By Dr. Fredrick Mutesa President, Zambians for Empowerment and Development (ZED)
ENDORSEMENT OF PATRIOTIC FRONT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MR. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU FOR THE FORTHCOMING 11TH AUGUST 2016 GENERAL ELECTIONS
INTRODUCTION
Many of you countrymen and women will recall that our party, Zambians for Empowerment and Development (ZED), fielded candidates for parliamentary and presidential elections in the September 2011 tripartite elections which brought the PF into office. We had hoped to do the same in this year’s elections, but after assessing the situation on the ground and weighing our own chances, we decided against going ahead. It is our hope that, God willing, our party will be able to field candidates at all levels in the 2021 general elections. In the absence of our own direct participation in next month’s elections, we have carefully scrutinized all the presidential candidates and their running mates to decide who to support. After careful analysis and much prayer, we have reached the conclusion that Zambia’s prospects for national unity, peace and equitable development for the period between 2016 and 2021, are brightest with the continued partnership of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Her Honour the vice-president Mrs. Inonge Mutukwa Wina at the helm of the nation. I will now briefly highlight some of the factors we have taken into account in arriving at this decision.
ECONOMY
It is a well-known fact that our nation has gone through very difficult economic times, mainly as a result of neglect by past governments and shocks emanating from the global economy. The energy deficit and low prices of copper on the world market, for example, are cases in point. We are, however, satisfied that President Lungu’s pragmatic leadership has staved off the worst effects of these difficulties upon our society. We believe that President Lungu’s government has taken the right measures to invest in new sources of sustainable energy and has pursued the necessary steps to diversify the economy and reduce its vulnerability to future external shocks. These measures have already begun bearing fruit as evidenced in the reduction in power load-shedding hours and appreciation of the kwacha. We have also observed that investor confidence in our economy has remained high, despite the troubles we have gone through. Many firms have nodded the efforts government is making and have chosen to stay and weather the storm in anticipation of an assured turn-around. We believe that with greater effort on fiscal consolidation to restore macroeconomic stability, Zambia’s economy will rebound and attract even more inflows of both domestic and foreign investments. This should create more jobs for our people and raise incomes, as well as contribute to achieving meaningful reduction in poverty.
NATIONAL UNITY
We have further noted with satisfaction that since President Lungu was elected into office, he has worked round the clock to translate the national motto of one Zambia one nation into reality. This can be seen in the quality of appointments to public office that he has made. One only needs to look at the offices of Vice President, Chief Justice, Attorney General, Bank of Zambia Governor and Inspector General of Police, to mention only a few. The high caliber of the men and women appointed to the newly created Constitutional and Appeals courts, also demonstrate President Lungu’s determination to promote integrity in the dispensation of justice in the nation. Further, in all his appointments, President Lungu has demonstrated heightened sensitivity to ensuring increased women representation in decision-making positions, as well as, involving young people in the running of the affairs of the nation. This is not all. President Lungu has also not discriminated in taking infrastructural development to all parts of the country, including the areas where he did not get majority votes. This is the kind of leader Zambia needs for national unity and equitable development.
CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
With all due respect to Zambia’s past presidents, none of them has matched the political will that President Lungu has demonstrated on constitution-making. Faced with a fresh election awaiting him shortly after the January 20th, 2015 elections that put him in office, many people doubted President Lungu’s resolve to deliver a people driven constitution in accordance with the promise he had made during the campaigns. President Lungu displayed rare courage and honesty in a region where many leaders are busy changing constitutions to prolong their stay in office, despite public protests. President Lungu assented to a constitutional amendment that did not give him any advantage over his opponents. In this, President Lungu showed that he is a selfless leader. This has given hope to citizens that when Zambia needs other constitutional reforms in the future, President Lungu will be a reliable ally. This is one additional reason why we in ZED have also decided to vote yes in the national referendum. We urge all voters to join us and give the yes vote the required numbers to bring this long-delayed and costly exercise to the successful completion that we have all longed for.
RULE OF LAW
We have carefully examined all the allegations leveled against President Lungu that he has been interfering in the operations of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and the outcome of court cases. We have not seen any evidence to substantiate these claims. We can only infer that these allegations are stemming from fears by his opponents that are beginning to sense defeat in next month’s elections.
POLITICAL VIOLENCE
We are one of the political parties that participated in the indaba on political violence organized by the church mother bodies at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross early this year. In that meeting, we carefully observed President Lungu’s conduct and listened to all his answers to questions posed to him. We left the meeting convinced that President Lungu is sincere in wanting to rout violence from Zambian politics. We have since noted that President Lungu has consistently denounced political violence at every available opportunity, without fear or favour. Today, we are happy to note that because of his stance, the police have found fresh courage to begin to courageously combat political violence, regardless of the party affiliation of the perpetrators. There is still a lot to be done to completely stump out this scourge from politics, but we are confident that we are finally on course. What is required is concerted efforts from both the ruling PF and the opposition UPND.
CONCLUSION
In view of the foregoing, we in ZED would like to state that President Lungu has shown great promise and raised hope concerning the future of Zambia. We are thus fully persuaded that President Lungu’s work ethic and other personal virtues make him the right leader to lead our nation to higher heights. Above all, we have noted with deep satisfaction, President Lungu’s faith in God. He is a man who does not pretend that he has solutions to every human problem. He has demonstrated, with good results, that when the chips are down, he is prepared to lead the people in seeking the face of God for divine intervention in the affairs of our land. A case in point is the declaration of 18th October last year as a national day of prayer and fasting, which many Christians have come to acknowledge as the source of the rains that resulted in Zambia producing a bumper harvest in a region where other nations have experienced a severe drought and crop failures.
President Lungu has also shown that he is a pragmatic leader who is willing to consult and revisit policy positions that, though well-intended, may not be working in the best interest of the nation, like he did when he renegotiated the tax regime with the mining companies and met with the women’s movement to listen to their concerns. It is unsurprising therefore that many Zambians see in President Lungu a leader with their interests at heart, one of their own, someone they can easily identify with and a down to earth leader. This is what makes him a humble leader that many have come to recognize and love. President Lungu with his simplicity and winsome personality engenders goodwill among the majority of Zambians.
We in ZED are convinced that President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s victory in next month’s elections is certain. We therefore wish to appeal to the voters to turn out in big numbers all over the country to give him a resounding victory in the August 11, 2016 presidential elections, for enhanced national unity, peace and equitable development in our great nation.
I thank you.
God bless President Edgar Chagwa Lungu!
God bless Zambia!
YES
I’m expecting negative reaction to this report as has become the norm to oppose anything that acknowledges our president. He is sincerely ours and in it for us Zambians. ONE ZAMBIA
Who is Dr Mutesa? How many MPs does his party has in parliament? And how come I have never seen him on the ballot papers in all the previous elections? I hope he brings with him one follower of his party….himself.
Ba Mutesa you have NO FOLLOWING, I doubt if your wife supports you.
How much has ‘Reverse’ oiled you?
THIS CAN’T BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH ABOUT EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU- ECL. THE MAN IS EXACTLY THE WAY THE WRITER HAS DESCRIBED HIM. CHANGING THE CAPTAIN OF THE SHIP WILL MAKE THE SHIP TO SINK. VIVA ECL, VIVA PF, VIVA ZAMBIANS.
What kind of doctorate does this guy hold??I think in Zambia we call all kinds of characters (even those without logic and intellect) doctors. This is a serious problem. Chaps like these are desperate human without a purpose in life. Surely, at your level of education you cannot support an incompetent person like Lungu.
No comment on corruption? This endorsement is economical with the truth and lacks objectivity. Dr Mutesa gets added to the list of doctors who don’t mean s#!+
This chap KNOWS HOW TO GO ABOUT THE LONG ROUTE to just explaining one single word: NJALAAAAAAA!!!
Translation: “HUNGER!!!!!”
Mutesa YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! MAJORITY OF US ZAMBIANS, are just as HUNGRY AS YOU ARE, though WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE A BETTER VISION – THE VISION IS TO BOOT OUT ba “PamaFI” together with “CHAGWA” for whom it is WRITTEN IN THE SKY THAT HE SHALL FALL!! JUST AS HIS PARENTS PREDICTED – HE HAS TO FALL!!
Vote WISELY 11/8/2016!!
VOTE ZAMBIA FORWARD!!
VOTE FOR A UNITED & PROGRESSIVE ZAMBIA!!
VOTE UPND!!
Abantu baya!!
#Chagwamustfal!! #PamaFikuyabebele!!
I thank you!!
TODAY INNOCENT AND HARMLESS PEOPLE HAVE KILLED AND INJURED IN CHAWAMA BY THE PF BRUTAL POLICE FOR WANTING TO EXERCISE THEIR DEMOCRATIC RIGHT TO ATTEND A CAMPAIGN MEETING. IS THIS WHAT DR. MUTESA IS SUPPORTING? PLEASE DON’T ABUSE GO’S NAME. JUST EAT THE MONEY YOU WERE PAID.
I respect Dr Mutesa considerably to comment much, am sure there are other personal reasons underlying this unexpected announcement that has come so late in the day. These things happen I suppose to even the best of us, but principles must be stronger than our stomachs. I leave it there.
“we carefully observed President Lungu’s conduct and listened to all his answers to questions posed to him. We left the meeting convinced that President Lungu is sincere in wanting to rout violence from Zambian politics” Bwana you are not sincere in your analysis. There is total biasiness in your explaination. what you heard from the Prisdent and and what you see on the ground and his reaction to the violence and political murders that have rocked the country in the recent past does not match. Do you need to be reminded of a simple adage that says actions speak louder than words?. If the President is sincere in routing out violence why has he given more power to his cadres than the Police? Are you saying in Zambia Mr Mutesa?
Fred Mutesa is a compromised soul
I have lost ALL respect for this man. Is he being sarcastic when he refers to economy, rule of law, violence and national unity. Maybe he is being blackmailed mwati normal faculty functioning of a “PhD” holder. Anyway they say everyman has a price I just wonder how much his was. What does it gain a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul. A hard earned reputation down the drain.
I guess everyone has a right to their opinion and Dr. Mutesa is just an individual like anyone of us, the ballot is supposed to be secret, why publish about the candidate of your choice? If anyone of us did, LT, will just be full of endorsements.
Dr. Fred Mutesa, I have great respect for you. It is indeed humbling to read your assessment of the qualities of the current leader Edgar C. Lungu, as epitomised in your statement that ” Edgar Lungu does not pretend to have solutions to every human problem”. It is also enlightening to read your sober assessment of the obtaining Zambian political and economic situation. I must say I concur with you in every respect and agree with every statement you have made. This is indeed a very objective assessment. May many share in your wisdom and think more about the greater good of the country in the manner you have done. God bless you, Dr. Mutesa.
HH has a secret child… lol the guy likes to lie too much
This article should have been one sentence. “Why I Endorsed Edgar Lungu-Njala Yaninyokola-Mutesa”
Dr Mutesa has detailed his reasons. If you think otherwise give us your reasons too. We are waiting to read them. For now we agree with the learned Doc and are gearing up to give Lungu and Bo ma Inonge another 5 years mandate.
We respect Dr. Mutesa’s views, but we do not agree. Edgar has been the worst President this country has seen. He has been a disaster for our country! Under him everything that needs to go wrong has gone wrong, including the break down in law and order. I’m not sure what external factors can be attributed to the break down of law and order where PF cadres have taken over the role of the police! If this is not anarchy, what is it?
Dr. Mutesa is spot on! Zambians are not ready to start experimenting with new leadership, we will do it in 2021period.
We not be experimenting on 11 August 2016, we will be voting for HH.
That is experimenting!!!!!!! Does he know how a council runs? or Parliament? or even a cabinet meeting? Or the civil services?
What kind of doctorate does this hold??I think in Zambia we call all kinds of characters (even those without logic and intellect) doctors. This is a serious problem. Chaps like these are desperate human without a purpose in life. Surely, at your level of education you cannot support an incompetent person like Lungu.
@ Ba Wise Commentator,
Dr. Fred Mutesa holds a doctorate in development studies from one on the most highly rated universtity in Germany, the University of Konstanz. Try also doing a PhD there so we see what you will come out with.
ZeDoc, thank you for clarifying. So he is at the same level as Dr Cosmo Mumba and Dr Chishimba Kambwili?
Well spoken Dr Mutesa! . However those are your views and you are entitled to them. I also have my views which makes it senseless to vote for president lungu. I will vote for President HH a man I believe in and Trust . But if he doesn’t satisfy me I will vote him out no strings attached. I don’t need to worship any one apart from God.
Dr Mutesa you have lost my respect.I did not know that you are also wearing tribal glasses. I know your choice of ECL is based on tribe.I say so because ECL has no qualities of a president going by his lifestyle, morality and his poor health resulting from his bad lifestyle habits. A well educated don of Mutesa’s stature can only fear HH because he is Tonga and if he becomes president all those from North eastern Rhodesia would suffer. This fear of un known is frightening just like whites in USA thought if a black man rules America will bring a lot of blacks from Africa and kill a lot of whites. Obama become president yet nothing of that sort happened. So give HH a chance and I believe GBM is there to control HH there is nothing to worry.The economy will be better.
Iwe chi Sido Mark Uli chitonga, you are just hiding in the name of Sido Mark, foolish you! You will not rule Zambia period.
Word whats up!!!
Lungu is no leader.If he was a good leader he was going to condemn gun trotting chama and tribalist kambwili for causing divisions i the country
It is exactly my assessment Dr. How fortunate we are as a country to have a God fearing & humble President who has achieved so much in 18 months than any previous president who served longer terms. President Lungu is now the only candidate championing the Bill of Rights which is the most serious binding political commitment to deliver to the poor. The others are busy praising themselves & their money. How is it possible that anyone can have something against such a God sent person unless something else is motivating such hate. God Bless Zambia
Word!! You are spot on sir!!
If Lungu can still maintain Chama who shot somebody,Kambwili who talks of tribalism and promotes violence then Mutesa must becoming from another world.
The only happy thing is that you have no single Councilor and MP in Zambia.You are just supporting the party alone dear.
This is not Zambia we knew where PF cadres have over powered the police and the President is quite.
Now PF cadres have even taken over land for OP officers on the instructions from Edgar Lungu. What a country!
But Ba Tonga bazativuta na HH wabo. Please wait until 2057.
DR. Mutesa, U lectured me at UNZA in the 90’s, but I beg to differ.
Please do some sontering:-
SONTA:- LOADSHEDDING
SONTA:-KWACHA BLEEDING
SONTA:-MINE RETRENCHMENTS
SONTA:-CADRE VIOLENCE
SONTA:-XENOPHOBIA
SONTA:-YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
SONTA:-HIGH MEALIE-MEAL PRICE
SONTA:-K23MILLION AFTER JUST AFTER 1YR IN OFFICE
SONTA:-CLOSURE OF CBU & UNZA
SONTA:-LATE SALARIES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS
SONTA:- SENSELESS TRANSFERS OF CIVIL SERVANTS
SONTA:-DEPLETED RESERVES
SONTA:-$7BILLION DEBT
SONTA:-DRUNK PARTIES IN STATE HOUSE
LIST IS TOO LONG BANE..
Umutonga alishupa bad. opposing fyonse using eastern and northen names. Twanaka na kasaka wenu
Mulalansala keep on dreaming UPND is not for Tongas now.Iam pure Bemba but I can tell Lungu is not presidential material ba PF twabwelapo fye.HH ni mbama.
Please leave Dr.Mtesa alone to voice his opinion on the way he sees things. If he was a nonentity LT would not have bothered to put his posting on their site and you would have just ignored it. But it is known that it matters a lot for the key political players HH and Edgar what type of support one gets. Take for example that HH has lost some support and gain some too,the same goes with Edgar but what matters is the quality of support each one gets. One can get Lupando and Bashi Nono they both do not have MPs or Councilors just like Dr.Mtesa but let us examine their political and moral background and see who could be a more reliable supporter of their preferred candidate! You would find that Dr.Mtesa is a much more reliable ally and his followers however few they may be!
Very embarrassing. Hunger has made the Dr. with his PHD endorse Lungu. Those “doctors” we have in Zambia, it is just title without survival skills.
@Orange,
Dr. Fred Mutesa left a teaching job with UNZA as a full-time employee. If he was hungry he would probably have stuck on with UNZA.
(PHD)Permanent head damage.Napena Dokota ne Nsala lol lol.
Fredrick Mutesa, you are mother fuc.ker and I hope you rot in hell!! Lungu is killing so many people and you are saying this sh.it! You pr.ik.
Dr mutesa has managed to pack a million wisdoms for 15million zambians in a few paragraphs. only those sensing to suffer impending defeat will not appreciate.thanks doctor
Zambian is not ready to have a tribalist for a president VIVA ECL VIVA PF! One Zambia One Nation, One Nation, One leader, Edger C Lungu mpaka 2021. Believe it or Not PF is wining. God blesses the humble and exhorts them. The Big headed devils in red and blood thirty who have grouped them selves within a short period of time out of jealousy will Fall. Edger is a CHAMPION no wonder the Late SATA liked him and entrusted him with all powerful positions in Government. Ask, Winter, GBM, Sampa and Scott they will attest to this. Edger outnumbered them, hence they became so JEALOUSY and left PF. There is no proper explanation to their departure from PF apart from POWER HUNGRY AND JEALOUSY.
For long I have been a non participant in these arguments. As usual baka chema balila fye…. wait for the outcome of the election results…when we shall see hh crying again.
The humble shall triumph nafuti nafuti. The hungry shall be more hungry. They shall eat their cows and ask gbm to provide mealie meal to celebrate their big loss.
Presidential abilities are demonstrated through ones ability to understand problems faced by people. It is utter nonsense to vote in a person who worked against the wishes of the people in selling their assets. Ignore this factor at your own peril. HH is far from presidential predestination. Edgar’s vulnerability puts him at every endorsement. Capital politics will be at the centre of UPND and yet the direction is the left for the Zambians. We have achieved the middle income status and money is going into people with money, Zambians rely on raw resource which must be protected for them. Only Edgars position as Presido saves that obligation. I wish UPND had someone else inclined to the people. If HH wins it will be regionally inclined and will be a positive shift to people becoming poorer…