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You Reap What you Sow: Lessons from Zambia’s Elections

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UPND Founder Anderson Mazoka at his house with the Joshua Nyirenda, the leader then leader of UPND UNZA underground branch in 2000
UPND Founder Anderson Mazoka at his house with the Joshua Nyirenda, the leader then leader of UPND UNZA underground branch in 2000

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By Joshua C. Nyirenda, PhD, Richmond VA, USA.

The country needs to heal at the moment, which may make some of the observations I make in this piece not suitable for the moment. I do realize however, that some lessons are best learnt while the wounds are still hurting.

In some cases, the content of this piece is not based on verifiable fact, but widely believed theories some of which are still classified information by the Zambian government. Like William Edwards Deming said, without data I am just another person with an opinion.

Therefore, some of what I write is my opinion. It is said that opinions are like noses; everyone has got one and it usually has a couple of holes in it. Take this piece for its worth while recognizing that you also have the right to hold an opinion that has a couple of holes in it.

Mazoka the Great

UPND Founder Anderson Mazoka at his house with the Joshua Nyirenda, the leader then leader of UPND UNZA underground branch in 2000
UPND Founder Anderson Mazoka at his house with the Joshua Nyirenda, the leader then leader of UPND UNZA underground branch in 2000

Before I venture into the substance of this piece, I would like to preempt misconceptions that some readers may arrive at by the time they are done reading this piece. I would like to set out by saying that I am not against any tribe, but I am against tribalism because of its cancerous nature on Zambian unity and progress. This is true regardless of which tribe perpetrates it. Therefore, whether it is Counter Nega Nega, Authentic Nega Nega, or wako ni wako, they all are despicable.

I would like to showcase my non-tribal agenda by mentioning that I used to be an ardent follower of the great Anderson Kambela Mazoka, and a diehard UPND member. In fact, I also bought into the cause that I led the UNZA underground UPND branch, serving as its chairman. I, along with my colleagues, supported Mazoka’s vision.

At one point, we were discouraged by widespread perceptions of tribalism within the UPND which undermined our mobilization efforts. We therefore confronted Mazoka to express our frustration, demanding that he provides an explanation.

He explained that he founded the party not based on tribalism, but that his tribesmen, unsolicited, coalesced around him. He explained that he needed all the support he could get to advance the cause and was not going to turn away any support. He was very convincing in his expression of patriotism and vision for a united and prosperous Zambia.

This was further evidenced by the national character of his National Management Committee. I supported him, believed in his vision and his credentials. To this day I believe that Mazoka, the president that never became, would have become one of the greatest Zambian presidents if not the greatest. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

The MMD sowed rigging, the country is reaping distrust

I believe that if there was an election that was rigged in Zambia, it was the first election of Mwanawasa; they stole the presidency from Mazoka, with the help of the likes of Vernon J Mwanga (it is believed). MMD sowed rigging and reaped mistrust.

I hence understand where the perpetual distrust and paranoia by the UPND stems from. At the time Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) was not common as ECZ central tabulation was the final authority. Attempts by the likes of Chavula to compromise the system could, and in fact did, do lots of damage at that time. Fortunately, Mwanawasa knowing how he came to power, sought to gain legitimacy through good governance and legitimately won his second bid.

It turned out well, but his ascendancy to power was still shrouded in infamy. A positive result from that infamous election was the birth (or the widespread use) of the PVT system; an important lesson was learnt to use a PVT system to stop Chavulagates from causing damage if and when such breaches succeed.

Today, even if a Chavula were successful at manipulating the final tallies at the central tabulation location, the verified PVT tallies would contradict the central figures and would hence be disputed by several monitoring agencies and party agents. I think rigging is quite hard these days in Zambia, unless agents of other parties and independent monitors are chased from polling stations.

May I add to say that if there are some who can beat this current system, then they are so talented that perhaps she should tap them for cybersecurity. The potential, for “rigging” (as in unfair rules and playing ground) is not as much at the point of counting and tabulation as it is in the precipitating events before that. This is why unfair media coverage, the unfair public order act, violence and intimidation are more lethal under this current system.

The curious question as Edith Nawakwi observes, that should be added to the debate and contention being presented by the UPND, is: how did south experience 70% + turn outs without experiencing significant voting delays and yet other parts of the country which had less voter turnout had delays and some people turned away?

HH sowed, he is reaping what he sowed

Hakainde Hichilema (HH) took over the UPND using the support by his tribesmen (who coalesced around Mazoka) to outdo Sakwiba Sikota, Bob Sichinga, Tiens Kahenya, and Benny Tentamashimba etc., who were in the succession line, exploiting tribal links to establish the foundation of his reign. Since then, I lost confidence in HH’s ability to lead because I saw an element of self that was above country.

I speculate that this was the turning point for most people’s positive view of the UPND and HH in particular. He sowed tribalism, and he has reaped tribalism. Understandably, the suspicion surrounding Mazoka’s loss and even his death before he reclaimed the presidency that was rightfully his, led to bitterness within the UPND.

This bitterness and paranoia fogged up UPND’s long term strategy and bigger goals to the extent that the illusion was that only someone with a similar identity and business acumen would be the best replacement for Mazoka. This however was a miscalculation because people now saw HH’s tribe before they even got to his credentials.

This was somewhat justified because in fact tribalism was the fuel that HH used. I strongly believe that as a result of this history, the task of uniting the country would be a challenging ordeal for HH.

The UPND’s opportunity was hence lost to unseat Mwanawasa (ichibumba) the second time around. Mwanawasa aggressively sought to win people’s affection and confidence by shaking of the tag of “cabbage” claiming (I might add) that he was in fact “steak”. By Mwanawasa’s second term bid he had earned my support; I had long fled the UPND.

Zambia sowed, it reaped

I still contend, as I did then, that the worst miscalculation in Zambia’s election history was the election of Michael Sata and PF. The record is there for all to see and to a large degree persists in the PF to this day. Not only did Sata embody what was wrong with Zambian politics (as observed in his record of the FTJ third term bid, his brutal politics and the Chawama machete incident), but his party also took on that character while the majority of his core team did not inspire any confidence.

My opinion during the 2011 election, was that as distasteful as RB was, it would have been better to re-elect him in order to buy some time. I say this because his re-election would have been the last he could have served (due to term limitation), while the MMD was on its last leg (due to decreasing popularity).

Electing RB would therefore have bought Zambia more time to find a credible alternative while the old guard (including Sata) and MMD faded away, while at the same time avoiding a jump from the frying pan to the fire. Despite his offensiveness and perceived corruption, (and trust me I too found RB to be offensive, insolent and even uncharismatic) RB continued the positive economic trajectory that Mwanawasa left. Honestly, RB’s ejection from state house, I believe, was a result of the tendency by Zambians to be influenced by emotional voting vs. strategic voting; the practice of angrily voting out distasteful candidates without carefully considering the caliber of the replacements. We fell prey to the machinations and manipulation campaign, through the media, by a clique who had personal scores to settle with RB and whose business interests were threatened by his reign.

On to Edgar, he too is sowing – he has the chance to nurture the fruit for future generations

I have no doubt that under the current rules and system Lungu legitimately won this past election. Is the system perfect? It certainly isn’t. Did he take advantage of the system’s imperfections and inefficiencies? He certainly did, as did all the other candidates to some extent.

Is there a perfect electoral system on earth? Don’t even waste your breath asking! Do we have room to improve the Zambian electoral system? We certainly do and should continue to do so with utmost urgency. To be clear, I am equally not a fan of Edgar Lungu; he to a large extent still carries the legacy of Sata, although he has for the most part demonstrated better leadership than his predecessor.

He however still remains with the leadership structure left by Sata. He has to prove himself and win legitimacy beyond the narrow 50% +1 he got. This also starts with the people he surrounds himself with. This time, he has a fresh mandate and does not need to side with powerful politically entrenched crooks to protect his political interests. He has to redeem himself from the blemishes his close confidantes like Kaiser Zulu or Chama have amassed.

I believe that Zambia this time narrowly avoided the trap of emotional voting. With Lungu’s re-election the country has the opportunity to reorganize and strengthen the opposition and find credible alternatives. If the PF does not redeem itself in the next five years kuya bebele in 2021.

UPND has to get past the paranoia, pick themselves up and reorganize. I strongly believe that starts with replacing HH whose record losses do not serve him well and in whom the majority does not have confidence even against a weak PF. Taking a leaf from other democracies such as the USA, you notice that even the best of candidates leave the stage allowing others the opportunity to also try their bid to win the white house.

The wamuyayaya syndrome must end, and this must be true of intraparty democracy. Individuals are not saviors or more important than the cause they advance. Sometimes it is important to step aside for others to step in, because if one truly loves the country, they quickly realize that it is not about them but about the country and that there are more ways than one to contribute to the development of our country.

Respectfully, Mr. Hichilema needs to start pondering these questions. Mr. Lungu, you came close to ejection at statehouse although with slightly better performance than the bye-election. Your task, Mr. Lungu is to reunite the country by earning people’s affection as LPM did, through the demonstration of patriotism and the fight against corruption. Zambia is at a crossroads and Mr. Lungu you happen to be in the driver’s seat at this juncture.

The seed you choose to plant now, the direction you decide to take, will have consequences for many generations to come.

The constitutional court is sowing; they can determine the Harvest

The constitutional court (ConCourt) has a major task ahead. Although I am not exactly sure about the mandate the ConCourt is charged with, my understanding (and I may be mistaken) is that it plays the role of interpreting the constitution.

If that is strictly the case, then I am of the opinion that it is not the right venue to challenge the elections, if the challenge will have anything to do with rigging allegations. It would be more appropriate to take to the ConCourt disputes on issues like who should act as president during a petition, disputes on if the 50%+1 rule was correctly applied etc., so that rulings from this court are more derivative of its guidance on the correct interpretation of the law than it is about the adjudication itself.

The high and supreme courts can deliberate on adjudication of interparty disputes to assess losses and determine appropriate remediation. Therefore if the argument is about rigging then the proper venue should be the high court. If the petition is anchored in some constitutional issues, the ConCourt is the appropriate venue.

If this case goes before them, the ConCourt should be careful the way they proceed because they are setting precedence. I agreed with their interpretation of the ministerial tenure upon dissolution of parliament, but I have questions about their interpretation of disposition of cases that commenced under the old constitution. The principle of grandfathering allows for stability and continuity during constitutional transition to avoid confusion.

To apply old cases to new rules creates confusion and sets a precedent that has serious consequences. For instance, since the PF was not elected under a 50%+1 rule which was required under the amended constitution, they would have ceased to be legal the day the constitution was enacted. That was not the case, and would not be in any other country. Similarly, that interpretation potentially sets a precedent to allow Lungu to run for one additional term.

The constitutional Court is setting precedence that will have lasting effects. They are sowing and should sow wisely because the fruit, good or bad will be harvested by many generations long after they are all gone.

I would like to conclude by encouraging us all, as a nation, not to run away from the truth or make up convenient truths. Let us call a spade a spade, learn some tough lessons from our shortcomings and vow never to let them blur our vision or affect the success of our future. God bless the great, hospitable and peaceful nation of Zambia.

The Author is a Health Services researcher based in the USA, with training in Public Policy Analysis and Health Policy.

Dr. Joshua Nyirenda
Dr. Joshua Nyirenda
editor
editorhttp://www.lusakatimes.com

121 COMMENTS

  1. Our Tongaism has crash landed leaving its offshoots resorting to xenophobia and burning of own markets and clinics.

    ETHNIC CLEANSING ATTACKS HITS UPND STRONGHOLDS
    “58 Households Displaced in Namwala Alone ”
    58 Zambian from other parts of the Country who lived in Namwala district now are internally displaced persons camped at Namwala Secondary due to polictical attacks by UPND Supporters after the 11th August Elections.
    Lying in his hospital bed is Mr Green Mwale Fisherman from from Namwala Nursing Spear wound in Namwala Hospital who was attacked by Suspected UPND Supporters after the Election.

    • Your hatred for HH yakunyokola: you are writing out of vengeance. ANyirenda, your tribalism shows through and through;praising things that are not praiseworthy.

    • Spot on! Reason why finding a tonga who is not UPND is impossible, unless that tonga has smelled a job opportunity like Brian Hapunda. Lozis have also joined the band wagon because finding a lozi who is not UPND has also become a rare sight. The seeds were swon a long time ago indeed. Some things will never change

    • Joshua, ignore insults from Tonga Impis. This is a very rational write up with flawless sting on both political divides. Tonga Impis will always take offense on any rebuke on HH. Love or hate it the truth is stands. HH is a misplaced resource in Zambian politics. Too Angry and hateful for nothing. Yes i restate it here, Kambele is gone with his dream at Kumalende. HH is too stiff tribalist dangerous to lead a diverse nation. To him tribalism is a passport for UPND leadership. There is nothing he has done to sanitize himself of the tribal clout that birthed his leadership for Zambians to buy in. Laundering around some criminals far shot of virtue is not leadership we need. On ECL, we will watch him with roving eyes that he expends his political capital expeditiously for the common good. He…

    • A very good article. Most of the things u have said are true. I am also a founder member of UPND and supported Mazoka until he died. I left UPND on the same reasons of tribalism. This was before Sata or Lungu where anywhere near power. The problem with Tongas is that they fail to work with others. Yes we all knew that Mazoka was theres but segregating members from other tribes is what made me leave. A Bemba formed PF but they will never segregate a member from other tribes reason why PF is now run by someone from the east and everyone has welcomed him. This is how it should. GBM and others have managed to win some votes for UPND in lsk, CB and nothern becuase people thought UPND is now not tribal but with the happenings in thier strongholds after elections, I can assure u the party is…

    • …… I can assure u the party is going back to square one. HH should have quickly addressed his people to stop Violence. My appeal to GBM, Sampa, Guy, Lupando, Maureen, is open your eyes and see what your president has brought us…Tribalism…Leave HH alone. He is no good for our country. If you love our country and your party UPND, encourage him to adress his people. they are killing your brothers and sisters in southern Province who are not Tongas.

    • Perhaps the best statements in this write up are in the prologue; and that is… “. the content of this piece is not based on verifiable fact” …and goes on..”without data I am just another person with an opinion” and then “what I write is my opinion. It is said that opinions are like noses;”

      The sense of smell needs a checkup and a boost!

    • Nyirenda, you are a funny chap – am trying to figure, is this article about SELF BRAGGING, or COMMENTING ON AN ELECTION WHOSE OUTCOME STILL RESTS WITH THE CON-COURT????

      As far as your article goes, ye with some presumed truths, SEEMS TO HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT UPND HAS LOST OUTRIGHTLY & THE REASON HAS BEEN TRIBALISM – COMPLETELY IGNORING ALL THE EVIDENCE OF RIGGING AS WELL AS THE SHODDY PERFORMANCE OF ECZ, which by all REALITY, “Mbuli Chulu”, PROBABLY JUST WOKE UP EACH & EVERY DAY & BLURTED OUT FIGURES HE HAD DREAMT UP, BUT EMBARRASSINGLY SO, THAT THE FIGURES ON THEIR OFFICIAL WEBSITE WOULD BE SO DIFFERENT – I guess for YOU, THAT ALL IS TRIBALISM!!!!!

      YOU HAVEN’T EVEN WAITED TO SEE WHETHER ZAMBIA HADN’T REALLY VOTED FOR UPND!

      THIS UNFORTUNATELY, is why ZAMBIA IS SO…

    • ……SO BACKWARD!!! IT IS SO SAD, CONSIDERING A HUGE AMOUNT OF NATIONAL WEALTH WAS PUT UP TO FREELY EDUCATE ZAMBIANS, in order that WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN IN SUCH A QUAGMIRE, being led by “Equine Quaggers”!!! YOURSELF A PURPORTEDLY “SMART EDUCATED ZAMBIAN” FEELS YOU HAVE TRULY ANALYSED & EXHAUSTED THE TRUTH ABOUT THE OUT COME OF THIS ELECTION – in bemba, we say, “Tekanya mune, shi mina amate, epo ta ula posa amashebo!!”

      WE await CON-COURT!!

      I thank you!!

    • Probably the only accurate write-up ever posted on LT on this issue, and the twists and turns it has taken to bring us to where we are now.

      I have always insisted that trying to have SELECTIVE AMNESIA when talking about matters of tribalism will only help sustain the life of this Monster called TRIBALISM. UPND folks have a tendency of skating around the issue of how HH attained the UPND Presidency. But are quick to scapegoat and blame others, especially Bembas, for their political miscalculations. They were too complacent in dealing with matters that eventually associated UPND with negative tags such as TRIBAL PARTY or REGIONAL PARTY. They thought if they ignored the issue people will simply forget and move on. Well, people have long memories.

      Even what is going on right now, no…

    • continue…

      …one in the SENIOR UPND LEADERSHIP seem concerned with reports of ATTACKS on fellow INNOCENT CITIZENS living in their so called strongholds. They don’t seem to appreciate the fact that their perceived inaction could be interpreted as ENCOURAGEMENT to their Party thugs to continue brutalising innocent people. But the potential of further alienating more Citizens whose support they will surely need in future elections is immense—why the can’t this simply defies common sense. Up to now no UPND senior official, like HH himself, has come out in the open and unequivocally, without any caveats, condemn and disown what is going on in Namwala and other parts of SP, WP, and NWP.

      And therein lies the problem—being shortsighted for short term gains while doing irreparable…

    • continue…

      …damage to the UPND Party image—just like what happened after Mazoka died and the “only a Tonga can succeed…” comments were made. And they NEVER seem to learn a thing. Go figure!

    • THE CON-COURT, has only one duty here, TO DETERMINE WHETHER “Chagwa anagwa chinangwa”, WON THIS ELECTION BY 50%+1 or NOT!!

      TO PROVE THIS, they have TO BE FULLY SATISFIED THAT THE CONDUCT OF THE ELECTION WAS ABOVE PAR!

      Meaning ECZ’s FIGURES ARE TRUE & CAN BE SUBSTANTIATED & REPRODUCED BY A RECOUNT!!!
      Meaning NO ILLEGAL CHARACTERS WERE EVER APPREHENDED IN THE ICT TABULATION CENTRE & COULDN’T EXPLAIN THEMSELVES!!!
      MEANING THUGS & PIGS LIKE KAIZER WERE NOT NOW TRANSPORTING BOXES, instead of ONLY ECZ OFFICIALS!!
      MEANING DR MWANAWASA Didn’t FIND 32,000 VOTES IN A DUSTBIN!!!

      IF ALL THOSE ACTIVITIES DO NOT STRIKE AN IOTA OF DOUBT IN THE CON-COURT JUDGES, then one can SAFELY CONCLUDE THEY ARE A TRUE REFLECTION OF HOW ZAMBIA VOTED, & THUS CONFORMS TO 50%+1,
      IF ON THE OTHER HAND,…

    • ……OTHER HAND, THERE IS EVEN AN IOTA OF DOUBT AS TO THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE BALLOTS, then Chagwachinangwa COULD NEVER HAVE CROSSED THE 50%+1 mark, thus as per constitution, HE IS NOT PRESIDENT ELECT!!!! A RE-RUN IS REQUIRED!!!!

      THIS IS WHERE IT NOW BECOMES INTERESTING, UPND WILL THEN HAVE TO SUBPOENA ECZ in either THE HIGH COURT OR SUPREME COURT to charge THAT THEY HAVE DISMALLY FAILED TO CARRY OUT FREE & FAIR ELECTIONS, as such “Mbuli Chulu” & his THUGS PRESENCE IN ECZ IS UNTENABLE, THEY WILL HAVE TO BE STOOD DOWN – THIS IS UNCHARTED TERRITORY, the Constituion DOESN’T ADDRESS A MALIGNED ECZ, thus between THE SUPREME & CON- COURTS, they will have to lay a PRECEDENT – DISMISSING THE KNOBS AT ECZ & REPLACING THEM!!!

      WE await THE CON-COURT & THE DRAMA THAT LIES AHEAD!!

      I…

    • Dr Nyirenda Mwanawakwitu.Let me start by commending for accepting that tribalism is real in Zambia and that VJ riged the 2001 election denying Mazoka to rule.I want to strong disagree with you when you say HH has been rejected by Zambians.UPND has been widely accepted by most people in Barosteland as its only hope to liberate them from highly institutionalized tribalism in Zambia.The un written code that no Tonga or Lozi should never rule Zambia by our brothers who hail from North Eastern Rhodesia has pushed the People of North Western Rhodesia to the limit.It has become clear that election will always be rigged to denial them a chance to rule.The rule of law has completely broken down,has allowing these problems in North western Rhodesia.Poeple don’t trust police,hence they are…

    • Why put a picture on your article and your name, This guy is a job seeker and I am sure he is working in one of those jobs in the USA, Looking after the old.

    • Instead of wasting time on insults and counter-insults, blame game, abuse, the crux of this article is:

      1. Instead of talking to the point the author had to give a long background to create his independence and fairness. It is a political disease common in African continent
      2. Constitution Court is to interpret the Constitution to guide citizens and the court alike
      3. All disputes relating to elections are still to go to normal courts

      Based on this it seems UPND’s petition might be referred to High Court, as ConCourt (it is not a right abbreviation-it sounds like a CON court-conman court) does not get into details, evidence production, verification, witnesses etc. Its job ends at interpretation of Constitution and then the details of wrong doings are to be settled in a normal…

    • Lungu brought Wako ni wako and on other hand chose Inonge hoping to do a usual trick of divide and rule by the Bemba supremacy.HH brought GBM to extend an Olive branch to the Bembas this move was rejected by the bembas.In Chase we call this as Check mate.The country is at dead lock neither ECL or HH can rule Zambia.The sleeping Tongas and Lozis have woken to wako ni wako.Looking at the population Zambia is divided into there is no one with strong advantage.All Government programs will stall or come to halt.The question now is what should Zambia do save us from divinding Zambia into two?The answer lies in a GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY.let ECL and HH meat to discuss the way forward.should ECL and the Bembas feel that they can rule by force ignoring the feeling of the people of northern…

    • Zambia shall be saved – A GNU is not possible and should not be encouraged until HH respects the Presidency and ECL. The arrogance of HH is an impediment to working together. HH has created an atmosphere around himself of “no one but me”. An intelligent guy would have long worked out a plan to work with ECL soon after the demise of Mr. Sata. This time we would not be in this situation, but being run by two graduates of a younger generation.

    • The issue is that Zambia has become so tribalism that any write-up based on the surname of the author might be misunderstood. a Nyirenda will write nothing good about HH, hence this writing leaning towards the fact of keeping RB in power? My question is why didn’t you write how RB has influenced Lungu to be who he is? He compromised MMD because RB did not want Nevers Mumba to take over? hence moving every RB follower to PF. It’s sad how we can be emotionally tribe based and mislead people without looking at the actual root-cause.

      Scholars like you Nyirenda should write articles that should bring unity than further divide Zambia. It’s a shame to look at how Zambians have failed our One Zambia One Nation motto by being so tribal in all we do. Do we think how people have so much…

    • Lungu has just closed MuviTV, Komboni Radio, Itezhi-tezhi radio. What does our “doctor”have to say?

      Read my earlier comment. Lets not follow blindly just because someone is your tribesman. Think out of the box Dr. Nyirenda. Zambian democracy is beyond a tin-pot dictator whose mentor is Museveni.

  2. Hi Nyirenda (Dr),
    Very interesting article you write. I have but all lost it in the interest of events back home. Its enlightening. I for one supported UPND but the response, behaviour and comments of our brothers from Southern Province after a loss that may not be at all is been very scaring. The tribal tag attached was all there even though HH tried to show otherwise. Its fake. God knows what would happen if a Tonga Ruled. I hope we can have an emerging leader from Northwestern. I believe they can be most neutral to unite Zambia. Trust am from Luapula and we also showed our worst. Lol. Am also not an ECL supporter as he is the most corrupt and has a knack for abrogating the laws of the country with impunity. Although with this record I still believe its better to have a stick in your…

    • Eye than a whole chilli (Tonga). I hope the constitutional Court rules against HH by gods grace as we need stability. I feel so betrayed. I think even Nostradamus and Ndobo are scratching heads a bit.
      We just don’t have an alternative. Period.
      Why cant HH make a media stamen and talk to his people now. If there is a rerun all the Bembas and other tribes that supported HH to get just sub 50% will turn away. Infact its the best that can happen. He will go down to 36. Just the Tonga population unless he takes a stance.
      Thanks People.
      The last Post

      Cat Power

    • Everyone talks of rigging but there has never been real tangible proof but allegations. Every allegation is a dead end. It is high time we veered away from conspiracy theories and start relying hard cold impeachable proof.

    • @ cat power,
      all zambians must be scratching their heads because lungu is not the best option,
      Us from green party are non tribal, that’s why everyone zambian must be allowed to smoke

    • @catpower & Ndodo,
      Uyu Nyerenda shouldn’t be analyzing politics, he writes too much as if he writing why Zambia has failed to eradicate HIV.
      He brings Tongas again.
      Even in USA, Texas is for Republicans, even if a candidate is black like Carson.
      Catpower can tell us about aboriginals.
      HH has matured, and he decided to learn almost all Zambian languages. His rallies in Bemba were hilarious. Ka Edgar can also just go and campaign in Tonga, its a simple language to us smart Bembas.

    • @Cat Power Do not forget that if HH goes away then we are back to one Political party state, Political parties in Zambia centre on one person, PF on Sata, UPND on HH, I can assure you that if PF gets out of Government that will be the end coz Sata the owner is not there. this is a fact and if you love Zambia you should be praying that HH sticks in there until we have another strong opposition to challenge the guys in power. MMD is dead, NARP just on paper, FDD no direction, Rainbow just in the post, Green party is just ichamba.

    • Exactly. I also feel betrayed by the HH group. Please forget and thank those of us that voted for you. My brothers in Southern province are just being fooled otherwise let the law visit those found wanting.

  3. Boss go and refresh your brains or come back to Zambia and see the situation clearer. UPND this time is the people’s choice not the trash you are saying. UPND is more representative than ever before. Today in Zambia people who mention tribalism are more tribalistic than the people they accuse and you could be one. enjoy your time in foreign land before you come to continue W/Wako. the youngman lost.

    • If they are representative how come they still show strength in one part of the country? UPND got over 34% of their votes from southern province that is one third. That is not being representative. You also have to look at where their MPs are coming from. So don’t throw around terms like representative so loosely. It remains a regional party.

    • Yes, UPND this time is the people’s choice in 3Provinces out of 10. PF,on the other hand, is the people’s choice in 6 Provinces out of 10. 1 Province was shared between PF and UPND.
      For UPND to win elections they need two more provinces and must pray that voter apathy continues in PF strongholds.
      They also can do well to remove from their constitution the article that only a Tonganoxie can be president of the party.

  4. Nice piece Dr Nyirenda – as a former monk and ex service man I was also one of the monks pa monk square back in 2001 that supported Mazoka and voted for him at the UNZA sports hall which was the polling station- I recall Gen Abubakar the former Nigerian Head of State came to monitor the elections at the UNZA polling station. Mazoka was a leader, HH (the Hungry Hyena) is a boss. You have accurately put it- the Concourt’s role is not to impose a decision on us on whether HE ECL won but to interpret based on what the United Party for National Destruction (UPND) brings as a legal argument to this challenge strictly based on constitutional matters. Further to this UPND is in itself also accused of electoral malpractice- the evidence is there of ballot boxes being stolen and dumped in their…

    • Use numbers because numbers don’t lie Dr Nyirenda mwanawakwitu,UPND has grown from were Mazoka left it by 50%.It has captured 100% southern,99%western,99% North western,60%Central and 45% Lusaka and Copperbelt.PF is shrinking it has lost a number of Mps in western,central and CB.Though to won Nothern,Eastern,CB Luapula and LSK ,the so called Muchinga is too small I call it Nothern province.in short both ECL and HH have won in 4 provinces.UPND has 55Mps from 30 and PF has 86MPs from almost 100.Come 2021 there will be no PF make my word.No new party will the muscle of UPND and HH is going no were.The voting pattern will remain the same.

    • Yes, Mr Nyirenda has a very strong argument. However, I strongly disagree with his claim that the 2001 election between Mazoka and Mwanawasa was rigged. Mazoka was a very lovable politician but he couldn’t by any means beat Mwanawasa. Remember, some people if not most Zambians wanted Levy Mwanawa to face kk in 1991. So bringing back Levy was like fulfilling the dream of those Zambians who thought Chiluba was a mistake. Those were people from all corners of Zambia.

  6. Good article, please find means of sneaking this article to kalusa so he can know he took a wrong direction with his petition

    • Joshua, very rational write up with flawless sting on both political divides. Hope Tonga Impis will appreciate why we say HH is a misplaced resource in Zambian politics. The dream of Kambele was buried at Kumalende. HH is too stiff and angry tribalist dangerous to lead a diverse nation. To him tribalism is a passport for UPND leadership. There is nothing he has done to sanitize himself of the tribal clout that birthed his leadership for Zambians to buy in. Laundering around some criminals far shot of virtue is not leadership we need. On ECL, I will watch him with roving eyes that he expends his political capital expeditiously for the common good. He has the mandate to clean the house and set Zambia for a Great take off.

  7. You are right about Sata. He hijacked the Nation with his 90 days lies.

    Unfortunately Lungu is his protégé and as he has demonstrated so definitively in the campaign, his goal is to hold onto power not because he has a plan and the interests of the Zambian people uppermost, but for his own personal gain.

    The 2.3 million dollars he has managed to acquire in such a short time has only whetted his appetite for more, irrespective of the state of the economy or the sufferings of the majority of Zambians. This is amply evidenced by his deception and avoidance of debate on the real issues.

    It’s not too late to get Zambia back on track, but it will not happen with Lungu in charge.

  8. Dr’s of these days make me wonder if logical and objective thinking is lost along the way. This Dr needs to be factual and objective. Everyone knows that this election was rigged and Lungu is not president even his insistence to unconstitutionally hold the office of president speaks volumes. It’s not about tribe here but competency and the future of our country. These people borrowed 2 billion USD and very little is there for all to benefit. Worst part, they don’t even know how to pay it back. Violence and unprofessional conduct by state institutions are at the highest level. Tonga or no Tonga Lungu is not fit to president and the future of this country is at risk – carders instructing army personnel is unacceptable

    • Yes it was rigged in your mind because thats the only thing you want to believe. Wake up and smell the coffee

    • The election were rigged there is no way HH can lose when he got more than 80% votes in 3 provinces and got 60% in central and 45% in CB,Eastern,and LSK.While ECL got60% at average in 5 provinces and lost terribly in 4 provinces with wide margins.Above all the voter turn was higher to about 90% in HH’s strongholds and lower to about 50% in ECL strongholds.Number don’t lie.

    • Prof Mbao – Because for you rigging is ECL stealing votes. Does it ever strike you that it is only Southern Province that registered your 90% voter turnout? Will you also answer Nawakwi – Dundumwezi understands the UPND manifesto so well?

  9. CTN…Further to this UPND is in itself also accused of electoral malpractice- the evidence is there of ballot boxes being stolen and dumped in their strongholds, of intimidation of PF voters in SP. Regardless PF won these elections free and fair and the majority of Zambians are with HE ECL 100 percent!!!

  10. The rigging perception is being imposed on Upnd by one Vernon Johnson Mwaanga. Because that is what he used to do so thinks everybody will do the same
    Suppose HH had won the election would this nonsense be here? No!!!
    Why? Because it’s embedded in some people ‘s minds that it’s time for them
    But our democracy doesn’t work like that.

  12. Well, author of this article pre-empted his errors. To conclude that Lungu won when in Kanyama some ballot papers were redeemed and no G12 form was used in Lusaka is mischievious. After all he is based in the USA and was never around when voting was being done. We are tired of people who think are experts when are not on the ground to verify facts. Thus such articles should be limited to areas where facts are available. PF used tribalism to win. Though HH came through Trible tag, he has made efforts to made this and look at the country as whole. Look at what Davis Chama, Mumbi Phiri rhetoric when they were campaigning. Tribalism one can use it to get power but sooner or later catches up with you.

    • Dr is a joke there are too much evidence of rigging.Even a child knows.For the first time a director at ECZ (pricila Mulenga) gave keys to a foreigner to Hack the ECZ saver both were caught video’s are there.2.The speaker announced results that are incorrect and verified.3.The speaker did not realize that Lungu’s results do not add to 50% plus 1.4.The some pre marked ballot papers were caught for the first time by UPND agents at Airport,ZAF building and in Chawama.5.pre signed Gen 12 forms which don’t tally with results in poling centers were caught and comfisticated by UPND agents and will be put in court for exhibit.Its a shame PF stole votes even from UNIP,FDD and UPP to mark up ECL’s votes.These criminal acts will make people resort to coups instead of voting.

  13. Tonga this ,Tongas that.kkkkkkkkk..

    They have taught Zambia a bitter lesson.

    Continue crying while they enjoy T_bone & Sourmilk.

  14. Excellent and to the point article, it is must read. This is the most unbiaded article i have ready in the recent past. Please, circulate it widely for many to read.

  15. Amazing how a whole PhD can take time to post such lamentable unscholarliness – NEVER ever discuss African issues out-of-context; I know at first sight many laugh but believe me, ignore colonialism and neo-colonialism and you have dyke premise…yes the “White-men-in-black-Skins” like you are Africa’s endemical unscholarliness – FREE YO HEAD FIRST !! On Tongas, Zambia, tribal sing-song, look where the mess is coming from before putting up yo thesis. Start with Lewanika, Katilungu, contextualise Alice Lenshina, take in the impact of ANC, ZANC,UNIP and Choma Declaration, then objectively spotlight UPP; finally just for good-measure take in the Impact of the Kariba Dam on the psyche of locals in the valley and Kaunda’s hegemony or the power-Dynamics in MMD….you’ll be surprised what…

  16. …how many shades of grey you’ll be seeing – Why have Chitimukulus AND Litungas always been subject to presidential threat? Why was KK the ONLY one plying tribal-balancing but for his dictatorial propensity, why is HE “Last man Standing”? What combinations have ever tried to overthrow government in Zambia? Power by Proxy is still the good ol’divide and rule – BACK TO THE DRAWING TABLE Dr., maybe, just maybe take in General Miyanda as advisor/Consultant!

  17. I hope it’s judt another wako ni wako support for Lungu, especially the assertion that Lungu had a legitimate win. Wr all saw the the unfair run up to the elections and we witnessed the counting delays, read about the trucks laden with premarked ballot papers etc. We leave all concourt.

  18. This article is an eye opener or rather the brain opener. The country needs a sober leadership, its time youths took up this challenge. The issue of recycled politicians we are tired if it. The coming five years will be a healing process, 2021 will be an election to stabalise the political arena and do away with recycled politicians.

  19. @12 We have a problem in Zambia, no matter how educated we may be. Just because some pro Upnd media claims something, we take it as Gospel truth without looking at the other side of the coin. On Saturday a Upnd member spread some rumor that ECL had been arrested and everyone started celebrating without even bothering to verify this information. If HH had won this election, nobody would even mention the Kanyama “incident ” The article is being condemned because it has touched some raw nerve. But we that the truth hurts. It’s better to get hurt and get over it than to live a lie.

  20. This is not the first time pro Upnd supporters have caused tensions in the country. Long before Upnd was even on the drawing board the late Nalumino Mundia founded a party which became violent and was accused of the murder of Mathew Nkoloma
    The violent nature of this party forced KK to arrest and detain Mundia and his colleagues.

  21. Reading your article leaves me wondering what you are trying to put across. Is it not the same tribalism by the so called Wako ni Wako and Bembas. If a leader is from Southern or Western or North western then they are tribalists. It appears only Easterners and Northerners are eligible for Presidence without a tag in this country. You are so biased. What leadership has President Lungu portrayed since he came into oower. Zambia has never witnessed the level of violence seen in the last election. There has been more violence from PF cadres in Lusaka compounds and markets than anywhere else but the leadership is mute. Do not take people for granted with ideologies that seem to suggest that you Easterners and Notherners are more superior than others. We are not stupid and we are watching. We…

  22. Later on KK dismissed a number of Bemba ministers to tribal balance, but this annoyed Kapwepwe who resigned his ministerial position. He was later appointment President of UPP. The formation of UPP triggered a mass of resignations of governors, political secretaries, mayors etc to join the party. The rest is well known.

  23. President Satas cabinet was dominated by Northerners and when he was cautioned he argued that he was balancing brains. This was perceived as not tribalism. It was okay.

  24. The cabinet put up by Sata was tribal in all respects and nobody said anything. And I am not implying that such things should continue. Please just pull up that Sata cabinet and you can add tribes to the names very easily. The people of southern province practiced what the country believes in(Democracy) by voting individually for their preference without being coerced by anyone, it then becomes an offence. I would urge them to continue that way if there are seeing certain strengths in their preferences but of course not tribe

    • Sata institutionalized Tribalism through appointments in all strategic ministries and parastatals.In sorthern we have a Nyanjas and Bemba as heads of Govt departments while we don’t have Lozis or Tongas or kaondes in Luapula,Northern,Muchinga and eastern.Most army and police recruits are Bembas and Nyanjas.Cabinets is composed of all Bembas and few easterners.My questions is who the hell do you thinks we Tongas,Luavales,kaondes Lundas and Lozis are?Was Nkumbula dull to agree to the Choma declaration?were Tongas fools to vote for Chiluba 99%?If you are not tribal why didn’t you vote for Mazoka who a better candidate than Mwanawasa?Why did you vote for an embicile Sata instead of RB?Why are you voting for a drunkard,a disgraced lawyer who stole a widows pension instead of an upright…

  25. I like the article espwcially the bit on tgat great son of Zamvia Mazoka. If there will be only one thing that I will agree with the good Doctor it is tgat HH is a tribalist through and through. He had a chance to redeem this by clarifying and he refused. In 2015 when he was overconfident of winning he publicly hugged Munkombwe for repeating the tonga only for UPND president. In 2016 he did a similar stuipid thing, appointing GBM to try and hoodwink the bembas to vote for him but the “monkey in a maize field” thing had sunk so.much that bembaa could not be cheated even.by their own, GBM. In fact instead of publicly coeansing himself of the tribal tag in 2016 what does Mr HH do? He announces that he appointed GBM as running mate because GBM is a fighter and can sleep in the trenches, not…

  26. In fact instead of publicly cleansing himself of the tribal tag in 2016 what does Mr HH do? He announces that he appointed GBM as running mate purely because GBM is a fighter and can sleep in the trenches nd he has money to help finance the election unlike Canissius who is a pauper, not even a mention that there was need to balance or cleanse the tribal tag of UPND. Of course the bemba in a maize field tag of tongas failed HH in 2016. Add to that his failure to address and restrain his tonga cadres from xenophobic attacks on bembas and other tribes in southern, instead he thought petition was more important than peace in the country.
    Can you imagine the message of peace came from one junior official Lifwekelo a deputy spokesperson of UPND and not even the usual Charles Kakoma or Stephen…

  27. SO this is about the author – who thinks he looks better than he does.

    WHo cares hw you loom like again?

    Thanks

    BB2014

  29. Now let me take advantage of the audience created by Dr Nyirenda to give my opinion on the true magnitude of HH’s loss in the election.
    Before the election campaigns, the tide was against Lungu due to the high prices of meal meal, load shedding, and retrenchments on the Copperbelt. All these were unfairly blamed on Lungu and HH was in pole position to take this election by 70%. The election was HH ‘s to lose. But what happened? Well HH as usual becomes over confident and as usual starts shooting himself in the foot. He appoints GBM as running mate,he comes up with a campaign of lies assuming Zambians are idoits: he as soon as he is elected he will bring back Anglo etc., lower prices of meal, free education for all, clean water for all, no mention of where he will get the resources wven…

  30. Stop insulting us Tongas,i work with bembas and i don’t have any problems with them ……………don’t genralize ur personal based issues. we need a peaceful zambia and such kind of undesired talks are the ones that brings tension and miss understanding…

  31. DON’T DIVER PEOPLES ATTENTION WITH THIS TRIBAL NONSENSE

    WE HAVE A CONSTITUTIONAL BREAKDOWN WITH THE HEAD OF STATE FAILING TO ABIDE BY THE RULE OF LAW HE SIGNED

    SO PLEASE LEAVE THIS TOPIC AND FOCUS ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT

    WHY SHOULD YOU BLIND PEOPLE WITH TRIBALISM WHEN THE RULE OF LAW IS AT STAKE

    EVERY PRISONER CAN NOW WALK OUT OF CELLS

    NORTHERN, LUAPULA, EASTERN AND MUCHINGA DO JUST THE SAME AS SOUTHERN, WESTERN AND NORTH WESTERN

  32. I like the bit on Sata being tribally inclined in his appointments as this just shows that his accusations against Mwanawasa ‘s family tree was mere political gimmicks.

  34. @Joshua C. Nyirenda:
    You are just another Mother Fuc.ker opportunist doing Wako ni Wako to Lungu. You were just seeking self gratification when you temporarily joined the New Party, UPND, at the time. Can’t you see how Lungu used Pangas to ascend to power – so what are saying? Using thugs to kill and maim is acceptable to you – is it? Please that SH.IT back in your Ar.se! Id.iot!

    • @chiilyata…it seems the bitter taste of defeat is still fresh in your mouth after giving your uncle HH. GBM and company heavy blowjobs???

      Your fu.ck mate the so called buckteeth fimo fimo has retired to Namwala to take up a profession selling bull balls to HH’s butcheries..badaaalaa just consider retirement or you’ll end up with worse BP than you already have!

    • @2020.visionless:
      That’s the problem with unlucky kaponyas like you – I am an employer and Commercial Farmer so what retirement are talking about! It is you the desperate mother fuc.king Toilet Cleaner that needs to retire from such degrading job and have a bit of life!!

  35. Comment:Well articulated.I really had some hope tht HH had a heart 4 de pipo nd tht he will rule somedays.But afta seeing what he told de pipo durin de campagns 2 go against de refurendum wich were pipo ‘s rights nd very gud pieces 4 de pipo.Educated as he is nd understood de bill of rights tht it ws 4 ther benefits he decided 2 tell dem vote NO takin advantag of de uneducatd masses.This chance has bin lost 4 our children now nd 2 cum I dont see dis chance coming anytym soon.I wonder nd askd myself what kind of leader is he who doesn’t want do better pipo ‘s lives?.I now understand tht he’s seeking de presidence 4 his own benefits not de pipo.

    • My dear, the issue of referendum is very special, it should not be combined with the entire election of office bearers. This is were PF missed it. Time was shot and the masses were not educated.

  36. Looking at your picture with Mazoka and the last one, I can say you haven’t aged well. It could be you’re overthinking a lot in life, much the subject matter of your piece. Let’s discuss in detail next time you’re on the ground.

  37. I hope the Office of Auditor General shall be requested to do an audit to determine the extent of abuse of public funds during the period May to August when PF Ministers stayed in office illegally. If public funds were used for campaigns that’s a case that’s needs to be addressed. We need sanity in this country.

  39. Terrible your propanganda against the Tongas show how tribalists you are. You think leadership can only come from Easterners and Northerners. Leave the Tongas alone. You tribalists. Southerners have every right to vie for the high office just like anyone else.

  40. The upnd leader HH foretold of his loss and the action he would take there after we have said this in our comments .our advice to upnd is for them now to sober up and go to the polls and elect for themselves a new leader, HH has failed them .we are sure upnd has within itself a greater leadership that can them to 2021.HH and his bedmates are not in tune with current times.it time they are Archived .

  41. Ba Nyirenda mwanyela pa bwingi. Yours is a case of sour grapes because what Mazoka promised you did not bear fruits so calimikalipa coz HH doesn’t promise any one anything. That is how you even relocated to the USA by frustration. You tried to say a few correct things especially regarding Mwanawasa but you seem to have a deep rooted hatred for HH. I pity you my man

  42. I’d like to commend you for being honest in your offering your opinions without holding back. However, they’re biased opinions, leaning mostly towards your own kith and kin from the East. Sugarcoating Mwanawasa doesn’t make him a Saint either. Corruption has been the biggest illness in Zambia, worsened by Mwanawasa and his wife. RB took it to another level, evening tampering with the constitution to protect himself from prosecution. He predetermined his ignominious end. Sata might have been uncouth and rough, atleast he was honest. He called a spade a spade, why people liked him. People could also see what he wanted done in terms of development. The issue with Lungu’s dishonesty and abuse of power. How can you be blind to that? The election was tainted by those factors, hence the…

  43. I’d like to commend you for being honesty, but your opinions are clearly biased, leaning towards your own kith and kin from the East. Sugarcoating Mwanawasa doesn’t make him a Saint either. Corruption has been the biggest illness in Zambia, worsened by Mwanawasa and his wife. RB took it to another level, even tampering with the constitution to protect himself from prosecution. He predetermined his ignominious end. Sata might have been uncouth and rough, atleast he was honest. He called a spade a spade, why people liked him. People could also see what he wanted done in terms of development. The issue with Lungu is his dishonesty and abuse of power. How can you be blind to that? The election was tainted by those factors, as proven by the constitutional court ruling on ministers staying in…

  44. The answer is to divide the country to how it was and should have been from start- Southern Rhodesia and Northern Rhodesia. Hatred for each other is plain from all articles and comments despite attempts to hide it

  45. The election was tainted by those factors as supported by the Cons Court ruling on ministers staying in office after dissolution of parliament. As to how HH ascended to power, is their any difference with how ECL did it? It is like a kettle calling a pot black. Both did it unconstitutionally. The learned people of our country ought to be objective if we’re to progress as a nation. My own view’s that we do not have anyone in Zambia now on the political scene with the calibre to appeal to the inner soul of the nation and make them rise above their default position which is tribalism. I do not belong to any party but I’m a Zambian that believes in truth and justice. ECL and his party have misbehaved and do not have the legitimacy to run our country. We set the rules, let’s follow them!

  46. So why waste our time with this article if you fall in the category of Zambians who can’t read. The mandate of the concourt is clear in article 101 (6) and I quote:
    The Constitution Court may, after hearing an election petition-
    a) Declare the election of the presidential candidate valid;
    b) Nullify the election of the presidential candidate; or
    c) Disqualify the presidential candidate from being a candidate in the second ballot.

    Next time research before wasting our precious time

    • From your reply and the underlying passion, one can tell the side of the political spectrum you are on and specifically what result you are hoping for from the concourt. I would In fact argue that it is you who needs to read carefully. To the authors defense, he starts with a disclaimer concerning his familiarity with the concourt. But even with that I think his argument is still valid. He is not saying that the concourt should not hear the case, but that the nature of the case determines its relevance to the conconcurt and whether it will be more apt for the high/supreme courts. Note that the ethics, criminality and morality of an issue are not always synonymous with its legality. One can do something legally but unethically. If you approach it from a legal perspective it is legal. But…

    • From your reply and the underlying passion, one can tell the side of the political spectrum you are on and specifically what result you are hoping for from the concourt. I would In fact argue that it is you who needs to read carefully. To the authors defense, he starts with a disclaimer concerning his familiarity with the concourt. But even with that I think his argument is still valid. He is not saying that the concourt should not hear the case, but that the nature of the case determines its relevance to the conconcurt and whether it will be more apt for the high/supreme courts. Note that the ethics, criminality and morality of an issue are not always synonymous with its legality. One can do something legally but unethically. If you approach it from a legal perspective it is legal. But…

    • contd… if you determine that someone was unfairly treated or unethically treated then a case for justice and remediation can be made. The latter can be better determined not by constitutional lawyers

  47. Hakainde Hichilema (HH) took over the UPND using the support by his tribesmen (who coalesced around Mazoka) to outdo Sakwiba Sikota, Bob Sichinga, Tiens Kahenya, and Benny Tentamashimba etc

    The author is not 100% right. Tetamashimba and Sichinga resigned when Mazoka was still at the helm of UPND, citing Mazoka’s tribalism. There’s a misconception that HH is the one who chased Bob Sichinga, Teta, John Mulwila etc. Those people left when Mazoka was still in charge. People now want to paint Mazoka as a saint because he is no more – no longer their competitor, and yet they are the ones who called him a tribalist when he was alive. If HH were to die and say Garry Nkombo takes over, you will hear how hypocrites we castigate HH today turn around and sing praises for HH, how he was a…

    • If HH were to die and say Garry Nkombo (who apparently is PF’s “favourite”) takes over, you will hear how these same hypocrites who castigate HH today, turn around and sing praises for HH, that he was a unifier, a true statesman etc. Had Sakwiba taken over UPND, it would be history today like his now defunct ULP. You may hate HH, but credit to him, he has kept the party intact and united, thereby contributing to the democracy of this country by offering checks and balances. How many opposition parties have been bought by thr ruling parties? Where is MMD today? Credit to HH, you will only appreciate him when he is gone. Mark my words.

  49. I WOULD GIVE THE AUTHOR 7 OUT OF 10. GOOD ARTICLE WITH SYSTEMATIC HOLES, PATCHED DELIBERATELY. THE AUTHOR KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT HE SHOULD HAVE PUT WHERE HE LEFT HOLES. COME OUT MORE OBJECTIVE NEXT TIME AND NO NEED TO ADD UR PIC, YOUR NAME IS ENOUGH

    • I think I like that he included his photos. It leaves no doubt that he worked with Mazoka and belonged to the UPND. Had he not inckuded the photos, people would have been questioning the authenticity of his claims. Its good evidence in the context of what he is claiming.

    • I think I like that he included his photos. It leaves no doubt that he worked with Mazoka and belonged to the UPND. Had he not included the photos, people (like you) would have been questioning the authenticity of his claims. Its good evidence in the context of what he is claiming.

  50. Why not wait for the law take its’ course, that way the Constitutional Court can provide guidance whether in favour of against the aggrieved party. For example the Constitutional Court exposed the fact that Ministers were illegally in office, this should be of concern to all whether in opposition or ruling party as it borders on abuse of public office and funds also disadvantaged the opposition who did not have similar platform. The better Zambia that the writer visualises will only come when there will be transparency, good governance and rule of law. This time around there was high voter turn out which is a positive, but if fears of rigging continue we will again slide back to days of voter apathy a clear playing field for imposed leadership, the likes of Frank Bwalya, Davis Chama or…

  51. cont. HH has done well to embrace leaders from other regions of Zambia, after all that was what his critics urged him to do so his party can have national outlook. The process of ensuring mass rigging does not take place in future elections will render Zambia a no go area for foreigners crossing over to come and vote or hired riggers from afar land, message will be driven home that Zambia is no go area for clandestine activities, illegalities that work in their land should not be imposed on our mother land. Its a cleansing process.

  52. WELL SPOKEN SON OF THE LAND: LETS DIFFERATIATE BUSINESSMEN FROM POLITICIANS
    ===========================================================
    Yet again another good piece layed out there. I take this opportunity to thank LT for bringing up such important, thought provoking and mind building articles that set us aside the daily news articles we are accustomed to day in day out on this forum. I couldn’t agree with the writer more on this one. He has just spoken out my mind on most diverse issue more so this article reaches out to all politicians at all levels in this beloved nation. They should surely reap what they sow through and through. Although akuna sukulu yama politicians, GBV-M and HH are not politicians but Businessmen.

  53. Well docs picture shows a proud man standing tall! But honestly his claims of rigging in any past or present elections is unproven and is just common lore folk story telling!

    What I wonder does a Judge do when a man who arranged to have lorries carrying ballot boxes hijacked do? Throw him into jail?

    The problem with UPND, is that they don’t understand ‘irony.’ How do you hijack vehicles carrying ballot boxes then, run to the ConCourt to punish PF? Judges must remain relevant to the people by ensuring someone who openly interferered with the count does not get away with the act. There must be a counter case by ECZ to have UPND prosecuted.

  55. Dr nyerenda i u sure of this? or you are just fullfiling what people say believe in the past events because even in the Bible it’s like that time of Noah people never believed time of Moses they never believed time of John they never believed & time of Jesus they never believed but instead the talking of Moses & John my brother why do you say H H should be replaced in 2021 that shows as that you too belong to wako ni wako ECL has killed the economy of this country …..you talked of ECL being better than his predecessor sata NO buy far look at the pess in which things moved fast in 1 year 6 month ECL can’t decide anything no vision please just say like you people from that…

  56. Who are you trying to deceive. You are trying to portray Lingu as a saint! Honestly? Trust me people like you are just catalysts for the deeper polarisation of our country. Better come out openly as a PF sympathiser than write some propaganda piece about your paymasters and then claim you are trying to heal Zambia? Listen man, just go and get your cheque from Lungu for this propaganda article and stop messing around with the lives of poor Zambians. Your bias is so obvious!!!!

  57. Guys cheers up. Bembas and Tongas are true brothers and like siblings they are always at each other. Has some one noticed that Tonga and Bemba has more common words than between any other tribes. I am bemba and even if I cannot speak Tonga I understand almost every word in Tonga. Similarly I have mistaken most Tonga guys for bembas because to a Tonga Bemba language flows naturally as most words are similar.

  58. i like the fact that u acknowledged that opinions have holes,and yours has too many unnecessary,on AKM,i never saw any tribalism as observed by the number of votes he attained in 2001,there were from across the country and not in regions of popularity,if at all he showed at/in your ”underground” bedroom awe thts unnecessary to Zambians now,n mite cause even greater hatred amongst us,there is no one to defend or back you, so tht info is unnecessary,AKM was
    swept off his feet by MMD ”Thug team”,he was a beginner it was easy for them Don Chi Chi temunobe.

    on MMD
    for your own info rigging started in 1996 Don Chi chi as king Wat do you expect,from 1996 when most UNIP members lost their parliamentary sits MMD turned into a rabble of thieves,with a slogan ”Eba nizaka…

  59. This is the first illiterate article written by a supposedly learned countryman. It has all the hallmarks of an G- research paper. No evidence, no statistics to back up the arguments. No critical analysis of current strongholds for various political parties, no mention of blatant and glaring irregularities, and the guy suggests we must move on. Sadly this,is a horrific wako ni wako article concealed as a healing document by a hired PF ‘academic’

  60. Yeah Doc, u’ve raped what u sowed in yo mister-know-it-all wackel-Pudding Thesis…back to square one: Score: SHOULD TRY HARDER, REPEAT C-

  61. This is excellent opinion. However, neither Mazoka nor HH started this Southerners’ behaviour, they also found it roasting. It started at time of Harry Mwaanga Nkhumbula, down to Baldwin Nkhumbula at time of National Party where Inonge Lewanika & her brother Aka were denied presidency and aspirations in preference to Baldwin. Even late Emmanuel Kasonde crashed out. Mazoka tried to suppress it but re-surfaced again at time of HH takeover. Its this behaviour which disadvantages Southern leaders because their people get over excited with their leaders e.g. VJ, Munkombwe pronouncements. On Lungu’s victory of 50%+1 not convincing, its not Lungu’s power or mighty but by God’s favour. Where God favours you, he will not embarass your key opponent because he loves both. Some prophets have…

  62. My college college processor always got bemused when supposedly learned people said some stupid lies in order to deliberately mislead others. All you are trying to do is provide legitimacy to an illegitimate and oppressive regime in order to earn favors. If you are truly non partisan,you should NEVER have ignored the massive rigging and vote manipulation schemes ,not to mention the violence that was & still being perpetuated by the PF on inncocent Zambians. For you to mention that Lungu won in a clean manner smacks of political appeasement for selfish personal favors.

  63. Mr Nyirenda…………….Sad that even us the enlightened are so myopic. I thought your article would be an educated analysis but alas! What a shame for a PHD candidate.

  65. Ba Nyirenda naimwe in as much as you can say the truth in some instances but I don’t agree with you on certain issures. Why do you want to make us believe that Edgar won the elections fairly? plese spare us you live in USA you don’t even know some of the things that transpared you are there telling lies even wen you say opinion what kind of opinion is that without being realistic and you claim to be a DR shame on you be objective and state facts

  66. I CANNOT GUESS THE RESULT OF THE CONCOURT, BUT I BELIEVE HH’S TIME TO GO HAS COME
    Truth be told. HH’s time to go has come and wait for the transition another person is taking over leadership of UPND. We have suffered enough, advised enough, ridicules enough and with HH lost elections enough. It is HH’s time to pack and go. BB.

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