The Zambian Voice Press Statement on Current Political Campaigns and Political Funding by Foreign Interests
As an organisation that promotes good governance, Justice, Human Rights and quality of life for all Zambians, we are would like to engage with our people during this crucial time of Presidential elections.
During this Presidential election we have seen an unprecedented number of people, aspiring for Presidency. This can be a sign of our growing democracy, fifty years after independence. However, most of these candidates that floated their names for Presidency did not seem to be aspiring to serve the Zambian people but the insensate desire for power. Because of this high appetite for power they subjected the citizens to such anxiety of political and economic strife. These politicians particularly in the ruling party Patriotic Front (PF) and Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) wrestled for power like treasures to benefit them personally.
We would like caution political leaders not to personalize political parties like private entities because it is against democratic tenants. The sense of entitlement to the party should not be by affinity but collective to all members. Ascension to leadership should not be about individual anointment but consensual selection by members. What pride can a leader enjoy if his power is acquired by arm twisting?
We urge all Zambians to be vigilant during this time of elections so that they don’t fall victim of political deceptions. The citizens should scrutinize all Presidential candidates in this elections and ask them to explain any clandestine activities or character on them. In this regard the media need to offer balanced coverage of all aspiring candidates while posing those tough questions on behalf of the citizens.
Zambians should not just vote for a politician because he/she is surrounded by so many people who mostly are job seekers. Popularity of a person does not necessarily mean integrity, or political acumens and quality. Zambians need to look for a mature leader who will look at their interest and has a vision for Zambia. Politics is about benefits, but such benefits should not just be limited to the elected but also the electorates.
It must also be borne in the minds of Zambians that we will soon have another election in less than two years, so those promising drastic policy change must be checked with the probability of time and global economic trends on how things happen. What we need is a caretaker to stabilize, correct and maintain policies so that we land in 2016 safely then chose a leader who will start afresh.
But many politicians are overlooking this fact; instead they are doing everything possible to get power. As an organization we are concerned with abrupt cash gate that has opened up during this campaign. All of a sudden we are seeing huge spending to support political activities.
Just when President Sata died, debate ensued about the PF convention. It was argued that PF has no money to hold the convention. However, the convention happened without any disclosure of where the money came from. Zambian Voice would like to ask the PF to review who funded their convention which ran for about five days? About seven thousand people attended that convention and many received money.
There are a number of questions that we will be asking the leadership of PF and other parties as well to maintain transparency and security of our Nation. We are aware that politicians are mortgaging this Country to foreigners to attain power. We are extremely concerned about this and we promise to expose all political leaders getting monies from foreign powers because we believe nothing come for free. We need to maintain our independence but it would be folly for us to expect our leaders to be reign over our resources freely when they have indebted themselves heavily from foreign powers.
We have received information linking the United Party for National Democracy (UPND) and the foreign mining company Anglo American. A story was even published by Africa Confidential on 17th November 2014 claiming that Hakainde Hichilema has been chosen by Anglo American and other foreign interests as their preferred candidate. The article said that Hakainde Hichelima met with these foreign interests and power brokers to seal the Presidency of Zambia.
It is in the interests of the nation and Mr. Hichilema himself to address the following issues:
Mr. Hichelima must disclose the true nature of his relationship with Anglo American and other South African business interests whom he has been meeting in the recent past.
We have been informed that the UPND campaign is being funded by foreign powers and international companies. We want Mr. Hichelema to disclose these funders and what is being promised in return to these people and companies.
It has also been revealed to us that the same group of South African commercial interests met with the UPND leader and Dr. Nevers Mumba in November here in Zambia at a named Lodge. The nation must be told what was discussed and what deals were made between them all.
Other questions that Mr. Hichilema must answer now include:
- What financial interests does Mr. Hichilema have in regard to Anglo American?
- In the interests of transparency, Mr. Hichilema must publish his financial affairs and various shareholdings for the Zambian people to see so that he is not accused of defrauding Zambians if he is elected as President – will he do so?
Further to the above issues, there are questions about Mr. Hichilema’s role in the sale of Zambian assets that were sold cheaply to foreign interests, who have resurfaced to sponsor some political leaders. Such companies include Lima Bank and Hotel InterContinental in Livingstone. It has been reviewed that actually Mr. Hichilema has shares in some of these companies he privatized.
We demand that Mr. Hikainde shade more light on how he handled the privatization process of Roan Antelope Mining Corporation, Kagem Mine.
It is also important for the Zambians to know how Mr. Hikainde will wriggle out of conflict of interest in some of these companies where is has shares and those that are supporting him like the Anglo American the giant conglomerate that has returned in Zambia?
Mr. Hakainde should explain the issues raised above so that he does not cry foul when we start speculating publicly.
It is common knowledge that at times we may elude the law but that does not make us credible especially if we want to ascend to the top most office of the Country. Mr. Hikainde (and all other candidates) as a person aspiring for public office has an obligation to explain the issues we have raised and explain how he even got his worth which he must declare.
We also hope the PF, through Dr. Guy Scott, will tell us where they got the money to sponsor the convention as soon as possible.
It would also be good for Edgar Lungu to disclose who is funding his campaigns before we start speculating publicly.
Chilufya Tayali
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TAYALI THE RAPIST AT IT AGAIN.
Rapist Tayali should just shut up and let morally up right people comment on such issues.Careful mwaiche, Sata saved you last time. This time no one will save your ass. You will go down just like General Kanene.How do Zambians still allow this rapist to head an NGO.?
This really beyond belief. At least HH is able to mobilise resources by himself. If there is any illegality, why not produce evidence before you accuse him.HH is very smart, he can never allow him self to fall into that trap knowing the political implications it would have.If anything, he has funded all these campaigns out of his own pocket.
Once he wins thats when he will invite those investors on good deals for Zambia not the rogue Chinese RDA was bringing to help Sata and Nsanda…
It beggers belief when you hear the likes of Wanzelu preaching that HH is the Saviour for Zambias woes.
I thought Presidential elections were elections for Zambians to choose their “preferred” leader and NOT INTERNATIONAL mining companies choosing their preferred Candidate.
I have been saying that Jan 2015 – 2016 should be about restoration and healing. Not empty promises and mortgaging our country and resources aimed at enriching a few already rich candidates.
Zambia needs to take a step back and clean out politics to build a better Zambia.
This is not about rapist nor is it about “I shall do it because they also do it”. It is about Zambians
Vote wisely in Jan 2015
#RBnafutiNafuti
HH will bring good investors not rogue chinese who helped nsanda and sata steal millions.
Tayali has raised the very points i have being raising.
The thief Sunny Chimtombwa should never be voted into power. He has shares in all the companies he privatised .
He must have sold them for a song in order to be a share holder. Conflict of interest.
His father Mr Chintombwa was a cattle rustler in southern province who died in prison in 2003.
Thieving is in his blood , like father like son.
HH should try and address these issues. Saying ‘ bring evidence’ is just language of crooks. Is him being main shareholder in Inters evidence enough??
Political ramifications of thinking ‘he is smart’ etc maybe the biggest hindrance to his intentions to rule Zambia.
Bear in mind that HH has NO BUSINESS TRACK RECORD, not even equal to chaps like GBM. His is schrouded in secrecy —- theft chapwa..
He beta own up or mark this page __ he will kiss the dust yet again
Its a worry
You are trying hard to campaign for RB and PF. Why are you so confused? Is it a matter of job seeking or not?
Any sane Zambian would not vote for RB just like normal people have refused to bring back UNIP.
RB is recycled and has outlived his usefulness.
Who ever is lying to you that 2015 -2016 is time for healing and not for starting to restore governance and begin to rebuild the economy through short term (2015-2016), medium term and long term measures is a scum bag.
Only HH has a clear thought out vision of how to sort out the mess created both by MMD and then PF. Had it been that RB never messed up Zambians wouldstill have voted for RB.
FLIGTH HH 2015 has taken off already. This week and the next, HH will be in Lusaka assuring voter .Then next stop…
@Figo
God or whatever you believe in should forgive you. How on can you compare HH to GBM.?
Go and ask GBM your self how a brilliant businessmen HH is. You think all he does is politics hey?
If you have no clue about HH’s business acumen, then I would advise you to ask and not just spew rubbish showing your ignorance.
@Wanzelu
I am campaigning for a better Zambia and what is best for us all. If there is any candidate out there that does not qualify for re-election in 2016, I would consider them too.
RB maybe recycled but he has a proven CV in transitional Govts both in Zambia and in Namibia during difficult periods. I cant ignore those FACTS. Without M’membe’s self interest driven lies, we would not be in debt today.
HH is reported by an international news media (Not M’membe) to be mortgaging our Country and that is unacceptable to me.
PF (including Lungu) are they worst Govt we have had and I would be happier with HH than PF. But it does not mean that I cant support Lungu where there is plain injustice.
Like I said, I am compaigning for a better Zambia
Vote wisely in Jan…
Please show us / name a company, grocery, mine ,or any business: anything : STARTED and GROWN by your HH , then we shall not speculate. Not land expanses which can be filled by cows anytime. Am sure this shouldn’t take long . Mind your insults as they degrade you further in eyes of sane people,
Sorry, Wanzelu, rapist or no rapist, election funding shall be transparent and shall be disclosed by all. HH shall declare it now-now, before it becomes a major issue and even if he wins 2015, 2016 will become a nightmare for him. 2015 is going to haunt anybody who goes to statehouse with too many promises and too much spending on elections. The winner will be going through photosharp scan.
Don’t insult Tayali, answer the questions and concerns he has raised. People will never forget about ‘privatization’. Tayali is asking questions which needs answers. So please let him answer. He did not ask you Wanzelu.
The coming up Elections with No-Presidential material…..LMAO !!!!
TAYALI, I AGREE WITH YOU. MOST OF THESE GUYS ARE GETTING MONEY FROM DRUG DEALERS. HH, NEVERS, RUPIAH, LUNGU ARE RECIEVING MONEY FROM DRUG BARONS.
Your NGO also gets money from foreign sources, so are you not bringing foreign interests to Zambia?
Why is HH’s funding source an issue when Michael Sata also did the same? SATA promised Taiwan huge tracts of land in Luapula and Muchinga provinces, it is a well known story. SATA went to Oxford University where he spoke openly in support gay rights to get finances from western donors, even when he knew there is a law against homosexuality in Zambia. HH is funding his own campaigns. People don’t want to believe he can fund his own campaign because they are used to voting poor presidents into office, starting with Chiluba who got funded by the very people he killed when he became president. Right now Edgar Lungu is being funded by a government loan from Chinese which is meant to build the KK International airport. Who is doing more harm between Edgar Lungu and HH? We are not fools.
In addition, there is no law in Zambia that forbids candidates from receiving foreign funding. Tayali is just trying to discredit HH as a way of campaigning for the PF which is a party for his kith and kin.
The CHINESE are openly funding Edgar Lungu and all you want to talk about is HH who is funding his own campaigns – you are creating fake stories about HH to divert the fact that Alexander Chikwanda and Edgar Lungu are using Chinese money including the KK Internation Airport budget to fund their election campaign. Kupusa.
SHUT UP YOU TOLD YOU THAT HH IS FUNDING IS CAMPAIGNS, ASK HIM OF THE MEETING HH, NEVERS, AND RUPIAH HAD WITH SOME BUSINESS GUYS IN SOUTH AFRICA.
Ba fikala. Tulandeko
Thank you for editing my insults. But my opinion has not been heard by my audience. Mushindo wendi.
Typical PF buffoon!
Good article, sure HH must tell us. Where is he getting the money? Any way we know where and that’s why we will not allow HH to sell this country to his fellow thieves. He stole through privatization and now he wants to sell the whole country? Hey this guy HH is terrible. No votes for him really.
Peace and Prosperity to Mother Zambia.
Have you asked Edgar Lungu for the source of his campaign funds? Why the double standards? Those who think Zambia will be mortgaged by HH must be very mistaken because Zambia was mortgaged to foreigners by Chiluba, Sata and co. This is the reason why Zambia’s trade and commerce scene is under the control of foreign shops and companies. A very large portion of Zambia’s land is also in the hands of foreigners. Everybody knows who has mortgaged Zambia to foreigners. It is certainly not HH.
chilufya or whatever STUPIT NAME YOU ARE…please leave HH alone. 2015/16 Zambia will be economically FREE ..
All you can do is insult when one asks for answers??? What does it show –guilt
Your language , you must be Tonga !!
You can’t debate minus insulting.
INFACT; OR ACTUALLY we are also getting funding even from OSAMA BINLADEN COUSIN but STILL we will vote for HH.
Ma jealous..just cos ka vodgar is funded by corrupt willie nsanda/RDA thief??
Take your medication , you have been hit where it hurts the most.
Now breath. kekekekekekekeke
Tayali, there are laws in Zambia to adequately address your concerns. Lodge them with the police if you feel so strongly about the conduct of some candidates, otherwise you may end up with a libel suit which even your foreign NGO funders may not be able to afford. You will end up shit creek with no puddles and with your ass in a sling. When I look at you, you appear to have been old enough during the 2011 campaigns. You saw the three major parties [MMD, PF and UPND] run gigantic campaign operations. What did you say about that? Convincing people to vote for you the whole breadth and length of the country means you have to spend big. This game is for big boys, not upstarts like you. We know you want to justify the usage of cash you are receiving and this is coming from abroad.
HH will sell Zambia.PF is the only party to trust.HH and Mutati”s brother sold mines to the same Agro Americans.It the same Agro Americans who pulled out when Mwanawansa won the elections.It was terrible in kitwe coz the same company ran away and pipo became unemployed.HH will again sell Zamtel and other Zambia companies.For him it’s about making money and become the richest man in Zambia.we can’t allow such a person in Zambia.
Anyway the good this is that HH can’t win an election.He’ll be third come 20th january,2015.
For me it’s not about tribe but HH will sell Zambia for real if given chance.
1.In Pf we see can roads
2.In pf we can see media to be fair
3.In PF we can see new schools,hospital and universities
4.In PF we can see civil servants being given loans and redudion…
Just admit HH is winning period! Look at mmembe is trying to shift camp and support HH he knows which side of bread is buttered.
Agro Americans? What has an agricultural entity got to do with mines. Or you mean “Anglo-American”?
The shameless PF tribalists should be shown the door on 20th January 2015.
I know for a fact that Anglo American owns shoprite, Illove (zambia sugar), Lafarge (chilanga cement), Zambia Copper Investment (ZCI), Sun International plus many more other zambian companies and this same guy Hakainde Hichilema negotiated for these Illuminate and in doing so they gave him some stake in shares meaning his bond to these people is so deep that when they come calling he will have to answer that call. I love my country but I refuse to sell it. They keep toying with our politicians. Backing orders and all of them are yes boss type. So why let a cult rule our country are that blind to the truth. I will never vote to sell to the Illuminate. They already own our companies should they own the whole country as well. Not on my watch,
Stand and sing for Zambia proud and free
HH is clever enough to fund his own campaign and already you can see that it’s biting the PF. Now that’s a leader that can source money for our debt riden country. What about PF? Just using tax-payers money or RDA stolen money, raping poor Zambia. GET RID OF PF. Good day.
Picture being placed on a large screen monitor in someone else’s boardroom and no matter which way you go those players will continue to operate because they operate at a global level and we make little effort to dominate the game at global level as historically we’ve given away the upper hand on some resources.
Some of the deals won’t be pretty but they will be done… the word transparency was removed from Zambian English a long time ago. It is up to each candidate to show if they have the ……. (insert your choice of word) to bring it back and regardless how they got here, push Zambia up by diversifying from mining alone as a solution. They chose the spotlight. No squirming allowed…
Tayali is a loser and is hell bent trying to dsicredit Mr HH. Why not write to the UPND secretariat and cc the media so that HH can respond to you properly. ok issue you statement to the media and who will respond to you? DULL
You dull chap that needs to be sent back to school when UPND offers you free education when in power. dont worry even misharps like you will have a chance to be educated and able to make money like HH
Tayali must keep his compulsions to himself & go to court if he has any evidence otherwise he is not serious. We want issues that will help to reduce social economic turmoils clocking the majority poor Zambians. People like Tayali are hired gun of The Liars Party PF & must be able to be responsible about their sycophant views in future. Zambia MUST start formulating laws against such irresponsible outbursts & caging such rascals in prison.However the majority level headed voters have already settled on HH & no amount of created tales from this thin air will detor them from ushering in the economist vibrant rational revolutionarist HH in state house.
Nishani ukuvanduka so much bamambala ?? Mubisachani kansi ?? You even start insulting. Terrible let downs. No wonder it would be WRONG to give your choice a vote. You are too annoyed over nothing
Why can’t this rapist tell us who sponsored him to rape that young girl. Even if foreigners are funding HH that isn’t a crime unless he has proof that HH is involved in money laundering activities. Are the so called foreigners going to vote? Chilufya should just open up and say he doesn’t want a tonga president instead of talking rubbish. let him not start a battle he can’t win. We all know that HH has big connections both in and outside Zambia. Sata too received help from foreigners during his days in the opposition so how come this maggot never complained about it?
On Mr Hichilema’s business interests, Mr Tayali should exercise patience because as a requirement for filing in Presidential nominations, the candidate must declare what they are worth, asset wise. Mr Hichilema will disclose this information between the 17th and 19th of December this year, when he files in his nomination papers. Again Mr Tayali, PACRA is a public institution, please get there and check for the information you are asking Hichilema, we are campaigning.
why are you so agitated over a straight forward concern ?? HH foreign connections are all thru selling Ramcoz, Inters etc.. Just answer or keep quiet.
You are actually making it evident that HH has too much to hide.
I keep seeing a pattern here so help me out, Anglo American owns everything we value in Zambia. Kaunda nationalizes they bring multi party democracy, chiluba comes they use the world bank to rip us off taking back what kaunda had rightfully taken which belongs to us. Mwanawasa brings windfall tax he goes while within a short period we were to make million dollars in windfall tax Banda goes in scraps windfall, Sata comes in Refuses to refund VAT $600 which clearly states for a refund to be made conditions have to be met. then he goes further Corporate tax increase they cry foul some are threatening to leave when effected. So they need some one to give them a break and you know who that person is the guy who willingly negotiated for them during privatization