By Muna Ndulo
“Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech.” ? Benjamin Franklin
UPND Members of Parliament boycotted the ceremonial opening of Parliament last month. Their actions created an avalanche of attacks by government operatives and their media surrogates (both print and television), Bush lawyers, and the now familiar members of the clergy scrambling to see who gets the greatest attention and, reward for denouncing the action of the UPND.
This is no surprise in a system where patronage is the dominant political culture. The Chief Whip of the Patriotic Front almost immediately raised a point of order in Parliament clearly salivating at the opportunity that might arise to punish the UPND MPs and possibly throw them out of Parliament.
The Speaker oblivious to the need for him to show neutrality in the discharge of his duties and, in total disregard of the elementary rules of natural justice, described the boycott as “grave” and promised to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee of Parliament for their consideration and action.
What the UPND MPs did amounts to absenting themselves from a sitting of Parliament.
When did not showing up at a Parliamentary session for whatever reason become a crime?
Absenteeism at Parliament is a regular occurrence. Is it a crime because instead of one Member of Parliament absenting himself or herself a group does so?
Which statute states that it is a crime not to come to Parliament for a day because you do not feel like doing so? The Speaker is creating a crime or misconduct out of nothing in terms of law.
The state opening of Parliament has its origins in the British Parliamentary traditions. It is an event, which formally marks the beginning of a session of Parliament. In the UK, it includes a speech from the throne.
Ceremonies of a similar nature are held in other commonwealth countries. The Governor General in the case of Australia, Canada and New Zealand the relevant Governor General, usually delivers the speech from the throne. In the rest of the Commonwealth, the President opens Parliament with an address similar to the speech from the throne.
Whether or not one agrees with UPND should not be the deciding factor here. The issue here is whether the UPND MPs have a right to protest or stay away from Parliament. The issue of an MP failing to represent his or her constituency is a matter for his constituency and not the Government.
I would like to assert in this article that what is at issue here is the right to protest.
Additionally, I would like to show that boycotting Parliament is a common form of protest in Commonwealth Parliaments, and indeed in other parts of the world.
The right to protest is critical to the functioning of democracy and is its lifeblood. This is because democracy is a continuous contest of opinions, interests, ideas and issues. It is an open market of ideas and parliamentarians have the right to adopt measures reasonably justified in a democratic society including heckling, boycotts and other forms of protest to make their point. It would be absurd to suggest that such actions are inherently a misconduct.
Unfortunately, in Zambia the police obstruct the exercise of this right openly and with impunity. Even without active obstruction of the right to protest, limitations on that right or fear of police intimidation can chill expressive activity and result in self-censorship. As Zin affirms “protest beyond the law is not a departure from democracy; it is absolutely essential to it.” The freedom to protest is included in the freedom of expression.
Freedom of expression is not absolute as the constitution provides for derogations, which fetter the right but only on grounds provided in the constitution. The grounds are limited to public safety, defense or public order. Some have argued that the MPS have breached their oath of office. They have not (there is no oath that provides that an MP shall attend all sessions of Parliament) but even if they had, the oath of members of Parliament is not a constitutionally permissible derogation of the freedom of expression of a Member of Parliament.
(Attorney-General, the Speaker of the National Assembly v. Ludwig Sondashi, Supreme Court, 2003)
The Commonwealth is replete with examples of opposition parties boycotting the ceremonial opening of Parliament. In 1976, India’s opposition members of Parliament boycotted the opening session of Parliament.
This was in protest against the Government’s declaration of a state of emergency, the detention of their colleagues and the restrictions of unprecedented character on the freedom of the press. The opposition stated at the time “We wish to record, in the only effective way open to us, our most emphatic protest.” Again, in 2014, the Indian opposition parties boycotted the opening session of Parliament in protest over spiraling prices.
In 2013, Zimbabwe’s main opposition boycotted the ceremonial opening of Parliament. The opposition issued a statement in which they stated that: “we would have recognized a stolen election had we attended the ceremony.” Said Douglas Mwonzora, the spokesperson for the MDC. In Fiji 2016, the opposition boycotted the opening session of Parliament.
In 2013, Cambodia’s opposition boycotted the opening of Parliament following political deadlock after disputed election results. In 2013, the opposition in Malta boycotted the opening of Parliament.
In Fiji, in 2016, the opposition boycotted the opening of the new parliamentary session by the President. Other examples include, Turkey (2015); Kenya (2008); Albania (2009), Mozambique (2015); Ethiopia (2005) Malawi (2008) Cook Islands (2016) and, St. Kitts (2015).
The right to protest is a fundamental right. If constitutional protections are to be effective in protecting the freedom of expression, they must do so, even when the expression of one offends the expression of another. As Voltaire states: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
Boycott as a type of speech is particularly central to the values free speech seeks to protect-expression of dissatisfaction with the policies of one’s country. It is a shame that one should have to tell self-proclaimed “democracies” that the right to boycott is a basic human right and not punishable conduct.
One can only hope as Mark Twain observed, “we may not always think it right, but justice, like the rain, will find its way-and will fall upon every one’s head eventually” even on the heads of the Zambia Police Service and others, including the clergy.
The Author is a Professor of Law, Cornell Law School, Director Institute for African Development. Honorary Professor of Law, Universities of Cape Town, Free State and Western Cape
You don’t chase power, power comes on its own Edgar Chakolwa Kaloba has just forced himself on the Zambian masses,starting with the convention where he was elected using pangas and guns.
To all patriotic fools (PF) fuel price has been increased. Mulelapila mukalanya amenshi Kaili you thought its HH the world best economist who has lost
It is a shame that one should have to tell self-proclaimed “democracies” that the right to boycott is a basic human right and not punishable conduct.
Read the law, go back to you civics books, It is not a crime for MPs to boycott parliament. We have the wrong people in government who don’t understand their own laws. Kekekeke. Even dictator Lungu cannot force MPS TO SUPPORT HIM. THE MAN IS ATTACKING INNOCENT PEOPLE GOR VOTING FOR YHE OPPOSITION! Eishh. Go and learn some more
The writer of this article seems to have worked up from the deepest slumber and just decided to write from a vacuum.
The MPs swore the decent the president and the constitution. There no parliament without a sworn in president.
So when the UPND MPs boycotted opening of parliament on account that they do not recognise the president, does the author of this article not see that as violation of the same aoth of allegiance the MPs had taken.
Doesn’t the author see that as violation of the code of conduct by members of the house?
It is not absenteeism that was an issue here but the the reason for the MPs’ absenteeism. It is a pity the write is totally unable to see that.
It makes quite an embarrassing reading especially that it is being accessed by the global community, being…
Oh, how I wish the Speaker would be stoopid and PF00Lish enough to cancel their elections and call for fresh 58 by-elections! This would show to the IMF, as if they needed any further evidence, that PF are reckless with national resources and do not need budgetary support to conduct further freaking mindless political stunts. Secondly, PF will be trounced hands down by UPND in by-elections in these areas. Despite heavy rigging, PF lost in these areas in the August elections. PF will not win in these areas for a long time to come, especially with the way they are brutalising HH and UPND supporters, and the economy is tanking.
In a democracy you chase power by the ballot …. nothing wrong. I know Tongas are very hurt that it’should its not HH who won.
I never knew that JK and group’s masterpiece work of musical art really took at toil at the UPND leadership and surrogates like the professor here. When its time to move on, he still chooses to rant about the recent history. Well professor kindly write a book about your researched protest theory book. Snap out the theory and smell the coffee, we are in high gear to economic strength with ECL, the pragmatist. Cry us a ocean if it still hurts.
Zambia’s economy is DEAD. No jobs, no food and no future for young adults graduating from higher institutions of learning.
Hard times are coming for most honest Zambians.
So I ask you all Zambians, ‘What is the meaning of the 52nd Zambian Independence when you are struggling to make ends meet’?
Changwa must GO!
I doubt this guy’s professorship. What was his dissertation on? Honestly how did Cornell hire this Community College level teacher?
Are taxi drivers still receiving free fuel from the PF govt?
Chagwa needs to give presidency to Tayali for 6 months then learn from high how to run a country or resign.
Ndulo always MAKES SENSE to the SENSELESS. Whether it is about his TWISTING the Constitution on the Petition issue to suit his political inclination, or supporting behaviours that toe the ANARCHY LINE by his political/tribal kins. And people need not be very careful with such people who want to hide behind such titles as PROFESSOR, DR., LAWYER, PhD, and the like. Just carrying any of these titles does not make anybody WISE or have a MONOPOLY on UNDERSTANDING of issues. In my journey through academia, I have come across people with similar titles who you had to wonder how they acquired such titles—very mediocre people in terms of UNBIASED analysis!
Everything this guy (Ndulo) writes has some ULTERIOR MOTIVE behind it. For a “Professor” to completely overlook the REAL REASON that…
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… these UPND MPs advanced as the cause for absconding the opening of Parliament by a Republican President and, instead, concentrate his whole write-up on non-facts simply shows how POLITICALLY and TRIBALLY CONTAMINATED this Ndulo is. The reason UPND MPs gave for not attending the opening of Parliament was because they claim President Edgar Lungu is ILLEGITIMATE. In other words, according to these MPs, Edgar Lungu did NOT win the elections on August 11. Now, what EVIDENCE does the “PROFESSOR” have to substantiate such claims? This so called PROTEST was not simply about ABSENTEEISM NONSENSE this “Professor” is yapping about. When an MP takes oath s/he becomes a SWORN “honourable” member of Govt (in the LEGISLATIVE Branch of Govt.) So these UPND MPs cannot then Pretend…
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… the Country does not have a LEGITIMATELY elected President. The same President who nominated a Speaker of Parliament before whom these same MPs swore an OATH to PROTECT and DEFEND the Republican Constitution. And surely the good “Professor” knows that our Constitution forbids UNCONSTITUTIONAL MEANS OF USURPING STATE POWER by anybody—which is exactly the LINE these MPs are TOEING!
These actions go beyond mere absenteeism or legitimate protest given the reason UPND MPs advanced for their ABSENTEEISM. I recall in the USA, many Republican Senators and House Representatives who do not agree with President Obama, some have even gone to the extent of calling him ILLEGITIMATE because they claim he is KENYAN (credit to TRUMP-ISM), but I have NEVER seen any of them PROTEST…
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… by ABSENTING themselves from the business of Congress. Even during President Obama’s addresses to Congress. They may stay quite and NOT CLAP/APPLAUD during his speeches, but they always attend—unless of course due to some extraordinary personal circumstances—and it is always on INDIVIDUAL BASIS not as a group. I am sure if there were such instances by the US Congress, this “Professor” would not have hesitated to point to it. Hence his pointing to “SUSPECT” Democracies around the world. Who has really known Turkey, Kenya, Albania, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Malawi, Cook Islands, St. Kitts, Zimbabwe, as TRUE or MATURE Democracies fore him to give these Countries as examples? Say a lot about this “Professor’s” thinking, doesn’t it? Go figure!
Pretesting the…
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… President/Govt’s manner of doing things is one thing. Declaring the Country has NO PRESIDENT is another—this one touches on matters of TRISON. And what the HELL are UPND MPs doing in a Parliament represented by an “ILLEGITIMATE” Vice President as Chief of Govt Business? This “professor” needs to be very careful with the kind of behaviour he is promoting among his affiliated political/tribal sycophants. This may come back to BITE UPND in the their POLITICAL @SS if and when they one day form Govt.
LT what was so OFFENSIVE about the portion my post for it to say “PENDING MODERATION” and eventually removing it? C’mmon now, my comment now looks and sounds disjointed. Don’t get it!!!!!!!!!
To all Zambians, let the Hard Times start, Fuel price up, next will be Mealie Meal. Taxes will be increased for ZRA to collect more money, School Fees Up?? Dollar Up?? That’s your Independence Celebration Gift.. You will regret why you voted PF back. You wil be suffering as Lungu Enjoys his whisky and dancing Lolo like in New York?? . While you have nothing..
Useless professor!
Even your article is written out of patronage, to use a more kind word
And your “learned” (LOL) comment comes from? Hoping for few crumbs?
Chagwa wants recognition. How could this have worked if HH had been declared winner. 1.8m and 1.7m shows how close it was. What margin is acceptable?M******mwe.Chagwa will now screw your ball. I don’t recognize ECL and I would not have recognized HH. Viva GS, a white man.
There in ladies & gentlemen lies the difference between those who are learned & the morally bankrupt crooked cadres that the PF government has created.
It really is a terrible shame that one has to feel the need to teach such basic tenants of a democracy, the same vehicle on which Lungu and his most incompetent and corrupt party are ridding to fill their pockets with ill gotten wealth. Shameful indeed.
And this Pangarian Family (PF) speaker of National Assembly is so stup1d he is always supporting the pamafi members.
Thats true and your correct. In Zambia people dont want to research because publishing anything. You should teach Zambian journalist
If u are absent from work u don’t get paid full stop.infact zambia will teach the world how absentism from parliament should be treated .No work no pay simple.
Where don’t you get paid, North Korea?
If Parliament rules say that MPs don’t get paid for missing a sitting, then why should they have to exculpate themselves? The fee should be deducted from their next payment – kipeto, kunahu, kwamana. Clearly, PF wants to punish these MPs for dissing Lungu. PF and Lungu are pained by lack of UPND submission. This obsession is eating up PF into commiting the most mindless acts of brutality in Zambia’s history. PF are headed for disaster if common sense does not prevail in their leadership.
@ greatest; Zambia can only teach the world how to squander and steal borrowed money; secondly how to intimidate the private medias and how to rig elections;
When a convicted fraudster gets his hands on the presidency it’s bad news for the country. Lungu is a convicted fraudster.
Instead of addressing the many economic challenges we have he is concentrating on harassing HH and GBM.
As cover for his incompetence and the suffering zambians will go through, lungu will survey attack any perceived opposition.
Music pleas, where is that song he was dancing to……
It is also a right of an employer to deduct an amt from a salary if some one has not worked.no one has right not to work and get paid.
Civil servants don’t work in Zambia, but they get paid. Didn’t you see a recent photo of the mayor of Mufulira lying in bed without clothes and those are the people you want to this nation, yet you tap an out HH and GBM and Tonga supporters! , TYPICALLY INSANE
For those UPND MPs their employer is their constituents and their employer demands they boycott the illegal inauguration of an illigal fradulant president.
@ greatest
What about Cabinet? Do they get paid for f*cking-up economy?
in the case of the UPND mp s we that voted them in are their masters and the PF mp s that were in office illegaly should pay back the money they earned during their illegal tenure in office; with us that voted in the UPND mp s we say it is their constitutional right to protest in a peaceful manner;
MADAM INONGE MAY YOU ADDRESS ISSUES IN PARLIAMENT WITH THE SERIOUSNESS THEY DESERVE THAN BEING A JOKER. HOW CAN YOU TELL THE WHOLE WORLD THAT THE RIGHT ADMINISTRATOR GENERAL OF BAROTSELAND MR AFUMBA AND HIS COLLEAGUES ARE NOT POLITICAL PRISONERS BUT REMMANDEES WHEN THEY WERE ARE SERVING A 10 YEARS JAIL SENTENCES. IT IS PERPLEXING TO SEE YOU AT YOUR AGE ON TV CONFIDENTLY TELLING LIES ABOUT YOUR BAROTSE CITIZEN.
The Winas are traitors of the Lozi cause.
There you have it CLEAR PLAIN AND SIMPLE
PF SUPPORTERS GO AND EDUCATE YOURSELVES
Civics 101 from a professor.
Civics teacher – The compromised Professor is demeaning his status by being so petty. To support absconding Parliament on the Official opening day because you do not want to accept the legitimacy of the same person you have sworn allegiance to is plain stupid and so is the action of supporting such plain stupidity. The learned professor has gone to the Constitution and sees no conflict. Of course there is no conflict professor – and you can cite any character or situation – as is the case with academic articles, but the truth remains that the actions of of your stooges remain stupid – they should have first refused to be sworn in by an “illegitimate President” and refused to attend Parliament altogether. As it is, I saw them debating in Parliament yesterday – so what have they achieved…
It is called a boycott and Lungu cannot do a thing about it you heard it from a learned educated professional. Get you heads out of tge sand and learn YABA
We love it when they stay and contribute to the debate. Last time they boycotted. The same constitution they boycotted helped them delay the inauguration. But if they participated the flaws in the Constitution could have been minimized.it may be a right , but the interest of the constituency and the people should come first . I rest my case.
How will the intrests of the consitutuents be served or come firest by listening to and endossing a fradulant president who is dismantling piece by piece our young democracy ?
@ edward
You do NOT have case to rest.
Please, when it comes to parliamentary democracy, instead of making f00l of yourself in attempt to get noticed, make effort to learn couple of things before crapping in public.
I agree that the quality of debate and, more importantly, the Parliamentary average IQ takes a massive dive when UPND MPs are not present in Parliament. That’s good enough reason to plead with them to attend. However, any idyot following Zambian politics knows that PF has used its parliamentary majority to rubberstamp the Lungu’s Constitution with its inanities. Don’t blame UPND that they failed to stop PF’s madness through Parliament.
Opposition is valuable for any democracy. Those lackeys and sycophants in PF want everybody to join hands and sing love songs but that is not how democracy functions. There must be opposition. Zambians are now treading a dangerous path of authoritarianism and the average Zambians are going along willingly. Our rights have been taken away bit by bit, newspapers, television, right to assemble, right to protest, and some Zambians continue to smile and say at least we have peace. One day there will be nothing and all these cadres will be in another country enjoying stolen wealth. But Zambians will continue to smile and say we have peace. And the clergy will be shown for what they are, hypocrites.
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Edward indirectly you are saying that UPND mp s contribute sense? I am glad you have noticed; if the UPND mp s were in the majority in parliament alot of mishaps in the constitution would have been seen to;
Greatest, I from your reasoning I can tell your level of education is very low. Mp’s are not employed by the speaker. Its you and I who voted for them. Your Speaker is very biased he obviously tries by all means to impress Chagwa. Follow the point of orders and if you are sane will agree with me. For once avoid being a cadre. By the way fuel has gone up, would enjoy your comment.
I can afford even 15/litre
Who said you can’t be unwise even when you are properly schooled. Let them stay away from parley for 1 week, 1 mouth or even a year, who gives a damn? But you remain under the good ruthless shackles of the legal public procession guidelines aka the watchful POA. Drop down to Zambia and stop promoting lawlessness. This is Zambia the real Africa. Who did the staying away hurt?
Zambia the Real Africa truly sounds ominous. Nothing makes sense under PF. The black jungle has taken over.
Fellow Zambians let us learn not to politicize every aspect of our lives. The Prof’s article is spot on.
PROF TEACH THESE THUGS WHO SOUNDS TO BE LAWYERS BUT THEY DO NOT UPHOLD IT. THEY ARE FAILED LAWYERS LIKE THEIR DICTATOR WHO SOUNDED TO BE A LAWYER BUT NEVER WON A CASE IN THE COURTS OF LAW. PF HAS COME TO CRIP ZAMBIA AND TODAY FUEL IS K14 WHAT AN INCREASE? SOON WILL BE ELECTRICITY TARRIFS AND WATER. WHERE ARE WE GOING?
The writer of this article seems to have worked up from the deepest slumber and just decided to write from a vacuum.
The MPs swore the decent the president and the constitution. There no parliament without a sworn in president.
So when the UPND MPs boycotted opening of parliament on account that they do not recognise the president, does the author of this article not see that as violation of the aoth of allegiance the MPs had taken.
Doesn’t the author see that as violation of the code of conduct by members of the house?
It is not absenteeism that was an issue here but the the reason for absenteeism. It is a pity the write is totally unable to see that.
It makes quite an embarrassing reading especially that it is being accessed by the globally, being an online publication.
Just one word to summarize above comment: CRAP
What exactly is this code of conduct you speak of and which one has been violated? Do what the author has done and quote your authorities and precedents. Awe mwe!
@Born free, well said!
@ 17.2 Kalok,
What precent do you want?
When did any MP fail to recognise the president after swearing an oath to defend the president and constitution?
This the first time you have a crop of MPs who take an oath to defend the president and the constitution, and then refuse to recognise the president.
Ndulo must know that there can be no parliament with the president. His UPND MPs take an oath, acknowledging the existence of parliament and the president, yet turn round and fail to recognise the president.
Ndulo is focussing on absenteeism as the issue when it is the reason behind it which he fails to see as the actual violation and gravity of the matter – failure to recognise the president as an MP.
Ndulo must know that there can be no parliament WITHOUT the president. His UPND MPs take an oath, acknowledging the existence of parliament and the president, yet turn round and fail to recognise the president.
“Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of the colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change. Each time a person stands up for an idea, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, (s)he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” — Robert F. Kennedy
If the so called professor spoke like a professional rather than from a jaundiced tonga and UPND point view, maybe I would read his articles. But I wrote off this bush tribal lawyer a long time ago. And after his equally jaundiced “legal opinion” on the HH petition, I re-wrote him off afresh in case he had forgotten the first write off.
This bush tribal lawyer as you call him served as Chief Legal Counsel for the UN in Kosovo, Afghanistan, East Timor and South Africa. he has led constitutional drafting of new constitutions in Kenya, Somalia, Zimbabwe. You will NEVER achieve one third of what he has done. You talk nonsense but go do some research to back off your claim. His degrees were earned from Harvard and Oxford while you sit and eat nshima.
@ 18.1 Jillian,
Working as legal counsel in Costco does not confirm that some body has integrity.
Neither does someone’s education or experience warrant their moral integrity.
@ 18.1 Jillian,
Working as legal counsel in Cosovo does not confirm that some body has integrity.
Neither does someone’s education or experience warrant their moral integrity.
It looks like it is going to be a bumpy 5 years for lungu.
On top of trying to prove his legitimacy and attacking democracy he has to contend with tough IMF conditions and providing the 1 million jobs he promised.
Let’s hope the weather does not make matters worse for him. A drought is the last thing PF can take.
As things stand lungus last hope is agriculture to drag the country out of this mess. Even there the past good crops were a result of MMD ground work.
Any drought then we will see the real dunduna reverse.
Was that a legal protest or a tribal protest? Upnd representation in parley is not national but regional. That’s why Zambia cannot feel any impact when these 1mbeciles go on the wrong side of the law.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”
? Desmond Tutu
“One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.”
? Martin Luther King Jr.
Thats what happens when you are ruled by epileptic Drunken master from Chawama.Iam told the Bush lawyer is sick again.
Thank you. “Get up, stand up, Stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, Don’t give up the fight.”
? Bob Marley,
A tribalist will not differentiate between a legal opinions and a tribal opinion. Case of one Muna Ndulo.
The foolish UPND MPs swore publicly and individually that they were going to be loyal to the President of the Republic of Zambia, who happens to be ECL. They were holding their Bibles as they swore.
It is, therefore, stupidity at its worst for this tribalist to defend a wrong.
Shame ba Muna Ndulo
Some people are better off dead Ndulo you are letting tribe talk you know your so called ‘article’ is riddled with malice it’s a paper you would ordinarily grade C for effort. But it’s not outstanding it doesn’t compare nor contrast offer legal commentary but is merely a “tribal comedy of errors”
Your comments are like a Trump supporter. You are a hateful person. So Zambia should not have opposition. We should all be one party? Mugabe must be laughing at Zambia. Sheep people who cannot say no to the wind. Your comment is more hot air than an effective rebuttal. Sometimes God must be tired with people like you. Imbecile
Esmel your level of education or is it your lack of understanding the English language is showing up here mwana no tribe has been mentioned but being a tribalist you have imagined it in the beautifully compsed script;
@ 17.2 Kalok,
What precent do you want?
When did any MP fail to recognise the president after swearing an oath to defend the president and constitution?
This the first time you have a crop of MPs who take an oath to defend the president and the constitution, and then refuse to recognise the president.
Ndulo must know that there can be no parliament without the president. His UPND MPs take an oath, acknowledging the existence of parliament and the president, yet turn round and fail to recognise the president.
Ndulo is focussing on absenteeism as the issue when it is the reason behind it which he fails to see as the actual violation and gravity of the matter – failure to recognise the president as an MP.
No parliament without a legitimate president which Chagwa is not. But MPs absent themselves and then return. This has nothing to do with recognizing the president. This is a form of protest. Go read a book. You want peace for Zambia at all cost. Well, when you line up to buy fuel, at least you will have peace, negative peace.
“To sin by silence, when they should protest, makes cowards of men.”
? Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Why take an oath as MP when you do not recognise the president?
You cannot say it is not about lack of recognition of the president, they are just protesting.
Hahaha, so what is their protest about? What is it that they were protesting about? What was their case? You mean they had no case but just to protest because the law provides for protest?
Opposition is valuable for any democracy. Those lackeys and sycophants in PF want everybody to join hands and sing love songs but that is not how democracy functions. There must be opposition. Zambians are now treading a dangerous path of authoritarianism and the average Zambians are going along willingly. Our rights have been taken away bit by bit, newspapers, television, right to assemble, right to protest, and some Zambians continue to smile and say at least we have peace. One day there will be nothing and all these cadres will be in another country enjoying stolen wealth. But Zambians will continue to smile and say we have peace. And the clergy will be shown for what they are, hypocrites.
@24 mr Joseph, either you misunderstand the role of opposition or you are deliberately twisting facts like your so called professor who thinks with his tribe. When you do so then you have no principles and will take sides depending on what HH thinks that day. There is a role for the opposition in Zambia, a very important role. And no one expects you to say yes yo everything. But not the UPND brand, take a leaf from developed nations like US or Britain. When Republicans don’t agree with Obama they say ” Mr President with due respect we dont agree, and these are our ideas”
But to UPND opposition means boycotting official opening of parliament and pretending that the country is Presidentless because one HH wants to be the President regardless of what the people said on 11 August. To you…
Contd..
But to UPND opposition means boycotting official opening of parliament and pretending that the country is Presidentless because one HH wants to be the President regardless of what the people said on 11 August. To you then that is democracy? We want maturity in politics AND NOT CHILDISHNESS.
“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world…would do this, it would change the earth.”
? William Faulkner
“Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.”
? Leonardo da Vinci
To say nothing is a choice… equally to boycott parliamentary debates is a choice. Unfortunately, it is usually read (wrongly though) as acceptance of the current situation. Because, If you do not speak up in the house, then others will speak for you. The power lies in using your voice.
So boycotting Parliament is NOT Golden, it’s deadly.
“It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.”- Voltaire – [François Marie Arouet] (1694-1778)
Bulwele to be UPND, they can even read correct literature and misapply it.
They probably think with their teeth. Right now the remains of Benjamin Franklin must be crying and complaining to Obama for allowing the Zambian “professor” to quote him.
“He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.”
Thomas Paine
Imwe this professor is so upset the position of Attorney General will never come. Kikikikiki! Let us just understand his pain and stay quite.
@32, Ken, I agree with you. the likes of Mwaanga, Ndulo, Hansungule must be wallowing in abject poverty because under five promised them heaven on earth on the basis of figures organized by the chief rigger. now this whole thing has backfired. its not only these goons, there is also the Congolese and other financiers who are after their money. its dununa forward in the upnd and as for ndulo, his writings have never inspired me, he is a failed professor. we do not know of any works to his credit in Zambia or any part of the world. we have distinguished Zambians like dr joseph kasonde, dr njelesani, and the late willa mungomba who served abroad and left distinguished works where they served. in his case, we don’t even know where this crap college called carnell is.
All those againt the Professor have misunderstood him completely. There are two issues here. I can give the anology of a strike at work. A strike has two parts, the strike action itself and the reasons for the strike. Muno is talking about the strike action which can either be legal or illegal and not the reason why it is happening in the first place. Once employees are aggrieved, they are aggrieved but you can not stop them from striking as long as they follow the procedure of striking. The Speaker has condemned the strike action is illegal. He has not declared that the reason is illegal. Muna is now responding to that, demonstrating that in fact it is legal and commonplace in many “workplaces”. Stop pulling the good professor down with tribal accusations. In fact, you, the elections…
In fact, you, the elections thieves are also the tribalists defending a tribal party by accusing others of being tribal. We are all tribal. Period.