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Four ‘weaker’ candidates kick off Muvi and Hot FM presidential debates

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Debate in session
Debate in session

The Muvi TV and Hot FM organised presidential debates commenced at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka Wednesday evening with candidates from the Christian Democratic Party, the Forum for Democratic Alternatives, Fourth Revolution and UNIP battling it out on stage.

Brigadier General Godfery Miyanda of the Heritage Party failed to participate due to what he said was a tight campaign schedule.

The debate which was televised live on Muvi TV from 18 Hours and carried live on Hot FM, Radio Yatsani, Liseli, Icengelo and Zambezi FM attracted a sizeable number of enthusiastic people who turned up.

The debate was centred around questions on good governance, the economy and tax system, mining and agriculture, health and nutrition including unemployment and social protection.

Just after the candidates finished giving out their biographies and followed up with the question on constitution reforms, it became evident that most of them had very little understanding of how government operates and were unprepared for the country’s top job.

Fourth Revolution’s Eric Chanda kept referring to his 50/50 economic plan which will see local Zambians owing 50 percent in foreign firms.

Mr Chanda said time has come for Zambians to start running the economy in order to benefit from its vast resources.

‘For so many years, this country has failed to develop because its inhabitants do not control the economy. Vote for 4R so that Zambians can start running this economy,’ he said.

Dr Sondashi caused some chatter in the audience when he described Rev Dan Pule’s grand idea of turning traditional leaders into kings and queens as a waste of time.

He said Zambia should be moving away from the idea of centralising power in one man or one institution.

‘When I go to State House on January 23, I will drastically reduce my presidential powers and ensure that I work for you Zambia. The good thing is that I am a constitutional lawyer and I fully understand the separation of power.

Dr Sondashi also promised to force every Zambian in rural areas to start producing one hectare of Maize as a way of reducing the cost of mealie meal.

UNIP’s Tilyenji Kaunda called for a return of the cooperatives movement as a way of promoting household food security.

Mr Kaunda also called for prudent management of the country’s local and foreign debt saying under a UNIP government, Zambia will borrow for production and not consumption.

‘As UNIP we will borrow big and invest big, we will not get loans for consumption but invest in productive sectors of the economy so that we can pay back,’ Mr Kaunda said.

The second day of debates which will take place on Thursday will feature UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema, MMD presidential candidate Nevers Mumba, FDD’s Edith Nawakwi, Elias Chipimo of NAREP and Peter Sinkamba of the Green Party.

PF presidential candidate Edgar Lungu is yet to confirm his participation.

52 COMMENTS

    • Waste of time, we all want to hear from PF, UPND.We should stop pretending.

      I also hate premeditated questions, questions should have been tailored to what they stand for and what their motto and what they may have been quoted as saying.

      Most people have made up the persons they will vote for anyway.

      Not impressed

      Thanks

  1. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM VISIONLESS VODKA LUNGU. IM SURE HE CANT AFFORD TO EMBARRANCE HIMSELF.
    MY CASINO IS RUNNING BLOCK AS MY CLIENT IS AWOL.

    • Real voters don’t watch debates. I am a voter but no one can sway me from voting for ECL based on debates. Action speak louder than words. There are people who are public speakers and others are not; but this does not mean that a blubber mouth is a better leader. Even the way Muvi has organised the debate does not appeal to most of us. Why did they not mix the candidates say; the ones last night and add either Nevers/Hakainde or ECL/Nawakwi with the weak ones. Why bring the four heavyweights together? This is just a ploy to start insulting ECL on set. Last time Hakainde withdraw because ECL did not participate. I hope he does not take part again. It is a sheer waste of time. Instead of campaigning, you waste time debating.

  2. This is good for democracy .Zambians should take keen interest to know who will liberate Zambia from economic doldrums.HH should avail himself it will help him sell his manifesto and proof all the doubting thomus wrong.I know it will be interesting and highly competitive debate today.Nawakwi is a strong Candidate with a lot of experience both in Government and cooperate world as well as farmer.She will put up a good fight,Nevers Mumba is very eloquent but I doubt his understanding of economic issues.His charisma however may help him especially that most Zambians are semi illiterate,so they will be just listening to his slung and not points brought out.
    may God reveal the true president of Zambia.Chagwa Lungu will not come and Zambians should not waste time with such pompous people.

    • BA SIDO MARK. EL HAS BEEN EXPLAINING HIS PLANS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THIS COUNTRY IMMEDIATELY HE TOOK OVER AS PRESIDENT OF PF. LISTEN TO HIS SPEECHES ON RALLIES AND AS RECORDED BY VARIOUS MEDIA HOUSES. YOU DONT NEED TO WAIT FOR A DEBATE IN ORDER TO HEAR WHAT ELs PLANS ARE ON CONSTITUTIONAL ROAD MAP OR ROAD CONSTRUCTIONS ETC. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL THIS TIME? UNLESS IT IS SAID ON A DEBATING PLATFORM? THIS TO ME SHOWS THAT YOU ARE SHALLOW MINDED AND ARE JUST LOOKING FOR A SHOW-DOWN.

  3. This is a lot of fresh air from the Munkombwe article where people really spewed a lot of tribalistic trash. I was personally shocked to read all that tribalistic hatred and that we are mired this deep. This is a sign that this country needs a team which will make serious attempts to reverse this polarization, otherwise we are teetering on the brink of disaster! Let all the presidential hopefuls be put through the mill so that we hear from them how they will address this very important issue. To me, this issue is ahead of the economy in importance. We have to live in harmony before we talk of economic issues.

  4. I’ll be happy too to listen to Changwa!! And may I suggest that he should take a kajilijili prior to the debate!! Muvi TV. keep it up the great job.You need be to honoured for your integrity and justice!

  5. Hitler was a good debater but inside the heart he was a terrible
    dictator. Therefore, i can`t change my decision of voting for
    EL because of what i heard in yesterday`s debate or what i will
    hear in today`s debate.

    You who have decided to vote for HH and NM please stick to your
    decisions respectively. Let us all support our good candidates
    happily. Sentiments like this one is a satanist and that one is a
    drunkard won`t change the outcome of the election.

    May God keep on blessing Zambia.

  6. Why does Lungu avoid intellectual debates. I am sure his response will be “Me too” or will wait for HH to talk and copy his words. Lungu if you are reading, make your way to the debate table so Zambian people can see that you cannot be president. I thought lawyers are supposed to be smart people. From his behaviour and words, I am now starting to suspect if he actually passed that bar exam? Or cheated his way to become certified. Also, why does he have a walking stick when he is health? I hope that has nothing to do with evil

    • What intelligent debates? If only every wish came to reality, the world would be a better place. The promises HH is making, do you think that is reality? He is the one copying what His Majesty MCS’s style. For your information, no politician apart from Mr Sata would unseat a sitting president. HH acepa maningi, besides he does not appeal to some of us. Even when he smiles, to me he looks like lucifer’s agent. Viva ECL, viva PF.

  7. Will Munkombwe also attend to reaffirm the ” Bantu Botatwe ” strategy ? Now that the tribalists have exposed themselves !

  8. IT NOW AN OPEN SECRETE THAT ZAMBIANS HAVE MADE A RESOLVE TO VOTE FOR HH INTO STATE HOUSE. HH FITS TO BE ZAMBIA’S NEXT PRESIDENT. VIVA HH VIVA! VIVA UPND VIVA!

  9. This is a good start for Zambia. This kind of interaction is more substantive compared to a public rally. A majority of rallies have never addressed the real issues that the majority Zambians want answers to. This will also give the Zambian people an opportunity to get to know their candidates and what they are worth. Thank you muvi and the media houses that are participating in this important event.

  10. EL IS EVIL AND ALL HIS SUPPORTERS ARE EVIL INCLUDING THE ONE WHO RESPOND TO THIS. LUSAKA TIMES WHERE ARE THE PICTURES FOR KALOMO,CHOMA AND L/STONE. USELESS JOURNALISM

    • The acronym “EVIL” stand for

      E – Edgar
      V- Voted
      I – In
      L- Legitimately on 20th January,2015.

      May God bless the holy people in Zambia and may He have
      mercy upon all sinners. Through the praying and the preaching of the holy ones, i believe Zambia shall be saved in Jesus` name!!

  11. Ba LT, it would be very useful to put a short summary of what each candidate said specifically, to help readers understand each individual party’s view better. Or how about putting a clip so that we get it from the horse’s mouth, hence you will not be accused of mis-quoting any party.

    Lets remember that today’s weak candidate or party might be tomorrow’s main contender. We therefore need good ideas from all. Equally we need to spot visionless parties early. We need to keep track of what they say now and compare with what they will say in future, and thereby spot early, parties that change their philosophies like traffic lights (Red – Green -Red – etc) along the way. We need parties to learn keep their word and – DWTSTWD – ‘Do What They Said They Will Do’ plus a little more.

  12. I don’t think Edgar can articulate himself well. He is more of a cadre and not an intellect. It will be suicidal for PF to expose their man to the debate since he has nothing to offer. He has categorically stated that he has no vision of his own and what is going to tell the people. Under the sun or mark my words Edgar will not attend the debate. Even late Michael Sata was not keen to debate.

    Vote for HH on 20th January 2015.

  13. Patel still shocked at Lungu’s call for bloodshed
    January 15, 2015 3 Comments

    We are shocked and alarmed by footage shown on Muvi TV of PF candidate Edgar Lungu in Kapiri Mposhi in which he appears to make physical threats against the UPND.

    The PF candidate sent irresponsible and confusing messages to his supporters during the rally. His use of a Bemba proverb which translates to ‘you can provoke a child and beat it’ is unacceptable and its use should be condemned by all well meaning Zambians.

    As Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice his claims that PF can wipe us out and beat us is also unacceptable. Furthermore, his statement that the law is on their side is particularly troubling given he currently holds the position of Minister of Justice.

    Lungu must be held to…

  14. to account for his comments and clarify his meaning. He should also be made to step back from his ministerial positions in the interest of free and fair elections. His statement raises concern that he may seek to abuse his position to influence the army and judiciary of the country in his favour.
    In reference to the accusations that Lungu has levelled against UPND cadres we advise him to be careful not to speculate if he has no evidence in support of these claims. Baseless accusations will only serve to discredit him and undermine efforts to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election.
    Violent acts are always condemned in the strongest terms by our leadership and we know that the way to overcome the violence against us is through the ballot box.
    Dipak Patel
    UPND Campaign Manager

  15. Its sad that ZNBC cannot televise such important debates. MUVI TV does not cover the whole country and people are denied the issues being discussed by these presidential candidates. Come on ZNBC you are a NATIONAL BROADCASTER. Wake up and do things right. The debate of today is very important and we all want to listen to it. I am in Solwezi ( Kalumbila Mine) where there is no MUVI TV or HOT FM Radio.

    I am very disappointed. I hope you will record and televise this debate later on to afford all us a chance to listen to it.

  16. There is no need for Edgar Lungu to attend such a sham debate organised by preconceived people. Edgar Lungu is better of continuing with his campaigns with the grass roots than with some “educated fools”as put forward by one chief madzimawe prior to the 2011 elections when they wanted to block Sata with the introduction of the degree clause in the Zambian republican constitution where HH was so excited about.

  17. A person can win a presidential debate with 99.99%, but that is not a guarantee that he will perform well once voted in power. The late President Mwanawasa, State Counsel couldn’t speak very well because of his illness, but in my humble opinion, he is Zambia’s best President ever. Some useless people even called him “cabbage”. Much has to do with the person’s ability to perform.

  18. Edgar reminds me of a friend I had that worked at ZB. Everyday he would drink and even get to carry ka 2.5 of mosi to take home with him. Dude was always mu ma dizzy. One day he got to work and heard a rumor he was about to be fired. Instead of trying to save his job he went striaght and started drinking all he could before the plant manager showed up. Ati” kumwe latu nchito ikalibe kusila”
    Edgar is probably drinking it up in these last days knowing he will be out of power that’s why he has no time for the debate. ABA MA DIZZY !!!!
    We need to know how these candidates intend to reform FRA
    SAVE OUR FARMERS VOTE HH! !!!

  19. Waiting for you Mr Lungu……..Come on now…What’s the problem?

    You’re clearly not afraid of addressing crowds, as your supporters claim you pull crowds to your rallies as never seen before, so what’s the problem! It’s only a few people in front of you at Mulungushi conference centre.

    We need to hear you, as the aspiring president who will represent us on the world stage.

    You must be ready to talk (intelligently & knowledegably) with Obama, German chancellor Angela Merkel, Francois Hollande of France….not to mention the technocrats and highly experienced diplomatic persons. The only one we know you can converse with is Uncle Bob in Zim, but that won’t pass muster.

    So how can we have confidence in your doing this when you are terrified of little Muvi TV?

    • @ jessie wa mu town

      EL will address the whole nation after 20th January and then he
      will represent all Zambians at United nations and SADC summits, dates to be advised soon. I guess your confidence will no longer be
      the same.

      Mind you, this President is humble and wise.

    • @Wisdom
      Point totally missed.

      Google ‘Debate’ and find out what it is and why it’s done. Then ask a friend in your lunch break why presidential candidates do it before the election. Then after 5pm go home and search Youtube for the Live presidential debates that were held before the election.

      Don’t be shy to ask – we all do when we need to. Batila “Kabusha ta kolelwe bowa”

  20. EL will not debate of continuity. Just like his predecessor, he refuses to be transparent.

    I think HH stands to gain votes this evening in
    Lusaka and CB which will determine who walks into state house.

    Let the best man (or woman) win. Save our farmers.

  21. Ati Presidential debate ?!!!!!! Atase with shallow, dull and stupid tailored questions, Underfive satananist who paid for the stupidity must attend with his family, what will Lungu go there to do? Ataseee ! We are serious don’t waste our time Ba Muvi Ba swaini .

  22. ECL does not need to market himself. Thje developmental projects have done the marketing. The opposition are talking about health centers, roads, smalln loans to the youth, constitution and most are been done. They are merely regurgitating what PF is doing. Am voting for what I can see and thats PF AND HE Edgar C. Lungu.

  23. It shall be revealed in future that Hakaivotela paid Costa to arrange the nonsense at Mulungushi. The writings have been on the wall, fake election polls. Did any right thinking Zambian expect the Incoming President to be made a fool of by endorsing such shallow mind games? ECL has shown how to navigate such trickery and he has my vote. VIIVAAA PF!

  24. All people throwing rubbish are hurling it at themselves because people have already settled for Lungu. Waffle all you can and you are only spitting in the wind. PABWATOFYE!

  25. @Cool temple, I seriously think you should be called Hot temper. Cool it man. Wachoka mukubayela olo bwanji?This is a country that your president is going to represent if he wins, not an entity called PF. People want to see and hear how he is going to handle himself when asked questions which masses at a rally don’t ask. They want him to articulate issues to do with their well being. They want him to explain his party’s manifesto so that they will be able to make informed choices. This is standard procedure in all recognized democracies. Nothing peculiar, so don’t blow a gasket!

  26. bembas are generally poor and ignorant how can you kill your wife over Finkubala awe let us chase these people mwe.

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