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Don’t include 50%+1 vote in Constitution Govt tells NCC

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The Rural voters
The Rural voters

The Presidential Affairs Minister has cautioned members of the National Constitution Conference (NCC) against including the fifty percent plus one in the constitution on Presidential elections.

Gabriel Namulambe said the current system of a Presidential candidate winning with a simple majority is good for Zambia.

Mr. Namulambe said Zambia has no resources for holding Presidential election re-runs as demanded by the fifty percent plus one alternative.

He said its inclusion will be a burden as the government will be forced to use funds for development for re-runs in case the winning President does not secure the required percentage.

Meanwhile United Party for National Development vice president Richard Kapita has urged NCC members to support the inclusion of the fifty plus one percent.

Mr. Kapita said Zambia can only have a majority President using the fifty plus one percent.
ZNBC

editor
editorhttp://www.lusakatimes.com

288 COMMENTS

  7. “The Presidential Affairs Minister has cautioned members of the National Constitution Conference (NCC) against including the fifty percent plus one in the constitution on Presidential elections”, Minister G Namulambe democracy is expensive and so your reasons are shallow. Please, tell your real ulterior motive for issuing this statement as it is seemingly appearing that you just want to selfishly keep you job.
    In the meantime hats off to the UPND, and its vice president, for “Meanwhile United Party for National Development vice president Richard Kapita has urged NCC members to support the inclusion of the fifty plus one percent” as this is what I really want.

  9. Quote

    “Mr. Namulambe said Zambia has no resources for holding Presidential election re-runs as demanded by the fifty percent plus one alternative.”

    Why do you want to make it easy for someone to aquire power easily?

    I do not understand why this is a problem!! The Zambian Govt should have enough funds for re-runs!! You can not tell me that you can not go for 50 pls 1 just because of funds!! You are terrible liars!!

    You just want to keep enough for your pockets!! That is why we end up having Presidents without manners because they can on ther Seat too easy!! I am annoyed!!

  11. On “Mr. Kapita said Zambia can only have a majority President using the fifty plus one percent”, this is the only way in keep Zambia from having a mediocre President in the words of president Hakainde Hichilema:
    ““For the opposition political party to win an election in Africa is not easy. Africa needs to congratulate Ghana. Ghanaian elections have proved that even in Zambia the 50 plus one per cent threshold is a necessity as it is the only way to rescue the country from having another mediocre and unpopular republican president in 2011,” Hichilema said.”
    Source: maravi. blogspot. com/ 2009/ 01/ zambias- opposition- leader- calls- for- 50. ht ml
    Keep it up UPND and help me as a Zambian.

  12. This is nosense. Nosense. This is what they wanted we knew from the start. What is this???

    We are watching guys. ~X(~X(~X(~X(~X(~X(

  14. This minister or is it the govt is inciting violence.Don’t you know that 80% of Zambian are waiting for that 50+1 rule.this is anarchy this is dictatorship.MMD you are going to bring civil war with those useless statements you are issueing.History tells us that you can not supress the majority will of the people.We shall overcome some day.God help us. [-(

  16. “ZAMBEZI Airlines last weekend interviewed about 976 job seekers for positions of cabin crew in preparation for the airline’s aggressive expansion programme in which it is buying three new aircraft.” WHO ARE THE SHAREHOLDERS?

  17. They have felt the impact and they want to protect their pockects.
    To hell with them. Come 2011 they are out. silly pipo.

  18. Nalubambe is been silly and annoying. Presidential elections are held once every 5 yrs, hence there’s ample time to arrange for finances to conduct them. This fella is just scared of MMD losing power going by the votes MMD has been getting in presidential elections since 2001 (they have never gotten over 50%!!). Come 2011, 50+1 is a must. As for a desperate man like Namulambe, start preparing for life after gov’t because come 2011, MMD zwa!!! :d

  19. “the contitution is a small shrub which protects the ruling govt from the sun”.It defends their interest to go thru an election on minority win.All constitutional reviews end up the govts way. ushusha

  20. The tribal polarization we are in is the most clear and present danger to our nationhood.50 plus clause would only enhance dangerous tribal alliances innoculating peace and simple unity.We would be creating space for factionalism and seperatism.No national leadership would emerge out of a rerun but seperatist leadership out of tribal interests.Until after many years of empirical detribalisation and De-PFication, Zambia should retain the simple majority presidential clause.

  21. What costs is Namulambe talking about????? The President is key to the development of the nation and we need someone chosen by the majority. Its a pity that a person of Namulambe’s calibre can utter such shameful words just because he want to impress his boss when every Zambian is looking forward to a 50 percent plus 1 . Lets see what happens.

  24. Zambia should introduce the 50% plus One vote as this really makes the people make a fully-thought-about choice. It gives the leading candidates to fully present their programs.
    Of course, this usually leads to a re-run that costs money. But in the end, the people are in a position to make a better. Imagine a run-off debate between Sata & RB, or HH & Sata or HH & RB.:d/:d/:d/
    The run-off debates would show you that African soldiers are poor leaders because they will NOT be able to fully explain their planned policies and programs.

  27. #20 Sage, your fears are what is propagating “tribal polarization” in your words for tribalism only started appearing with Sata in the Chiluba’s MMD Administration through the remarks he used to mark.

    Let us remove tribalism by using the 50 + 1 % by bring all Zambians to vote for a majority popular President and not these we have that have been winning by means difficult to accept as free and fair. We need re-runs if people do not vote properly so that we strengthen oneness in the old adage “One Zambia, One Nation”.
    Nothing more and nothing less PERIOD.

  28. Ultra..
    muntu wandi walasa,i cant also wait much longer to see this make money and disapear party[MMD] leave government,and our tressury.if come 2011,we fail to vote out this government,baane ifipompo fyonse bakalonga mumatoloshi yabo bamambala abaa.

  30. #20
    The tribal polarization we are in is the most clear and present danger to our nationhood.50 plus clause would only enhance dangerous tribal alliances innoculating peace and simple unity.We would be creating space for factionalism and seperatism.No national leadership would emerge out of a rerun but seperatist leadership out of tribal interests.Until after many years of empirical detribalisation and De-PFication, Zambia should retain the simple majority presidential clause.

    ## why? coz of the reason you have put forward , we should have 50+1 . Whether you like it or not we will not sit to whatch these guys continue mocking us….

  31. Infact, anyone who tries to block a 50+1 percent must be put in jail when the opposition win on corruption charges & misleading people. As far as I can remember, we only had one general election in which FTJ won in 1991. 1996 he never won as he rigged, & all the way up to this time we are being ruled by chaps who occupy office illegally. These are chaps who have no shame! Time will tell, & I would love to see them locked up & then someone can give me a task of keeping the keys!!

    Nalumambe is selfish and useless! Even his future descendants will be very disappointed with their greedy & irresponsible grandfather if they are SANE people.

  32. #29..wounded,

    i am fine today. No more job presure so I have at least chated with guys here. There was a fight as usual but now its off. :-j:-j:-j:-j:-j

  33. In fact the opposite is true to what Nalubamba is saying. A minority clause for election of President only results in rigging and tensions in the country, tensions which one day will not be contained and will have serious consequences on the country. The only reason why the tensions caused by the late elections subsided is because people had hope that the new constitution will have 50+1 clause. Further the minority government does not care about performing and as such engage in wasteful spending of national resources during and after elections to the detriment of the country development. If 50+1 will not be there, then there will be no new constitution and no elections after 2011.

  34. The govt is afraid of 50+1. They know very well that with that opposition will surely win, and each time they re at a loss they find an excuse to justify their fear. Shame!

  35. #30.Kambongolo

    I beg to differ with you. If we have 50+1 clause in our constitution, politicians will really work for the people one will see himself not finishing two terms if he can’t perform. Read between the lines and not get blindfolded. Govt will be running a marathon knowing well what is at stake. You can’t have a situation where every President has to finish two terms! NO. If one is useless, then he serves one term, and if he abuses power within that first term by stealing, then we lock him up and I will keep the keys to the jail. This way, we’ll be setting a good precedent for future candidates.

  36. 21. JJ,

    Who has planted that generalization lie in you that every Zambian is looking to a divisive 50 plus clause in our highly polarized tribalistic society?Look at Ghana in razor thin victory ever where the verdict was by Mr.Mills’s tribes clan where Addo was disadvantaged on tribal basis.He even refused to put his name there.His first lead was usurped by a tribal factor against his.They have fewer tribes in Ghana yet in Zambia nidisaster.

  38. #20
    The tribal divisions you’re seeing in Zambia can only be removed by implementing 50 plus 1. Its because of selfishness by the rulling party and MMD to say so, that people have resorted to voting based on tribal lines. The 50 plus 1 pattern can unite the nation and moreover Zambia is not divided on tribal lines as compared to other countries.

  39. imwe, even zimbabwe has the 50%+1 provision. ka gabriel (daniel according to banda) kalepupa ubwakupupa.

  40. Likasha maka londolobo,shekeke mondolomo.Makeseke limonde libababa,mokoshe lakasante shetele bebe.mikomondolo,likokokoko.

  41. The good thing is the living truth that the 50 plus clause will be trashed soon and the costitution will uphold the simple majority clause.Pluralism has polarized politics into tribalism we cannot afford to be in denial of.Those talking about starting civil war over this living truth are dreamers.War against whom and how?

  42. Minister g. Namulabe, Zambia choose the path of DEMOCRACY and “Democracy is a political system which has many different meanings and can take different forms. It is often incorrectly used as a synonym for capitalism. Fundamentally, it means a government of, by and for the people.
    w w w 2 . truman. edu/ ~marc/ resources/ terms. html”
    The people’s government has to be that of majority in being elected into office. The way even the President will have confidence in discharging his/her duties to make sure that his/her campaign promises are implemented else risks losing the next one. So, give us 50 + 1 % as it is long overdue. In fact, if this is the only achievement of NCC by 2011, I’d glad.

  45. These elections are funded by other countries. Well the good reason is that Zambia has no money to run two rounds of election hence the idea of accepting the leader in every vote counted.

    Meaning someone having highest votes after first round of countenerges the winnner :d

  46. #44 jamaco. ndalyako bigos na kabanos na sopocka. i have some polish friends. elo tyske yumfwikako kwati ni mosi mwe.

  47. I wonder if they will ever come a time when the resources will ever be enough in zambia,afterall my experience and observation tells me that,the major portion of the eletion budght in zambia is donor funded,so it is only reasonable that the same donors can come in handy incase of a rerun.So mr namulambe resist from being an armchair critic,wait till something is proved to be right or wrong 😕

  48. #35 Geologist, Canada; you have hammered the nail on its head. I couldnt add any more on “You can’t have a situation where every President has to finish two terms! NO. If one is useless, then he serves one term, and if he abuses power within that first term by stealing, then we lock him up and I will keep the keys to the jail. This way, we’ll be setting a good precedent for future candidates”.

    Great posting and lovely stuff. With this, I am over and out. Until, the next time!

    ====
    LT 2008 Award Winner. =; for Zambia in 2011.

  50. The politicians are narrow minded!! They think we are too low to see through?

    They are power hungry vultures who will always change the Law to keep them in Office for as long as it takes!! That is why they are corrupt!! African Leaders are well known of getting gray hair in a presidential Seat!!

    If I tell some here in Germany that Kaunda was on power for 27years.. they go 😮 ,

    Kaunda called it One Party Democracy 😮 and Ifwe we agreed and followed his doctrine for 27 years!! Are we blind?

    We have been abused enough!! Pls make a solid constitution and do not give excuses of not having enough Cash for re-runs!!

    But you are busy chasing the paper while in Office:-t

  51. #36.Sage
    Try to read the writings on the white wall. Ghana is not Zambia, & will never be. If you always think of tribal fimo fimo everytime, then you’ll have a hard time to contibute to the develop Zambia. Think beyond and outside the box of tribal lines & see things from the other angle of the betterment of our Country. We are having useless people who can even afford not to assist the poor as they think that they are more equal than others.The time for actions is now,& not later!! Kaunda brought us into this mess by allowing anyone to form a party. If we have two presidential candidates running, then without 50+1 % is okay, implying that we need a clause to have only two people standing.

  54. We need 50+1,if Zimbabwe can! why can’t we.
    Ni pabwatoooooooooooooooooo chabe.

    Twanaka bankelenka!!!
    Mwatubelesha tukachivivula 1 day,basopooooooooooooooo!!!
    Atishani Chale?

  57. Zambia was the beacon of democracy in 1991. What has happened to all that talk? It is simple let those close to 50% fight it out. The only fear is when you start putting coalition clauses in the constitution, then you will be like Israel. But considering that we don’t have that much money to change govt every fortnight, then the 50 plus would be the only democratic way to go. Remember RB would have been walloped in the runoff hence the statement from State House.

  58. 27. Maestro Hhehhehhehhe & JJ,

    You are being economical with the truth.Rewind your brains and tell us what HH meant at Mongu’s bluegum Heroes square in 2006 when he publicly appealed to Lozis not to vote for Nawakwi or Sata northerners.The same 2006 Sata said North Westerners are buttock Nyamazais whom he would expell to Angola.In Luapula he said levy from from a minority tribe was persecuting plunders because they are bembas and they should deny him their vote.In Eastern he asked their votes as a cousin. And in 2008 Rupiah appealed to Easterners to vote him in as their own son.What is that to you?

  60. NCC members should not get blindfolded by these politicians! The people of Zambia want a 50+1%, and if this is not passed, they’ll also be answerable to the suffering masses who have been taken for a ride & have sacrified a lot. If they are not coming up with a good constitution, then they have to be charged for corruption as well. Charge should be,”Aiding the corrupt Govt in plundering, further, the Zambian resources”!

  61. Jamaco,lomakese ndobosaka leko moshondo.Kakaka kokoko lakasante,shontolomo makolama.Bobobo kolololomo,lalala ma.

  64. 50 + % is the way to go if we are to see a crebible president.
    To achieve that mark , it means one needs to work extra hard to break those tribal barriers.
    If one can appeal and be accepted by the non-tribal mates,It simply means that his or her manifesto is connecting to everyone.
    No one should block this new world development, its being embraced by most nations.

  66. 51.Geologist, Canada,

    You are better off preparing your mind with this living truth about to confront you.The 50 plus clause will be knocked and Zambia will move on.Untill detribalisation and de-PFication, it would only risk us with separatist tribal sponsored candidate.Look at RB’s failures in Southern province,Sata in Southern, NW,Western and Eastern and look at HH in all provinces except his village in Southern.What calculus would make HH a national leader even under 50 plus clause? Would that covert Sata’s 0.009% in NW to mandate? Don’y you see tribal resistance? Its time for realism other than idealism on national matters.Zambia is heavily entrenched in tribal polarization.

  68. I have a suggestion to the cost of re-run off, if a re-run can not afforded the a Govt of national unity should be formed by the two top contenders.
    Not adopting the 50+1% is not an option , re-run off costs shouldnt be a factor to hinder this.

  69. Gabriel Namulambe, please stop showing this kind of ignorance, i mean you dont know that democracy is expensive? We actually NEED the 50% +1 majority win if we are going to have legitimate leaders in office.

  70. 68. Zambian-American,

    We have no duo citizenship in zambia probably you don’t understand basic constitutional law.You being an American,acquint yourself first with the Zambian political system, structure and constitution.GNU under no living precedence i know of is born out of nothing but a crisis as a third alternative measure in conflict resolutions.Zambia has no constitutional crisis to the blink of carnage and disproportionate social dislocations to warrant GNU.political indifference are not recipe for one.Re vise your your constitutional past.

  71. #66.Sage

    Tribal or no tribal, people will have to vote & decide who should be president. It’s much better to have something in place than have a situation where people are resisting a good cuase. This is where we need people who have interest of the people of Zambia & not selfish individuals. Do you think they’ll be in a position to give away power if we do not put pressure? Look at SATA & HH! They are both greedy chaps who could not even come together because of wanting to be President, when they knew exactly what would happen. So, to check such charaters is to have a strong constitution that has to be respected at all times, & not what suites an individual to be in office.

  73. Sage number 58….

    The reason why simpe minded polititians can say such nosense is because they know that they will not need every possible vote to win. With 50% + 1, each candidate will fight for every voteand put in their best. Tribal politics can only work if you need only a simple majority. The candidate with the largest tribe will amass more votes from his tribe and win on a simple majority but not on a 50% + 1. Let every vote count and you will see how hard candidates will work. Most candidates may even rule themselves out if they see that it is not possible for them to get the required number of votes. With simple majority even the likes of Chakomboka can have a goal and hope 2win

  74. if the govt can afford to give 15m to an opposition party and ako kachepa then i cant see the reason why its failing to apply to a 50 + 1

  75. Ka budoo nalubambe is a product of dubious electro systems he has a job to protect. We need to strengthen democracy in zed at whatever cost. We need leaders who will reason and interact at all levels. Localy and internationaly thereby maximizing zed benefits.

  76. #70, Sage let me ask u a question,If an election can be resolved thru ballots and a re-run off is not possible, how describe such a situation?
    Do you have any suggestions as to oppose such a detrimental idea by ur minister to our constitution?

  77. Yaba 2011 fever is catching up with MMD ministers. For MMD knows very well that they can not win election when 50+1 is implemented. We need 50+1 time for voting minority President is gone. What resources are we going to spend. Just printing ballot papers is waste of resources. If goverment is concerned about resources why not reduce the size of Cabinet now so that the savings can be channelled to other needy areas like Education or health.I think Zambians have spoken we know what we need full stop.

  78. 71.Geologist, Canada,

    First stop blaiming or demonizing Sata or HH for their democratic rights of association and participation.Democracy is not build of politics of convinience where there is not shared value.You cannot force water and oil in your engine to create combustion.Sata has nothing in common with HH.Politics of appeasements and convinience have ruined nations and careers.Democracy is a system of competition not by corrudings or coersions but where the best of the evils emerge with and edge.Its not really by the largest margin but any edge.Look Ghana or comparative electoral politics 101 on the USA population and cast votes that give mandate.Give us stats if you track them.

  79. The govt can afford numerous parliamentary by-elections that arise because opposition MPs are induced to join the MMD. To say that the govt cannot afford presidential elections re-runs is laughable. In spite of what many people will say Chiluba is the only majority president Zambia has ever had. Unless, of course, you believed KK would step down for a frog if he got beat.

  80. #50 Jamaco, Do you have 505 + 1 and a rerun in German. They don’t and this is not a problem.

    The problem is that African elections are a do or die affair and what is alikely to happen is that fighting will start on the rerun. I would rather have a simple majority system and be done with the election.

    The reason you want 50% + 1 is because you can’t be satisfied with losing and here lies Africa’s tragedy. This tragedy will not be solved even with 50% + 1. It requires a change in mind set. The 50% +1 rerun will be said to have been rigged and blah blah blah…. ad infinitum… and the then a petition ……

  82. 73. Disgusted Spectator,

    Understand that Zambia’s polarized tribal politics is a recipe for parties colluding on pure tribal interests than nation-state to create a chaotic edge. We have seen the Bantu Botatwe axis of evil alliances, the Kola axis of evil, the Ngoni-pure aba Bemba nkonko axis of evil cousinship out doing Zambian unity. We have seen Goff tournaments restricted to the Ngoni-pure Bemba axis of evil.50 plus clause would on consolidate that anarchic tribal politics only until we detribalize and De-PFicate our politics, the clause must be sidelined.

  84. 80. NKOLE WA MAPEMBWE,

    You son of a realist you are head full of substance and wisdom!There you are i see you standing empeccably apart from idealists posting on the basis groupthink causes.

    Bravo!

  85. #78.Sage

    Where you go off guard is when you start bringing in US politics or Ghana. US are not Democratic as you may call them. They have their own weaknesses as the policies enslave the people when it comes to Health care etc. A govt good would not allow a system in the law which would empower the Banks to strip a person of his mortgage on a house just because someone has not managed to finish the remaining $5000 of the $350,000. So, let us not start bringing things which are out of centext.

    Personally, when it comes to US politics, I agree totally with Reverand Jeremiah Wright & have respect for him. The cardinal issue here is to serve the people of Zambia.

  87. NKOLE WA MAPEMBWE

    You really have to draw a line between the People and the Presidential Candidate!!

    As far as the story goes… costs for a re-run seems to be a problem here and nothing else. So it can be done and money should the problem.

  91. Geologist, Canada,
    Folks here brought in Ghana as their new model of electoral democracy and i invoked that one with the US on comparative electoral politics 101.What i’m trying to relay is that in functional democracy world over government mandate are statitsically not the verdict of the country’s population majority but the minority.I realise this argument will shock many here but it is hypothetically and scientifically provable.Contraversial is another social science researched argument that my or your vote doesn’t matter in a democracy.Contraversial philosophy haah? But real.

  92. “And Mrs. Zaloumis said the NCC has so far spent K43.5 billion out of K309 billion budgeted for the conference last year. She said the amount represents only 11 percent of the money budgeted for in 2008.” ABA BAKAMBWANGA, KABILI 89% YASHALAKO BALAILOPOLA UNOMWAKA. FINSHI ALELANDA UYU MUZIMAI NAENA?

  93. the MMD goverment is a minority goverment.they force themselves on us everytime with wins by pornographically small margins.if the opposition leaders weren’t so greedy then MMD would have been kicked out a long time ago.50+1 or not,zambian politics are based on selfish ambitions and greed that’s why a country with 3 quaters of southern africa’s water resources is one of the 10 most poorest countries in the world.shame shame shame. :(:(:(

  95. #78.Sage,

    Pure Democracy is when all people are equal & every vote counts, not where some people should have more power over others in deciding who should be President.

  97. MMD is scared.Its time 4 change nd changing the constitutiong shud make a significate difference. Gabriel Namulambe don’t suggest what shud be in the constitution let them just put the 50%+1,don’t hide in the name resources.We have alot of resources just that you fellers don’t have brains on how to use it for national development…

  98. Dont have much time to write but here is my piece. Honestly if the only premise of 50+1 % is to get MMD out of power then we are failing, so you want first round greed by opposition and field 6 candidates and after that bribe and promise each other positions and gang up against MMD? Lets not be copy cats, Ghana is Ghana, it worked good for them. Look at Kenya or Zimbabawe thats typical 50+1% at play in Africa. Most so called great democracies have no 50+1 %. look at it this way a 50+1% winner will easily be a dictator and what we have now creates the need to do good where they failed to win. Think about long term and not just putting Sata at Statehouse.

  99. Democracy is an expensive venture and should not be compromised by short sighted excuses such as insufficient funds.

    Unfortunately, our problem in Africa (to which Zambia is no exception) is our inability to see beyond what we can gain from our actions today. There is a serious shortage of critical thinkers on the Continent and even if they are there, they are definitely not in Government! But for every mediocre situation, there is an exception; Ghana is a country that every other African country can learn something from, the thought of the election that recently took place actually makes me believe that there is indeed hope for all of us!

  100. The 50%+1 is no guarantee that a presido is elected by the majority. If the voter turn out is say 30% during run-off, can we say that a president was chosen by majority vote? This thing is something that has been planted in our fertile minds and made to look like it is a matter of life and death by losing politicians. It’s been planted in our minds much like a person born in a moslem family has the koran planted in his mind and cannot imagine being any other religion. If we simply accept that we have elected a presido by whatever “majority”, life goes on. Guys, we are not electing a monarch; the term of office is only 5 years. Why should we waste our precious time and resources on trivia?

  101. 98. Chintomfwa,

    You are another son of a realist, your head is full of wisdom, courage, candor and patriotism.You too know better Zambian politics,susceptibility and their passion for dangerous moves.Again you have told our idealsit brothers here the truth.Whoever planted in them that lie that political collusions are synonymous with majority mandate must be an economic hitman to foster chaos.Zambians are very apathetic.75% are armchair critics with nothing to do with the ballot.50% is recipe for some tribal axis of evil alligning on clans to usurp our constitution.calling a snake by its name is sign that leadership is in you too. Bravo!

  102. Those who do not support 50+1 are like university stundents who want to pass their final examination by less that 40% and they call themselves graduates with less than 50% pass, shame on you guys.

  103. #98. You have missed the point. 50+1 is a pass mark not to remove the rulling party by opposition. If you fail to reach the pass mark you have failed you need to repeat the exam. In this case only those who had more marks should resit. I think it makes more sense than ruling the country with 26%.

  105. do we have people in zambia? is zambia a farm or a village with a chief and his indunas? Who bewitched zambians? Now i understand that all the brains have been drained and am such. tamuli, mulibe bantu. Kubwelela nako awe. niyopa njala nakusauka. i fear to go home because u can die early due to stroke because u cant contain such ukukupusa and seeing people quiet. But apa che ulemu to Sata. at least chimudala chimakambako. HH is not predictable that is the problem. he only reacts he needs to be proactive. Guys lets write letters kumudzi explaining what this means because internet balibe. tell them if they agree no western union they will listen.

  106. In my school discipline like many professional ones, a repeated Grade was not creditable because collusion produces a rejected choice out of the worst. First rejected then forcing its way on people by reingineered in deals of hey, we have been rejected but our collusion should do it.I become President, you Prime Minister, him Defense, and that one speaker of the House.Give me a list of all your cadres for Diplomatic positions and ministry controlling positions (PS) to offset the first round winner voters believed was the ideal of the evils.retire all professionals or create a bloated Government.

  109. Is it true that 1996 constitution was tailored to fix KK and UNIP (where Nawakwi and great Sata danced gracefully),the current draft one is aimed at removing MMD and later it will be a very useless one? Lets learn to made constitutions that are not targeted at individuals. If I am not forgetful like someone, there was a proposed age limit for presidential candidate where Sata was targeted, BUT NOW the issue has been highly ignored. These constitutions are money swallowing ventures. Coming to tribal alliances during elections, it is not easy to win an election basing on tribalism. The choice of RB is a lesson to teach the highly tribal parties of Sata and HH. RB is a compromise candidate.

  111. 109. Zambia RB is not compromise he won the election by the numbers. But lost the election by popular vote. We need not win by popular vote than by numbers.It will make more sense.

  112. The perceived tribalism in UPND is resistance from Sata’s propaganda while MMD national secretary. Now he is paying for it. HH is actim of fate Madyakkuku/Mwanajiti connection. Now reader, can you support a person who eg calls you tribal to be CHITUNDU CHANGOMBE, Mumbwa mumbwa, nyamazaiyi, ba pompwe, plunderers etc

  113. Democracy is government for the people by the people, and it works on the simple fact that the majority decides. The so called 50+1% is theoretically good on paper but in practice it may not be so. We need to understand that even if we had resources to run as many re runs as possible, there is no guarantee that the president will be elected by the majority of the electorate. First, because not all registered voters do vote. Second, those who do cast their vote may not do so a second time because some Zambians will have to travel again to the polling district. Third, if one’s preferred candidate is not elected one may not have a second choice.

  114. #111 by compromise because most people fear Bemba/Tonga alliance, remember why Zambia had no president for one night? Ask Kapwepwe and others.

  115. #111 you are playing with semantics, you have just repeated what I have said. It is like going to Lusaka using two different roads.

  116. This is total nonsense. This has to be included if we are to avoid riff-raffs becoming presidents. Sata could have won with a simple majority but do we want that? Re-runs are okay but they willbe rare because people will NOT stand for presidency if they are only popular in Lusaka and Kitwe like Sata.

  117. why do these ministers want us to believe tht there’s no money in zambia?Are they shallow in thinking?If nalumembe thinks 50+1 can’t work for zed then when is going to work?Zimbabwe,kenya has same constitution.why not zambia?This is the right time 2 do it.we know U want to continue rigging election through majority .We’re going to make sure u make 50+1.Tht’s why we’re changing constitution because we want a constitution which includes 50+1.If not what’s the reason of amending it.We support amending the constitution so tht any govt can’t last long if it’s telling lies.I’m tired of hearing zambia is not ready for everything.The que is when are we going to be ready?500years from now?come on!!

  118. 😕 It has already been said, da 50% + 1, is very good theoretically. There’s one thing we’re ignoring here, and that is as of now Zambia can NOT have that system for now, for it will NOT work at all. My reasons are simple:
    Among u guys here, there’s a battle of tribalism,back home its worse and ,how many political parties do we have? How many voters feel there’s no need to vote coz MMD will still win no matter where they cast their votes?
    A lot more stuff to consider if we’re to accept da 50% + 1 and the problem will not be only on da re-runs but on da resources to convince da citizens.
    My request to you guys is, ” do not give you basing on who said what?”

  122. #119, there is no obsession with Sata. He is just an example of people we do not even need to consider as a presidential candidate. They are totally irrelevant in the 21st century and will neither help you, me or your child. Pleaase be progressive, you may even be a better candidate than Sata. Stand up and give yourself a challenge instead of hero worhsipping dead wood. Sata should not even be listened to: He is old, outdated, unread, uncivilised and lacks diplomacy – How can you have such a president when your national budget depends on donor’s goodwill. Be serious, we don’t need sata in Zambia at all. Grow uo and Move on. Your time is NOW and Sata’s is gone!!

  123. The old same story of lack of resources and yet you manage to steal. How many times are we going to debate the same item. Namulambe you are not new to Zambian politics

  124. Zambians don’t act even if we see something wrong.Sometimes it takes blood to control things.This govt will continue doing useless excuses so long as we keep quiet as if we don’t have brains.we must fight for that.All countries who’ve made it fought.Even in usa,uk,russia,kenya there were peeople who didn’t like some govt policies.Noooooooooooooo way zambia should be poor.we’ve everything in da country.I’ve seen a lot and i can’t let our country be destroyed by few individuals who don’t care about future and putting zed on da map.Awe fimambala ifi kuti fyakumfwisha icifukushi mwe!!Really we don’t have leaders in zed.Do they really watch Tv how people care about their countries?

  125. .Sometimes it takes blood to control things.This govt will continue doing useless excuses so long as we keep quiet as if we don’t have brains.we must fight for that.All countries who’ve made it fought.Even in usa,uk,russia,kenya there were peeople who didn’t like some govt policies.Noooooooooooooo way zambia should be poor.we’ve everything in da country.I’ve seen a lot and i can’t let our country be destroyed by few individuals who don’t care about future and putting zed on da map.Awe fimambala ifi kuti fyakumfwisha icifukushi mwe!!Really we don’t have leaders in zed.Do they really watch Tv how people care about their countries?

  126. While you are busy blogging 24/7 year after year typical of armchair critics without a step into your words, my words are moving into action this year.I will be a Permanent Secretary in some ministry.Young as i take up the challenge, my education and exposure in the diaspora will press on for changes in my ministry.Good luck with your blogging hoping it will take you somewhere some day.

  127. Sign the pasport petition and we know you are a man. Don’t let these thiueves change our lives. be strong. All valid zambian passports MUST remain valid until they expuire with time. Not by the wimp or Mulongoti, Teta or any of these mediocre thieves. N be strong Zambians. Yes, WE CAN CHANGE ZAMBIA FOR THE BETTER. SIGN THE PETITION IF YOU ARE REAL!!!

  128. I deny please Money:o:o:o we have infact alot of it.How much are we paying NCC members.Democracy is expensive and high time we had a majority party in Government:)>-:)>-:)>-

  129. #122 You are more worried about a man who like you have said is not even president. In the mean time you are very digusted with the way things are going in Zambia.

    I can`t get you!:o You are UPND who have for the last few elections done “very badly”.

    MMD should be loving this! Go RB go!:d:d

  130. ‘50% Plus Kamodzi’…forget the notion that Zambia has no capacity to adopt such a necessary piece of legislation. 50 plus 1, Nothing less, nothing more. People want it, so give it them. Those people dwelling on issues of tribalism…deal with it!!! You obviously got serious issues with own tribe. [-(

  131. Why kukamba-kamba pakani concerning tribes? 50 plus one is not going to marginalise any tribe. Whether you happen to be a Suni Zambian, American,British,indian, bemba, Lozi, Nyanja, Lenge, Tonga Zambian and you are eligible to cast a vote, you are going to be part of the majority voice. If you don’t like your tribe and you feel marginalised or oppressed, join the game and be the voice for your people. These tribal issues are just taking up too much space that could be ultilised for relevant ideas. Kambanikoni vinangu…mwanyanya ya!!

  132. YOU ARE ALL WASTING YOUT TIME DREAMING ABOUT 50 PLUS 1.PURE WISFULL THINKING TYPICAL OF LAME DUCKS-BALLOT AMPUTEES.PUT IT ON YOUR FOREHEADS,THERE WILL BE NO 50 PLUS IN THE NEW CONSTITUTION AND 2011 ELECTIONS WILL BE WITHOUT THAT CLAUSE.YOU CAN RANT WITH YOUR LUNGS OUT ITS GABBAGE IN GABBAGE OUT YOU DOING.

  133. I am not against the 50+1 thing being enshrined in our constitution. Iam just worried how well it will work in country where you have over 10 political parties participating in a presidential election and people voting on tribal lines. Believe me, with these factors at play, we can’t rule out re-runs.

  134. Fellow Zambians, Its high time we change the perception we have about our country. One thing I have learnt from the language of our politicians is what most Zambian suffer from is what is called Poverty of the Mind. Cognitively most Zambians, including the likes of RB and his collegues, have accepted that poverty is part of the Zambian life style and so they attribute all their failures to poverty. We need young and dynamic leaders to usher this wonderful country into properity. I love Zed and I will not relax until I see someone who has a vision for Zambia in plot 1.

  135. With 51% clause, that is when political parties will realise the importance of working together because they cannot realistically outdo each other. My village will hold its vote until they are assured of their bit in govt and NOT be lied to by SATA.

  136. Why aren’t you enlightened Zambians talking about real change with Prof. Chirwa in 2011? Make Prof. Chirwa and HH talk about working together and not these monkeys in MMD. Discuss issues and forget Sata and all the dead wood in some individual parties like heritage party. Let us move the Country forward, what are you afraid of?

  137. #136.The Intelligentia

    I agree with you that we need young people to start aspiring to top positions in all aspects of life. Prof. Chirwa should rethink his decision of belonging to MMD as they’ll not allow him to stand in 2011, because RB will want a second term. I think as youth, we need to put someone young in state house, and not all these who have failed to tick in the last and previous elections.

    Viva positive thinking.

  139. ladies and sons of zambian , I have been sorting out my thesis this explains non departure. However am back. Can some one welcome me back. about the 50 percent is it not a forgone conclusion?

  140. WE NEED GREAT MEN NOT PROF CHIRWA TO MOVE ZAMBIA FORWORD . PEOPLE LIKE YOU AND MYSELF. BY THE WAY HAS ANYONE BOUGHT THE OBAMA BOOK ? I HAVE IT IT JUST FOUR POUNDS.

  141. Yeterday I told Maestrol that GRZ want the consititution to favour MMD. 50 +1 worked in Ghana why cant it work here? KaNamulambe wants to stay in government forever. They know that if the result comes out as it did in last presidential election, the opposition would team up and beat the MMD. Please Namulambe think Zambian no MMD- its just a club.

  143. #127 I fully agree with you – Zambians lets show them that we can resist manipulation, lets sign the passport petition it is just too much. PASSPORTS, DRIVING LICENCES, WHITE BOOKS etc. BIG NO. Do me a favour #127 where can Zambians get hold of this petition and get ir signed. Please lets do something.

  144. Funds for reruns should not be a problem. how did you run the October by-elections? Consitutinal mackers need to serious consider a way of avoiding by-election in between the general elections. These unnecessarily waste money.

  145. Zambian must be realist. 50+1% in Zambia will be difficult. We must all agree, without pretence, that Zambias now vote on tribal lines. This HH who is supporting this will NEVER be president because he is only supported by Tongas. Look at previous elections. Sata – Gets the Bemba vote. HH – gets the Tonga vote. He has lost the Lozi vote. Banda – got the East vote & the anti-Bemba vote. So how will this 50+1 work? Don’t not think those in Government say no for nothing. They know how difficult it is to be Pres in Zed.

  146. #30 Kambongolo

    Well done,of all the blogers you seem to be the only one who understands the demographics of this country.in zambia 50% + 1 favours the rulling party and not the opposition.Imagin if RB had a rerun with Sata i can assure you the entire southern would have gone MMD.MMD knows this very well and Namulambe is just testing the waters for setting a record that MMD once rejected after 2011 elections outcome.While 50%+1 is a good example only in Ghana it has created tribal rebals elswhere apart from Zimbabwe. it is only during a revolution that an opposition party can emerg victorious under such.under 50%+1 convenience alliances will formed during rerun resulting into a big Govnt

  147. Looks like the govt is scared of the unknown. 50% + 1 is the sure way of having a reliable govt. Lets all support it in order to move forward. :d/

  151. The luvales,Kaonde & Lozi still gave more votes to HH than SATA who only got the majority of Bemba votes.Otherwise I miss HE levy Mwanawasa.He was the President for all tribes although majority of Bembas sidelined him because he called plunders “stinking” M.H.S.R.I.P

    50+1% a must OR there will be no need to have elections.

  152. What place SATA have in the future of Zambia. I find it odd that people waste their time and energy thinking that SATA could be a new brush for Zambia.

    What is wrong with these SATA maniacs? How on earth can one imagine SATA to be the solution to Zambia’s problems. What is the matter eh?

  153. How much was the presidential chopper? if the so called minister thinks democracy is cheap let him answer that question. 28 million dollars not zim dollar by the way was spent on that plane. how many schools and clinics can u put with that kind of money in zed. govt priorities are in all the wrong places. viva 50+1!

  154. Why cant people start looking at things more positively. There are so many eligible candidates better than SATA even in PF itself. Why recycling rejects all the time?

  155. The sickeneing feeling of realising the stagnation of mindsets is unbearable. How has SATA managed to bewitch so many with his cheap rhetorics?

  156. I have seen people who on the surface you would say ‘here is a good lad with sense’ who nontheless are hoodwinked to believe SATA is the saviour.

  157. Getting the highest job in the land through the back door is unacceptable.

    Why should it worry certain quarters of our community when the aim of the 50+1% is to ensure we have a majority President.

    Mr. Namulambe, when you decided to increase your salaries, there was no talk of limited resources for developmental projects.

    Fellow bloggers our main worry should be the caliber of people running this country. If Hon Namulambe can think like that as a Minister, there is every reason for us to get worried!!!!

  159. I am yet to find any decent humanbeing in Zambia who supports SATA. I have seen pretenders of decency support SATA.

  161. BTW the thinking that a 50+1 clause would give an edge to SATA is a desperate fallacy. Listen how quiet it has been since SATA discovered that he convincingly lost the elections. SATA is completely mauless after seeing for himself that no rigging took place. He is simply less popular than he thought. Thanks to his loud supporters who have managed pump up his ego.

  162. Namulambe is just trying to be funny.there is a great opportunity cost of having a minority elected president than having a re-run.Why shouid we continue sending leaders with a minority vote to state house.make a perovision for a re-run just like Ghana did in order to put a deserving person in state house not just your stoogie.

  163. To ever suppose that SATA would ever contest Presidential elections again is in itself a grave dishonour to Zambia.

  164. Anonymous, why do think elections are held. It is all to settle the score through the ballot.

    Can you imagine there were no elections and there are a million people thinking like you? There would be war!!!

    There are so many political parties today because we all have different views on most of the issues. Let us learn to respect other people’s views. That is the beauty of democracy.

  166. #259 Anonymous, I forgive you because you dont know what you are saying. Namulambe(though he is my Father’s name sake)will finish like an underwear.

  167. There is a great number of people who exhibit distructive tendency, who given a chance will run this country down. The fact that they ignore reasonable arguments and refuse to see the dark realities of their presumed saviour is bad enough. The reckless pursuit of distruction is entirely in their hands. ‘ Give us Barabas, let the blood be on our hands and our childrens heads’ they purposely and directly proclaim. The madness in our society has made it possible for people to incline towards a monster. ‘ You can have him for all you want’

  169. most of our politicians join politics not to serve the general public but themselves. the 50+1 clause is a huge stumbling block to such people. they have never cared about the ordinary zedian and they never will. its up to us to say no to their machinations and deman the 50+1 clause to be enshrined in the new constitution.

  170. Anynonimous you seem to have a problem with Sata. Have you ever wondered why Sata has never lost a court case? The man inspite what you say about his education back ground is a natural reseacher.The subject is 50 +1 not Sata. Could be you envy him?

  171. It`s amazing how people like Gen Miyanda can turn up and say I am going to stand for presidency even when they know they are just a waste of time.

    All those people saying it`s a waste of money are very selfish individuals.

  172. If only people were sincere enough on this blog. Here is a platform and chance to discuss the issues without fear or favour, to examine and enlighten each other on our posterity. I hereby state unequivocally, I am ready to listen and hear your points in favour of your SATA. You should also be ready to hear my side.

  173. Deja Vu

    ‘The man inspite what you say about his education back ground is a natural reseacher.’

    How do you want me to answer you when you state such things? How will we progress?

  174. Sata seems to be a very important factor to ZED politic. His name has been mentioned more than 50 times yet he is not the subject here.50+1 ni zee.

  175. There is no sincerity in trying to make everybody believe in what you think. It`s selfish it`s self deluding. It`s only found in Africa.

    If people say this is what we want, why not listen?

  178. No, we cant recklessly say ‘this is our choice’ knowing fully well that the choice we make will limit our freedoms and rights. We have evidence that this one would limit our rights! Why ignore the evidence.

  179. Dont think of constitutional making in terms of parties we belong to.The question is will the 50%+1 going to hermonise the country by bringing people of all tribes together or is it going to create two blocks of people one against the other after the elections.By the way are we not already living in hermony in Zambia.If we had this law before 2001 then between 2006 and 2011 Zambia was going to Have 4 elections almost 1/yr.Even in democracy experiments can bring innovation but be carefull what you wish for. Elections wont solve poverty there are countries like that have had no elections for decades yet they are doing better than Zambia.the notion that 50%+1 will change govt is a fallacy

  181. #173 Anonymous. No need to answer. I only stated facts. Inst he one of the fairly successiful entrepreneurs in Zambia. And why do you always attack him even when the topic is not about him. Eny?

  182. Hon Daniel, or sorry Hon Gabriel Namulambe, if truly you are looking at the cost implications. Why not pass a suggestion that Zambia should just have two (02) political parties enshrined in the constitution, by so doing we won’t have any need for a re-run. It will be automatic that who ever wins would have obtained more than 50%. Had you said the truth it would have helped Mr Minister. =))

  183. Deja Vu

    O.K on that score I give up, but it is also on my part irritating to to see people praise SATA even when he is not the subject matter.

    I agree, Iam as wrong as they are.

  184. We are watching from the terraces ,unfortunately the referees and lines men are getting involved in the proceedings.This is not fair play and the result will favour the match officials.It has not only been expensive to stage up this game but the selection of players was also biased

  185. People if we are looking at the NCC with Sata, RB, VJ etc in mind, then we are headed for failure. We wont have these people in 20 – 50 years time. So I call upon every right meaning Zambia to stand upright in dealing with these serious matters.

  186. Luapula Fish

    Now is it necessary to be watching from the terraces when you can infact get in and challenge certain ‘biased positions’ Me thinks it is self defeating to state that. You have every reason to be part of the proceedings. It is your right.

  187. We need the 50% + 1 in Zambia, if Ghana did it we can also did it, however Namulambe is entitled to his own opinion thats what debate is all about in the end the majority’s say should prevails.

  189. The only reasons that some people are not participating in the NCC is because they dont want and have influenced others to do the same.

  190. “Ba nonymous” yo hatred for Sata won’t change anything since you are amongst the few with that mind set.Reality tells me that Sata is even more popular than RB. He usually talks sense.Each time Sata says something, GRZ would respond to it in no time but when the other opposition political leaders issue a statement, GRZ casually responds or simply stay mute.Iam not a PF symphasizer but i feel your comments are unfare to the old man and to Zambians in general.

  191. Anonymous

    Its not self defeating to watch from the sidelines,the match officials have all the authority to decide the game . No matter how good we play the goals will be dislallowed for offside position claims.The only important role we can play is to be witnesses of the bad officiating by the authorities.Independent match commissioners where suited for such a high profile game characterised by fierce rivalry

  192. Follow the leader I guess. PF are an amazing Party! The members dont think, they just follow the orders of their ONE leader. YES today can mean NO tommorrow.

  193. Luapula Fish

    Just be honest, SATA ‘ordered’ his members not to participate. That is why others are watching from the terraces. Isn’t it so simple.

  195. musange

    Do a simple reality check. Halo Halo, just a few months ago Presidential elections took place and RB and not SATA is president. Come back to earth, it high time you came ashore, the boat sunk Halo.

  196. #192 No need for such ranting. Get off your horse and take a chill pill.

    It`s very disrespectful to say PF members don`t think.

    OK mwebatontonkanya twakana! :d

  197. Elections are cardinal to any democratic process and if 50%+1 will make the outcome more acceptable, then we have to do it. If we cannot afford an election re-run, then we don’t deserve to call ourselves a country.

  198. 3RqU

    Indeed it is not good to suggest as I did but the point I am driving at is this- other than the ORDER that came from SATA not to participate in NCC, what other reason is there. Someone is complaining about watching from the terraces and I was just advising him that there is no reason forhom to do so. Why cant he make that decision to participate instead of watching from the terraces?

  201. Why do we try to be ambigous about issues. Give one reason other than a directive by the leader not to participate in NCC by PF. BTW there is a dissident faction within PF as a result of this same matter.

  202. To cut the whole story short, PF will continue watching from the terraces by choice and others will make decisions on their behalf. Whether 50+1 infavour or not. But why why why?????? What a missed opportunity.

  203. In a chess game it is very possible to force your opponent to make moves that he will be forced to unchange even when he knows that a reverse is the ideal. The case with PF dissidents has tied the PF AGAINST the obvious advatanges for participation. Now that is a classic!

  204. ALLL YOU IN GRZ LISTEN: WE WANT 50%+ 1 NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS.
    50% +1 PLEASE!!!! WE ARE TIRED OF RURAL PRESIDENTS!!!
    HOW CAN ONE CALL HIMSELF A PRESIDO OF ZED WITH 728,000 VOTES OUT OF 3.5 MILLION VOTERS???
    GIVE US 50% +1 :((:((:((

  206. If PF continues to pursue issues with its dissident members participating in NCC, it seals its own fate. Clauses that may well work against PF will be had willfully. The price of being all muscle and no brains. We can even advise for free.

  208. I never knew that this blogg can be used to offload personal anger such as this I have seen on innocent SATA. Anyway, LT should just create a permanent thread and call it the “DEMOCRACY SQUARE” where people can go and relieve themselves of their agony. And also, those who wanted to get married to SATA, if you are men, he is also a man and our tradition does not allow that. However, we can arrange for look alike men or women for you to marry, they are many. On the other hand and to conclude, I support the 50 % plus 1 clause in the constitution. A minority govt. always spends time trying to legitimize itself and forgets about development, which is what is going on right now.

  209. Its not about Sata,MMD or PF is about national interest.Its too odd for this clientelistic government to ask the NCC member to go against the 50 plus in the constitution .This is the second time we are witnessing this,the first being the Christian Nation Debate.
    For your own information Sata set a performance record high in all the ministerial position he held.

  211. #200 Leoan

    True democracy is expensive, but the question is at what bennefit. can you give me a correlation between poverty reduction and 50%+1. America the pioneers of democracy dont even have such a thing as 50%+1. What will this Law do that simple majority can not because even under this it will be the same Zambian politicians that will be running the country.In my view 50%+1 will create 2 blocks of people in this country fighting against the other because they will always be accusations of rigging. People give an example of Ghana yet they dont want to mention Zimbabwe and Congo. Be carefull what you wish for.

  214. 50 plus one is the way to go. Ghana just did it.Ghana has a population of 20 million.The ultimate winner must win convincingly. Thats the price you pay for democracy. If this cann’t work lets resort to the Parliamentary or Westminister model where we have a Prime Minister who is chosen from among members of Parliament. Or worse still abolish elections altogether.We have money.We just spend it carelessly!

  215. #198 Anonymous. The fact that people come on here claiming to be intelligient yet failing to see the flip side of things really is annoying.

    Sit yourself down and think about the way things are done in Africa. It may have been a missed opportunity alright but understand try and understand why things turned out the way they are. This is what Musange was trying to explain to you.

    As people in opposition, you would huff and puff, nothing changes so why bother? When was the last time a ruling party in Africa listened to peoples` cries let alone the opposition?

    Anony stop riding high. Chill and you will see the way things are done in Africa. Very annoying.

  217. The only way Zed will develop.

    It means RB and his MMD will be making promises and giving out sugar one more time than. Way to go yeah baby! :d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d:d

  218. Ba LT, please divide the bloggers according to party affilliation. we have three supporters of HH(UPND), two for MMD the rest are either neutral like me or PF(sata).

  222. Gazzie Bsg(Blog Secretary General) says good morning to this August house.
    I have noticed with deep joy, the exploits of one #1.Jamoca, and i hereby confer upon you the honour of BOTW(Blogger of the Week).
    Ladies and gentlemen, a big hand pliz.

    As for Namulambe, here’s some free advice ….. shut up son .. shut up!

  223. # 215, Anonymous does not understand the constitution making process and how it was conceived. The Mungomba Commission went round the country for a long time collecting people’s views, not political party’s views. They then sat down and produced a draft constitution where people demanded to have it adopted by way of a constituent assembly. Simply, the process of scrutinizing the draft would not have been allocated so much time and money since the people had already given their views. The NCC was constituted against people’s wishes and many saw that as a way of buying into corrupt and selfish individuals minds because the sitting allowances were too hefty. TBC

  224. Time to be ruled by minority Presidents is gone. Zambia must move forward & adopt the 50+1 %.

    NCC should now prove its worth by presenting what the majority of Zambians want & not what is coming out of Namulambe’s fat mouth.

  226. #220. Mattie how far have you gone with the Book? and ba Chale, what does ‘die liebe’ mean? ati chi Germa-germa

  227. The NCC is a duplicate of the Mungomba Commission just because the Mungomba Commission reccomended certain clauses that did not please the powers that be such as running mate for Vice President etc. Now look, the last elections were a waste of money. If the constitution was finalised as a metter of urgency, we would not have wasted money on sham African elections, the Veep would simply have taken over and George Kunda acknowledged that fact. Anonymous, would you give us the background on how the US constitution was stitched. Did it take so much dollars in a country that certainly was richer than us at that time?

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  232. 3RqU. eeish like you knew what i had last nite! Batata chibwabwa as backing vocals to beef, iye it went down. But if i sent you some those guys will confiscate it thinkink ati ni WEED.

  233. Real Brain

    A lot you have said and you have made you position clear. Your position is that NCC is a duplicate of the Mungomba commission and as such was unneccessary. Is that your position? Correct me if I am wrong.

  235. Anonymous, absolutely. The people submitted directly to the Muba Commission, in the cities and in the villages. Al that was needed was to ensure that technically their views and representations were not misinterpreted i.e. verification by a constituent assembly. What is the NCC doing apart from receiving hefty allowances which today they even claim are not enough? If they are truely patriotic, they would have done it for free as a service to the nation. Please recount the American Constitution Making process. It started in Philadephia and in secrecy. How was the adoption process carried out? Did anyone receive allowances for that? Awe naimwe, lets really think on this.

  237. First they refuse the constituency assembly. Now they want to reject peoples’ call for 50%+1 in the constitution. Namulambe’s reason is very myopic.The constitution is for hard times and good times.Democracy is not cheap.

  239. Real Brain

    I wonder why the majority have been duped to participate in the NCC if that is the case. The minority not participating may be unduly disadvantaged. Is there a way on intervening in this matter for the sake of the minority.

  240. Atase, why have the NNC seatings if the Govt., of the day want to dictate to have things that suites them put in the final constitution? I support one Chilufya Sata Micheal that that NCC is not relevant but a way to make money for the un-employed or lazy people. 18m kwacha per month for the Chairman Chifuma Banda.This thing is a drain in the midst of cholera a disease due to failure of the Gopvt.,& local authority to take care of a perenail disease.

  241. Anonymous, it is not the majority that view the NCC as a relevant exercise. To the contrary, only priviledged people were fighting and even wanting to bewitch each other over membership to the same. Look, Sata fought those rebel MPs who accepted for the sake of money and there has been no public outcry in support of those MPs. You see where you are missing it. If the majority were for it, they would have demonstrated in favour of those MPs who apparently had to be there because of the law that was enacted to buttress the process. The 50 % plus one for instance is a people’s submission but they want to reject it. That was by design from the executive confortable with 20 plus % wins

  244. #233 Anynonimous. You are wrong. The idea of NCC was Levy’s idea because the articles in the Mungomba document were a threat to him and the MMD. However the man is no more, therefore we cannot drag him into our exchanges. Bottom line the sitting govnt is not confortable with this paper.

  245. The NCC is non the less a chance to shoot down any proposals that may be contrary to the majority’s wishes. NCC was dafted into law by all people representing members of parliament. Talking about coercing people! All representatives of the peoples of Zambia voted for its drafting into law. Ok today it is NO yesterday it was YES. Who do you blame for this?

  246. Deja Vu

    The late President forced people to vote for the drafting into law of the NCC you say? He must have been a very powerful President to do so.

  247. On whose behalf is Namulambe speaking? The President of GRZ or himself? This is how it started with calls for the ‘third’ term! MMD cadres were weary of Chiluba’s hire and fire style and so in desperation to keep their jobs they started pampering him by calling for his third term in office. Namulambe is scare because he doesn’t have what it takes to be in his current position. RB will wake up one morning and realise that and probably give him a boot or send him into foreign mission.

  248. The official position: All people representatives (MP’s) regardless of party, meaning literally ALL Zambians, voted infavour of the enactment of the NCC. No one was forced period

  249. The only solution to Zambia’s electoral malpractices lies in the 50% + 1 system of voting so that we can have a majority president representative of all the people. Presidential affairs, proposal to retain a minority president exhibits RB’s hunger to keep MMD in power who has no meaningful support from the people. Come 2011, we need 50% + 1 sothat we can emulate Ghana which has set a good precedent for other African countries.

  250. Just talking and wishing wont do, for any hope of having concerns addressed the NCC was/is the avenue. How do people expect to have their issues addresses by merely wishing when you can ACT and participate in shaping your constitution. Ops I forgot about some directives. :((

  251. #248 Anonymous- Mwana ulepasha. Those MPs dont represent any one but themselves. Just look at the pay rise they awarded themselves. NCC means money and where there is the whiff of money is where their noses will lead them. The main church bodies are not there and are the party that matters

  252. Firstly who is Namulambe?how do you have a dull minister like him at state house?anyway your head is totally empty…SHAME!

  253. 50% + 1 is the most critical and fundamental and essentially the reason for the existance of the NCC. Namulambe, your arguement confirms how dull you are. Every Zambian including your grandmother wants 50% + 1 included in the constitution. Troubled Zim has this requirement. What resources are you talking about? Dull Namulambe.

  254. Deja Vu

    The essence of what you saying then is this, since we cant trust our MP’s, we cant rely on whatever happens in parliament on behalf of us the masses. And if that is the case, all our elections have been to no cause and we may be living a lie as a nation. For it is Constitution that declares us a Nation thru enactment, through our MP’s. This is more serious than I thought. We are deluding ourselves thinking that we are a nation when in actual fact we are not. These MP’s have duped us. Oh no!

  255. Deja Vu

    Like it or not the going ons in parliament translate into realities on the ground, whether our MP’s may be representing their own agendas or not! That is cause why the electing of representatives is so crucial. Dont blame them for representating their own ideas, you put them there yourself. Be careful not to underestimate the importance of that august assembly. They decide by default who we are and where we are going as a nation. Alas NCC enacted by us through MP’s is the logical thing to say.

  256. l-)l-)
    Cmon Mr Minister, so you are so much convinced that Zambia will always be poor, the next constitution should last a test of time, its not only applicable for the next election which am sure you know you will lose as mmd if 50 + 1 will be applicable. 50+1 is the only way we are tired of leaders forcing themselves on us, as Zambians and Africa at large. thanx

  257. 141. Deja Vu, you wrote “Yeterday I told Maestrol that GRZ want the consititution to favour MMD”, where did you tell me anything?

    58. Sage, I will be back for a comment later for I am currently busy with a ROVER teamwork.

  258. 50 plus One would not be good for Zambia. We are too immature politically. We may end up having Govt of national unity which weakens our Govt. Look at Zim, Kenya, Israel etc. Wherever there’s a coaltion Govt, things become unstable as each side can hold to ransom the other. If one walks out, Govt collapses.

    Let’s continue with the simple majority. It’s not the best but it’s better to have peace and sanity than chaos. Ours are politics of poverty so people are willing to do anything to secure political jobs

  259. The 50%+1 is the only way forward because that the only time when we have a person in power who is voted for by the majority of the population

  260. Anonymous, what Deja Vu is saying is correct. There is no real representation of people by those MPs. If that was the case, then there would have been no need to constitute the Mungomba Commission since we had people’s representatives. The bone of contention was when the Commission presented their report, it was not pallatable to many in higher offices and so they sought to dilute it and legitimize it through the NCC. When the late President approved the allowances, you should have seen how people jumped on the band wagon. Even those who did not agree in the first place.

  261. Deja Vu

    Your concerns have been noted. This tendency to represent people is quite high and a deliberate step must be taken to ensure that only the sincere, only the courth, only the initiated make it into Parliament and State house. And the grade 12 certificate would be a good guaging point!

  263. #58 sage all that happened under a simple majority rule constitution, which is what we want to change . under 50%+1 , no politician will afford to alleniate anyone based on tribe, they will instead try as much as possible to bring everyone on board .. forstering unity of thought and purpose getting us for once to work as one nation and one people for a common choice based on what they bring to the table. It will allow us all to think critically about the choices we are making knowing its our tax money at stake. so abandon your fears my brother i know you are better than that.

  264. Not part of this TOPIC but wish to share with friends; 2001 FTJ wanted 3rd term and 22MPs rebelled and organized themselves to have FTJ impeached. The Speaker failed to convene parliament thus enabling FTJ to complete his tenure of office. 2002 LPM appointed opposition MPs to cabinet and these MPs were expelled from(FDD)their party. The speaker again refused to declare their seats vacant(thats how FDD was weakened). This time around 17PF MPs have been expelled and the court has endorsed this. Once again the same Speaker has refused to declare these seats vacant. I want to know whose interest the Hon Speaker is representing. So friends make sure that the new consistitution avoids such acts

  265. This is why SATA and PF were againist the NCC because it was not well represented. The fact is that MMD has a majority of those delegates and this whole thing will be subjected to a vote and the MMD/Government will carry the day.

    I pity UPND for having trusted Government, whateva constitution that will come up they will be party to it.

  266. #264 Deja Vu

    STOP CHEATING PEOPLE FDD NEVER EXPELLED ANYONE, THE COURTS RULED THAT ACCORDING TO FDD CONSTITUTION ONLY A FULL CONVENTION HAS THE POWER TO DO THAT AND BOTH PATEL AND KONGA COMPLETED THERE TERMS.

    PF WILL ONLY MANAGE TO EXPELL ITS MPs BECAUSE IT HAS NO CONSTITUTION.

  267. Having the 50%+1 does not make a leader anymore accountable. Can anyone tell me that Ghana’s democracy is any better than Zambia’s just because they have that requirement in the constitution? What matters to the people is that the basic requirements of life are there. To me what matters is delivery of services not 50%+1. Besides, this so called democracy in africa is big waste of money. Can anyone show me the returns in development terms that we are likely to get from wasting money on running the mickey mouse elections twice?

    Will UNPD not accept if they won the next election using the current system? Politics in Africa is for the benefits of the politicians not the common.

  268. Having the 50%+1 does not make a leader anymore accountable. Can anyone tell me that Ghana’s democracy is any better than Zambia’s just because they have that requirement in the constitution? What matters to the people is that the basic requirements of life are there. To me what matters is delivery of services not 50%+1. Besides, this so called democracy in africa is big waste of money. Can anyone show me the returns in development terms that we are likely to get from wasting money on running the mickey mouse elections twice?

    Will UNPD not accept if they won the next election using the current system? Politics in Africa is for the benefits of the politicians not the common man.

  269. #266 Engines. You sound emotional so much that you forget that the FDD MP was Samukonga not Konga. I advise you to collect all the news papers during that time for you to understand what was going. I dont intend to cheat anyone. Besides you have not answered the questions I posed like the planned impeachment of Mr Fredrick Chiluba. Please do not bury your head in the sand. What I said is real. Your party MMD’s intentions have always been to wipe out opposition from 1991 to date.

  270. Engines, but don’t you think that is the best strategy a party can adopt? What constitution and for what? Did you in the same vein hear of any defections from PF? Why? Because the party has no cards and the whole defection nonsense became boring with people tearing cards here and there so why not reject cards? Constitution??? Things you write and never abide by. Thats why I agree with the thinker, there’s no democracy in Africa. What we have are elections only and elections are not democracy. The fundamentals of democracy are vividly absent in Africa. How do you have constitutions and democracy in the midst of poverty? Thats not possible, what we have is anarchy thats all.

  271. NCC, please conclude by July 2009 as you have announced.
    My recommendations are:
    1.) 50 + 1 % or better still 3/4 majority (75%) votes
    2.) Running mate to a Presidential Candidate as Vice President contender
    3.) Presidential Candidate maximum age limit of 65 years old, otherwise remove the minimum of 35 years old. We all saw how 29 year old Joseph Kabila performed and is still performing now that he is older
    4.) Masters Degree in any field as minimum qualification for Presidential and Vice Presidential aspirants in the running mate arrangement.
    ====
    LT 2008 Award Winner. =; for Zambia in 2011.

  272. FROM WIKIPEDIA AND SIMPLE:

    Drafting and ratification requirements:

    In September 1786, commissioners from five states met in the Annapolis Convention to discuss adjustments to the Articles of Confederation that would improve commerce. They invited state representatives to convene in Philadelphia to discuss improvements to the federal government. After debate, the Congress of the Confederation endorsed the plan to revise the Articles of Confederation on February 21, 1787. Twelve states, Rhode Island being the only exception, accepted this invitation and sent delegates to convene in May 1787. The resolution calling the Convention specified that its purpose was to propose amendments to

  273. Government’s refusal of 50+1% will just perpetuate a situation where riffraffs are elected to this important office.

  274. to the Articles, but through discussion and debate it became clear by mid-June that, rather than amend the existing Articles, the Convention decided to propose a rewritten Constitution. The Philadelphia Convention voted to keep the debates secret, so that the delegates could speak freely. They also decided to draft a new fundamental government design, which eventually stipulated that only nine of the thirteen states would have to ratify for the new government to go into effect (for the participating states).

  275. Current knowledge of the drafting and construction of the United States Constitution comes primarily from the diaries left by James Madison, who kept a complete record of the proceedings at the Constitutional Convention

  276. Contrary to the process for “alteration” spelled out in Article 13 of the Articles, Congress submitted the proposal to the states and set the terms for representation.

    On September 17, 1787, the Constitution was completed in Philadelphia at the Federal Convention, followed by a speech given by Benjamin Franklin who urged unanimity, although they decided they only needed nine states to ratify the constitution for it to go into effect. The Convention submitted the Constitution to the Congress of the Confederation, where it received approval according to Article 13 of the Articles of Confederation.

    Once the Congress of the Confederation received word of New Hampshire’s ratification,

  277. it set a timetable for the start of operations under the Constitution, and on March 4, 1789, the government under the Constitution began operations.

    YOU SEE, THATS A CONSTITUTION THAT STOOD THE TEST OF TIME, REWRITTEN BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1786 AND MARCH 1789 (LESS THAN 3 YEARS). Now our constitution because of the lust for allowances has to last more than a decade. Even obvious things that people want, others have their own agendas.

  278. ## Sage::
    .The same 2006 Sata said North Westerners are buttock Nyamazais whom he would expell to Angola.In Luapula he said levy from from a minority tribe was persecuting plunders because they are bembas and they should deny him their vote.In Eastern he asked their votes as a cousin. And in 2008 Rupiah appealed to Easterners to vote him in as their own son.What is that to you?

    ## Is it Sata who spat the buttock insults?? Be fare dear. Ask people back home they will tell you that it was the Late LPM who uttered those insults. Not Sata……I think you guys just hate Sata.

    That said..we want 50+1 in Zambia. Zimbabwe they have, Ghana they have it. Why cant Zambia have it??
    ~X(

  280. In Fact 50 + 1 is not enougth, It should be a must for the President to win in Lusaka and Copperbelt. The villangers who are not Tax payers should not decide for US.

  281. #278 Kambongolo, on your “Is it Sata who spat the buttock insults?? Be fare dear. Ask people back home they will tell you that it was the Late LPM who uttered those insults. Not Sata……I think you guys just hate Sata.” Late former President LP Mwanawasa only said that the opposition people like Sata will always be behind like buttocks and never referred to our people in North-Western Provinces as it has been indicated above.

    Why is it that you characters fail to stand up to the misgivings of the Undereducate, Michael Chilufya Sata when the truth about his remarks has been presented by bringing innocent people in Sata’s activities?

  282. #279. your flag SISTER greetings, thank you, you are welcome and be prepared to agree with me more in the next coming days.
    On president HH, I respect your opinion. Opinions are alright, but NEVER think that your opinion is what everyine in Zambia think.
    All the best in your activities and keep well.

    ====
    LT 2008 Award Winner. =; for Zambia in 2011.

  283. 58. Sage, you indicated 327. Maestro Hhehhehhehhe & JJ, You are being economical with the truth.Rewind your brains and tell us what HH meant at Mongu’s bluegum Heroes square in 2006 when he publicly appealed to Lozis not to vote for Nawakwi or Sata northerners.”

    Yes, I remember president Hakainde Hichilema, HH, was reported as having said that Lozi’s should vote for a Tonga as they are tribal cousins instead of a northerner Sata whom Sakwiba Sikota had gone to campaign for as a PF/ULP coalition move. I don’t remember HH mentioning anything about about Nawakwi not being voted for by Lozis because she was a northerner. In my view, Nawakwi did not matter then and in fact she was part of UDA…

  284. 283 continued.
    which sponsored HH as a presidential candidate for it to rule Zambia. In light of this, your statement including Nawakwi in “tell us what HH meant at Mongu’s bluegum Heroes square in 2006 when he publicly appealed to Lozis not to vote for Nawakwi or Sata northerners” is clearly wrong and meant to cheat those who missed what exactly transpired then. I would be glad if you thus give us a full quote of president HH’s exact words and their source on here LT to back up your assertions.

  285. 284 continued.
    Also, on “27. Maestro Hhehhehhehhe & JJ, You are being economical with the truth…The same 2006 Sata said North Westerners are buttock Nyamazais whom he would expell to Angola.In Luapula he said levy from from a minority tribe was persecuting plunders because they are bembas and they should deny him their vote.In Eastern he asked their votes as a cousin,” I will not waste much ime as you have put it all as you know for I have always claimed that Sata is the biggest tribalist and racist against the Chinese people I have ever known of all Zambians in my life’s history. Mr MC Sata’s lack of enough education makes him say things disspeakable and also terrible for the Nation.

  286. 285 continued.
    On “27. Maestro Hhehhehhehhe & JJ, … And in 2008 Rupiah appealed to Easterners to vote him in as their own son.What is that to you?”
    The Incumbent President, then Vice President, Mr RB Banda made a clear tribal statement by appealing to easterners to give him a 100% vote as he is their son or one of them. In fact, I would ask him to apologise for those words to the whole Nation. Mr President RB Banda clearly behaved in a tribal manner just like “The same 2006 Sata…In Luapula he said levy from from a minority tribe was persecuting plunders because they are bembas and they should deny him their vote.”
    In all, only MC Sata and President RB Banda conducted themselves in a 100%

  287. 286 cont’d.
    In all, only MC Sata and President RB Banda conducted themselves in a 100% tribal manner as their statements had to do with a motive getting 100% support from their tribes mates.
    On president HH, I would have written a similar thing to the above two if he issued a statement pleading for 100% support in the Southern Province for some reason about being Tonga which he has never done. On all HH’s campaign messages, he has been quoted as asking people not to vote for any candidate – including himself – on tribal grounds but on ability to perform and policies promised by his political party including life telling testimony like family values.
    ===
    LT 2008 Award Winner.=; for Zambia

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