can R.B do against Sata….SATA 4 PRESIDENT…This will be hes third attempt and its obvious hes winning……PA BWATO…

  62. Ladies and getlemen, voting for ba Sata would be like bringing the small crukes back into office. Lets be very careful about this matter. By the way have we forgoten about the third term support and the dishing of huge sums of money in brown evelops to candidates at the MMD convetion? Come on Zambians. All of u could be presidential material after all.

  63. Even if MMD had a Vice President that was not guaraantee if was going to be the next president. Anyway most of you chaps making noise on this forum won’t even vote, some are abroad and majority are not registered voters.
    SATA out-we don’t want another funeral next year
    R.B-Maybe
    Kalumba out-criminal
    Magande, Kabinga, Mutati-yes, like someone said we need economic prudence now. We don’t need a career politician like Sata or Kaunda, we are now a mature state needing development.

  64. Its true that the best option would be Magande for Levys position,however we must be mindful that this is not a civil servant position its a civil master.Magande is not a politician,he is a worker a professional and it does not always work that way in politics.He struggled with his MP sit.He may just easily be trounced by the veterans like King Cobra.Such a pity that we cannot get good men like him in.Again be worry of the Great Britain scenerio were Gordon Brown was a super star at finance but now a shadow of himself as Prime Minister no gurantees in these things.GB is now in economic stagnation and going through a credit crunch.Lets get a good guy in supported by all the Magandes.

  65. Some Zambians are real time jokers, how can someone even dream of Sata and HH being presidents! HH is a tribal skunk of the worst ordour and for a young man like him to be welded to such gutless tribalist toilets like Ngande Mwananjiti, Sejani etc it is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions. No matter how many times he washes himself, how many pieces of Ebu he used to try toi erase the smell of tribal bigotry, it will never ever go away. HH will never ever be president of this country. See, votes of UNIP, FDD and UPND failed to deliver state house to him last time, what of this time when Tongas are all by themselves? He has zero chance.

  66. Chiluba wrote: “Mr President, We in Zambia feel ROBBED(RELIVED IS MORE LIKE IT) at a time SADC, Africa and the world look for leaders who will help Africa through its many problems. As the shock waves of your death reach every part of our country,(WE CELEBRATE FREEDOOM) we can’t but cry FOUL as this death is not only sudden but very UNkind(KIND FOR YOU). It is a cruel reality.”(YOU ARE GONE I AM STILL HERE)
    tHE BRUCKETS ARE MY PERSONAL THOUGHTS OF WHAT HE FTJ I THINK REALLY THINKS AND FEELS ABOUT THE LATES DEATH. AND HIS FINAL WORDS My wife, Regina and I say farewell. Zambia has been robbed,” HE SEEMS TO LIKE THE WORD ROBBED PRETTY MUCH

  67. Fellow bloggers can some tell me what RB was doing before LPM appointed him for VP? And who does he pay allegiance to,UNIP or MMD? These are worrying time’s for Zambia.We are leaving in the 21st century and there fore we need a candidate who is in tune with time.All the leaders such as Sata,RB have had there good time in parliament and am sure they can be strategically poisoned in Government for there experience if our country will have to move with time. what we need is fresh brains with the vision to move Zambia into the next phase.

  68. Possible Presidential Candidates:

    Nevers Mumba (Young, well known and fit)
    Prof. Chirwa ( Young, Educated and connected)
    Chrispin Shumina ( Young, Moderate, Educated, not tribal)

    These young leaders will take the nation forward. Among the 3, I would go for Chrispin Shumina because he is moderate. We honestly don’t need a Bemba, Lozi, Tonga or Ngoni President because these are tribal bigots. We need someone from other tribes other than the above mentioned. We need moderates to lead the nation until 2011 when we have full elections. I bet very few even know where Shumina comes from. He represented Zambia well as Pan African Parliament member. we need moderates to keep the peace.

  69. # 81 Amano Mambulwa
    The economic problems facing the UK are part of the ongoing world problems that kicked off in the USA. Gordon Brown has little controll over the recession rolling thru the UK. After Tony blaires smiles, Brown is failing in the popularity contest and the “Change” message from washington is also working against him. Othrwise he is good at his job and avoids the limelight.

  70. No. 61 stop using my blog name!!!!!!
    What we need right now is someone with good leadership qualities. It doesn’t matter who goes to plot 1 as long as they are capable to deliver and not die before reaching the end of the road. Health of candidates should be considered seriously or else will find ourselves in the same situation.

    Let us not judge pipo according to their tribes as this will distract us from achieving our goes i.e electing the right president.

  71. Most people are looking for continuaty from LPM. Here is my take on this one;

    PF – Sata ; Expect changes for good or bad from Sata. It is not easy to say what Sata can do as commander in Chief.

    UNPD – HH ; Expect cabinet changes and a few rookie mistakes esp that HH is too green politically.

    MMD (Banda): I agree with Chitala, Banda is best compromise candidate for MMD. If Banda is next Presido, expect few changes as MMD will watch all his moves. Once elected expect a toughen-up Banda unlike where LPM delegeted authority to him. By the way MMD are given up to 26 Aug to declare interest as Presido candi..

    I will put my monies on Lupiya Banda as next Presido come Jan 09.

  72. Sorry to digress but Uchipo, FTJ’s doctorate is an honorary degree conferred to him not earned by academic prowess. Even Levy’s was conferred to him by a little known American university. That’s why it is so embarrassing for us to call our presidents Dr – all three of them. They all have honorary doctorates. Do you know how many of those Mandela has, ask Clinton, Blair bush, Lee Kwan Yew and any other world leaders. And what are their titles? Plain Mr!! Even those who have earned their doctorates don’t wear them as heavily as our leaders do. And we the citizens really venerate these titles. I for one feel more embarrassed than proud. RB should try to earn a PhD through his own hard work!:)

  73. God is going to give us a learder,,,i strongly feel its on purpose that Gosd decided to take mwanawasa so that us who never liked him at all should reflect on and see a few achievements that he achieved,,but i strongly belive his death would have avoided at ll
    1. Was there any one including personal doctors who advised the big man after he had his 1st stroke to step down in the intrest of his health
    2.His political advisors,,what were they doing kneeling in front of the nation (mpombo) to show him that he was loved.
    3.What was maureen role to the husband,,what did she say when the big man had his 1 st stroke nothing,,that i dnt know.
    To Teta,HH and the rest,,Can u shut up wait 4 burial

  74. YOU CALL YOURSELVES INTELLIGENT. NO ONE CAN ESCAPE DEATH WETHER YOUNG, OLD, THIN, FAT, EXRA-FAT, SHORT OR TALL WE WILL ALL DIE. DEATH HAS NO WARNING IT COMES AT ANY TIME YOU ARE SAYING SATA AND BANDA WILL DIE ARE YOU HOLDING THEIR LIFE LINE CONTROLLER? THOSE YOUNG ONES YOU WANT CAN DIE BEFORE SUN SET WHAT WILL BE CHORUSESIN THE COUNTRY.ITS NOT ONLY OBESETY, WICH KILLS THERE ARE A LOT OF AILMENTS THAT KILLS. SOME OF THOSE YOUNG ONES YOUNG ONES YOU WANT THEY HAVE SOME SICKNESSES WHICH THEY CANT DISCLOSE. WAKE UP AND SHAKE YOURSELVES COMMRADES.THINK BEFORE YOU MENTION DEATH.

  75. Maureen for president and after all she was one with Levy and can therefore pick from where the Presido left. I pity her though for all the marathon she has to endure around the country!

  76. Maureen was a wife to LPM and not a colleague. If she has to be sold it should be on her own merit not on her relationship with LPM. The same applies to RB the concept that he served well under LPM is baseless. Let him be sold on his own abilities to lead the country and shape it. RB has never had presidential ambitions and if he goes through we could be going back to 1964. Lets move on people. MMD want to use him because he is already in the forefront(I dont blame them) but its up to the zambians to see through it as a desperate attempt to extend their rule.

  77. 97. Let us Zambians sober up for a change and identify a good leader. If the MMD must survive, they need to search carefully among themselves. Look for fresh blood and not tired old fellows or young but criminally inclined politicians. Why not go for Wila Mung’omba. His credentials are second to none. Wila has a sober character, wants nothing but results and is well known internationally. He could just bring back sanity in this country – a path Levy had just started to follow. So, Zambians, think TWICE.

  78. What are the attributes required of one to be a presidential candidate?

    1. Education
    2. Good common sense
    3. Nationalism
    4. Sense of accountability to Zambians
    5. Compassionate to all levels of suffering by citizenry
    6. Commitment to serve Zambians first and above everything else
    7. Willing to explore a code of leadership for all in public office so that behaviour is centred on doing good for Zambians
    8. Willing to sacrifice for low pay and not plan to become a multi-millionnaire from the use of public office
    9. Sense of respect for the all public offices and their personnel
    10. Responsiblity and hunger to make Zambia a better place for all its people.

  79. Wila Mung’omba sounds like a good idea but we need to know about him. He seems to have been working too quietly. Most of us came to know him from the time he got appointed by President Mwanawasa as CRC Chairperson. We hope he is as intellengent as his brother, late Dean – but, certainly, less controversial. I would give him a try. The rest do not seem to inspire one.

  80. Rupiah has no sense and calibre to rule. Rupiah messed up the comany he was runing in UNIP government. People of Zambia shoul not be forced to vote for MMD again. This might be a lesson from God that government should change. I am deeply dissappoint with a statement i got on Radio QFM of a man who was interviewed at Mulungushi saying “it will be a mistake for Zambians nto vote for MMD” thats wrong he has no right to instruct the people of Zambia. Zambians do not use sympath to vote. We want new people and change to come to Zambia. This is the time of change.

  81. Listen, whether you want it or not HH is winning! So just chill!! Yu are just wasting your time thinking Sata can win! he is a dead skunk and the father is from Mbeya!! I think we should be united and be ruled by a Zambian no matter where he comes from.It can be a Lozi, Kaonde, bemba, etc, so long his roots can be traced.My friends here are laughing at me. They area saying Zambins you shall always be ruled by Foreigners. On this score sata is disqualified (father from Mbeya), RB parents from Malawi). Abash both of them!!! My advise to you is to vote wisely for a Zambian and a person who understand current global dynamics! Other wise Zambia risk being a sinking titanic!!

  82. Its really time we as Zambians learnt a lesson from these MMD chaps, remember the moment LPM fell sick they increased their salaries without the president being here and previously LPM had rejected a proposal to increase their salaries. These people we cannot trust fellow country men and women, they are up to no good. I would urge well meaning Zambians not give them any votes. They only worked because LPM was in-charge. This time its different and they just have to live or else they will reap the tax payers’ money. They have no sympathy for Zambians like LPM had.

  83. Ngati Obama anga nkale president, nichani chingalesele Banda kunkala zambian president. Banda is a patriot. The idea of Zambia is a foreign concept, in the first place. Who drew the borders? What or who is a Zambian? Were there Zambians before the British landed? I am not saying anyone can be a president, but if you were born within the borders of what is called Zambia, you should be illegible. Ethnicity is a poisonous qualifier. If you studied the history of the nations, and i mean nations, of Zambia almost everyone has roots outside Zambia’s borders. let the best man win.. fundanga, HH, whoever

  84. HH is SATA’s subject as from the time he entered into a pact with him.

    How will he unbungled himself from SATA?

  85. The Fact is that HH will have to stand and try to weave himself from these two:

    1- SATA
    2- Tribalistic tag around his shoulders

  86. I personally think he made a fundamental mistake to enter into a pact with SATA.

    The mere fact that he dared to accept the presidency of UPND on a tribal based criteria is enough to show his underestimations and assumptions.

    The elections (UPND)was a well documented affair by both print and other media.And yet tribalistic sentiments unashamedly was at the fore front.

  87. But by all means I believe he is still a force to reckon with and his participation is an added value to our imerging democracy.

  88. If MMD unite and float Banda or any other person and Banda agrees that MMD will win. If MMD is divided then the chances are slim.
    HH won’t win. I don’t see him win in CB, Lusaka, Stone, NWest, Eastern, Luapula.
    SATA is old and sick if you guys vote for him,it will be the biggest mistake after Chiluba. SATA is a hooligan and sell out.
    Magande can do, BOZ governor.

  89. hey guys i might be wrong but has RB ever renounced his membership for UNIP. no offence mearnt but i think LPM wanted a docile veep so that he could do his programmes to the best of his ability without the distractions of a smart talking veep. if this is true then we are looking at the MMD adopting the exact opposite of someone levy would have liked to succed him as next MMD candidate. if MMD wanted to fall tp pieces let them be careless in their choices…moreover we have the chiluba group of jackals who are fighting to be free

  90. Mwebantu plz let us mourn our dear president with Diginity.
    THEN LET R B CONTINUE UP TO 2011.MWANAWASA ALREADY CHOOSE THIS
    MAN..

  91. iwe Justice Kafusha, #19 ku Denmark read the constitution. Its not what your thinking or my thinking that should be at play here. Its what the contitution says.
    MMD have RB, Magande, Katele etc. If they dont get RB i assure you RB will not risk his name signing for money from goverment coffers to fund Magande’s election. Kuti? watch this.

  92. I think that Dipak knows what he is talking about. As much as I personally do not like the man-Dipak that is, he has a point in not supporting RB. Is it something to do with the contracts that RB suddenly had with mining companies on the Copperbelt once he became VP? Perhaps he has been compromised? Could someone tell him what he has done in the last six weeks that qualifies him for preseidency? Hold the country together-have we not always done that as Zambians-weep openly before the late President became late?

  93. Naturally there are people for and against the Veep running for Presidency. It is interesting to hear what this Dipak chap is saying. However, due to the short period of time in which to decide on which candidate to float, it seems possible that the Veep will be selected. He knows the system well and people already know him. If Banda is floated and if he is successful a the polls, I think another candidate will be groomed over the next two years to be floated for the 2011 elections.

  94. IMWE BANTU MWI LABILIMA..MAUREEN FOR PRESIDO? GET SERIOUS THAT WOMAN WAS HIS WIFE…AFRICANS STOP HAVING THIS STUPID IDEAS JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE IS NICE AND GOOD ATI THEY ARE PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL IYOOOO!!!!!SHELELA!!!!

  95. Can somebody please educate me about Mr Rupiah Banda’s credentials both educational and political. I really do not know him very well. May i also know what his wife has been up to.

    We do not want people who will embarrass our nation on the world platform. Some people are just good enough for local politics.

  96. It appears none of you chaps has read the Zambia Constitution so you are speaking from a point of ignorance.
    RB DOES NOT QUALIFY TO HOLD THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT IN ZAMBIA.HE WAS BORN IN GWANDA ZIMBABWE.He is disqualified on that account.

  97. Read Article 34 of
    34. [Election of President]
    (1) The election of the President shall be direct by universal adult suffrage and by secret ballot
    and shall be conducted in accordance with this Article and as may be prescribed by or under an
    Act of Parliament.
    (2) An election to the office of President shall be held whenever the National Assembly is
    dissolved and otherwise as provided by Article 38.
    (3) A person shall be qualified to be a candidate for election as President if —
    (a) he is a citizen of Zambia;
    (b) both his parents are Zambians by birth or descent;
    (c) he has attained the age of thirty-five years;
    (d) he is a member of, or is sponsored by, a political party;
    e) he

  98. Its a chase game here!! Also geo-politics and demographical factors that swing the ultimate results for elections. Watch out the people making these suggestions. They are disgruntled. Any mistake by the MMD to field RB as candidate, that will be the demise of the party and enhance chances for Sata and dim the chances for HH.So it depends who the target for elimination is. If MMD fields moderates such as Nevers or Lupando both HH and Sata can be exterminated although HH may perform better than Sata!!After all they have been MMD presidents. This scenario gioves HH no chance. Masgande is a non starter. The ball is in MMD’s court!!

    If you are a Zambian, understand this scenario!!

  99. Any mistake by the MMD to field RB as candidate, that will be the demise of the party and enhance chances for Sata and dim the chances for HH.So it depends who the target for elimination is. If MMD fields moderates such as Nevers or Lupando both HH and Sata can be exterminated although HH may perform better than Sata!!After all they have been MMD presidents. This scenario gioves HH no chance. Masgande is a non starter. The ball is in MMD’s court!!

    If you are a Zambian, understand this scenario!!

  100. So there you have it Mwanamuchend,
    The constitution does not say you have to be Zambian by birth.You have to be citizen.Even Zambians of Asian Origin whose Parents where born in Zambia do qualify under this article.RB was born in Gwanda, but his parents came from Zambia.They only went to S.Rhodesia to look for employment.
    I must state though, that even though we share trhe same surname, i am no fan of RB.Weak leadership capabilities, will be pushed around by the likes of Mpombo, Shikapwasha etc.Fresh blood needed.Maybe Kabinga Pande.Magande doesnt think Zambians are poor….,Sata as tired as RB.HH? well, past few months he has shown that he is as power hungry as anyone….Miyanda, yes!

  101. Rupiah Banda for for Prez??? Imwe bantu get real…we need someone younger and extremely nationalistic close to xenophobic, to root out ma Zims from Zed. To teach chi Mugabe a lesson. He was making fun of our late Prez LPM.

  102. Seeing as people are floating candidates:

    Dr. Bright Chunga from Trade Kings

    He has:

    1. Education
    2. Good common sense
    3. Nationalism
    4. Sense of accountability to Zambians
    5. Compassionate to all levels of suffering by citizenry
    6. Commitment to serve Zambians first and above everything else
    7. Willing to explore a code of leadership for all in public office so that behaviour is centred on doing good for Zambians
    8. Willing to sacrifice for low pay and not plan to become a multi-millionnaire from the use of public office
    9. Sense of respect for the all public offices and their personnel
    10. Responsiblity and hunger to make Zambia a better place for all its people.

  103. So many names flying around but none seem inspiring at all. This country deserves better. We need to dig real deep to find someone serious. So far, I cannot think of anyone – though I know there could be someone. Let us try such honourable names as Wila Mung’omba or Patrick Chisanga. These guys can shake this nation up. The many old faces are a let down.

  104. I would agree with you James on Wila and Patrick. We need to be more open-minded and cast the net widely. But one thing – once again, MMD have managed to blind us. The idea of flying Levy’s body around may sound good. But a second thought will tell you two things. The first one is that this is a very wasteful exercise for a country as poor as ours. Surely, people are mourning enough on ZNBC TV which is not showing anything else. Secondly, the exercise is a well-calculated and subtle MMD campaign gimmick most pipo cannot c thru. This is sad – UNZA is on forced closure, the roads, schools, hospitals, salaries and other basic services are wanting due to lack of resources. I rest my case.

  105. Chitala is right and I can tell you, he is also a great thinker apart from being an analyst
    I think the issue here is not really whether RB is UNIP, FDD, MMD, PF, UPND etc. The real issue hinges on the very survival of MMD they have to continue being in power.
    As it is now they have very little time, they have no party president and Vice president. It makes so much sense for them to use the readily available material in RB for this time only.
    Personally I dont really mind RB, except he should probably be deputised by someone like Caleb Fundanga or even Magande.
    I dont see how King Cobra can work with HH. It is a mamoth task.

  106. I agree on Patrick Chisanga but not Wila Mungomba.I dont think he has any political acumen.On the other hand Patrick is a highly principled guy with a political zeal which is stable.If i remember at one time his wife belonged to a diffrent political party to his.He was promised a higher office in gvt if he joined the wife’s party but he refused to follow what he belived was right

  107. These people just talk rubbish. -Rupiah be our president. Hes too old. Please can we have someone that is FIT to lead.

  108. These guys want RB coz they think they can push him around. I don’t even think Katele and crew can agree to that coz RB is not originally MMD.

  109. Our time to Honour Levy’s legacy with a Dynamic leader

    Let’s float names of people with proven records to run busineses and help communities – the late LM was good at these. A leader be indebted to the people that he seeks to lead, most of the old guards listed above are in it for the immediate financial gain and corrupt tainted – lets say No this time.

    Let’s float some names, and please don’t let party lines determine your choice – Zambia needs a whole rounded and grounded leader and its up to us to get help identify one.

    And, Yes we Can!

  110. I like Dipak’s analysis.its just true and i think MAgande would be the best candidate for MMD…failure to which,they shall pack bags and go…Patel is an Indian and am sure he has worked with these guys and knows who can carry on LPM’s visions….tell them Dipak…abash cowards like RB…and corrupt chaps like Mabenga,Katele and Silwamba.

  111. Patel hit the nail on the head!we like your openness on this issue and am sure you know exactly what LPM wanted Zambia to be like!go Magande and abash tribalists and plunderers!

  112. ALL YOU BLOGGERS.MAY LPM’S SOUL REST IN PEACE.
    NOW,WHY ARE WE SO SHORT SIGHTED AS NATION TO SERIOUS ISSUES,LIKE THE FORTH COMING PRESIDENTIAL BYE-ELECTIONS?WHY THE SUDDEN RUSH WHEN WE SHOULD HAVE FIRST ,AS A PEOPLE TASKED PARLIAMENT TO ENACT JUST THE 51 + 1 CLAUSE,SO WE THAT WHO EVER IS ELECTED NOW WILL HAVE THE LARGEST MANDATE FROM THE ZAMBIANS. ALREADY THERE ARE FIVE OR SIX PEOPLE VYING FOR THE SEAT,AN ABSOLUTE ADVANTAGE TO MMD.PLEASE CONSIDER SERIOUSLY THIS ISSUE BEFORE WE START HEARING OF PETITIONS COME DECEMBER.TAKE OR LEAVE IT!!

  113. RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB RB…please continue till 2011 then we can bring in someone new. There is no time now. Magande just forget!!!

  114. MMD is dead! Believe it or not. Soon after or during the convention couple guys are gonna quite or simply hang in because they was K26,000,000 salary as MPs.

    Its gonna be Sata ruling at the very minimal chance HH may close in.

    Lets wait and see.

  115. RB is far too old dear bloggers.Whats up with you.I will vote 4 micheal chilufya sata 4 president and HH as his vp and magande remains finance minister.

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