Friday, March 29, 2024

CiSCA Press Statement on the state of Constitutionalism and rule of law in Zambia

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Bishop Mambo speaking at the launch
Bishop Mambo speaking at the launch

Lusaka, 20 June 2017

Ladies and gentlemen, the Civil Society Constitution Agenda (CiSCA) feels duty bound to add its voice to the calls for the leadership of this country to rise to the occasion and resolve the current crisis in our nation. We agree with sentiments expressed by various sectors of our society, including the three church mother bodies (ZCCB, CCZ and EFZ) that our country is in a crisis. It is no secret that the country is polarised, that the mood in the country is highly toxic with hate speech, tribalist sentiments becoming a regular feature on our discourse particularly on social media and other platforms.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are not surprised to hear that our head of state, President Lungu, sees no crisis in the country. President Lungu says this is because he is able to fly in and out of the country. Perhaps this is where the problem is, that our President is not on the ground long enough to feel the palpable mood of anger and hatred that is now reaching boiling point in this country.

As a movement that is focussed on constitutionalism, we are saddened to see that in two years, our country has become a shell of a democratic state where those sworn to protect and defend the constitution and respect the rule of law are the ones at the forefront of mutilating it and disrespecting the rule of law without any restraint or shame. This is what happens when patriotism gives way to patronage and integrity gives way to greed and corruption.
CiSCA believes that the lack of constitutionalism and disrespect of the rule of law by politicians, especially those in the ruing Patriotic Front is the underlying cause of the crisis that our nation is facing.

It is for this reason that we, as CiSCA would like to bring to the attention of the nation some of the violations of both the spirit and the letter of our constitution, disrespect of the rule of law and violation of human rights by the primary duty bearers, the state under the PF government. We believe that unless the constitution, the rule of law and human rights are respected, it will be difficult to for the PF government to erase the image of tyranny that is now firmly formed in the minds of many in our country and beyond our borders.

Constitutionalism and Rule of Law

CiSCA believes that a people driven constitution and an expanded bill of rights is the basis for a true democracy, for a just work and for peaceful co-existence in society. More importantly, CiSCA believes that no one should be allowed to do anything outside the parameters and provisions of the Constitution at any time. While this applies to every individual and institutions in the land, it is even more serious when it comes to those who have taken oath of office to protect and defend the constitution. When those sworn to defend and protect the constitution elect to defy it, they do not only go against their own oath, but also institutionalise lawlessness. This causes citizens to become disenchanted and disaffected and this ultimately leads to frustration and bitterness among citizens. CiSCA believes this is where our nation sits, a nation where a significant proportion of our citizens are disenchanted and angry due to systematic breaches of our constitution, disregard for the rule of law, disregard of our national values and silencing of citizens voices. Allow us at this point to highlight some of the breaches that we have observed.

Recognition of the President

Ladies and gentleman, allow us to start by highlighting an issue that is perhaps at the centre of the crisis that our nation faces today. Following the September 2016 elections, the United Party for National Development and its leader President Hakainde Hichilema refused to recognise President Edgar Lungu as the legitimately elected President of the Republic of Zambia. They have maintained that they will not recognise President Lungu as President until their election petition is heard.. We have heard a lot of pronouncements from government officials, Patriotic Front party officials and party cadres demanding that the UPND and Hakainde Hichilema concede defeat and recognise President Lungu as President. Hakainde Hichilema, UPND Members of Parliament, officials and cadres have equally been adamant about non-recognition of President Lungu.

As CiSCA, we would like to clearly state that there is no law in Zambia which criminalizes failure to recognize the President. We believe that article 103 of the Zambian constitution potentially provides for non recognition of a President on the grounds that a President has been invalidly elected or where the Zambian constitution or any law relating to the presidential election was not complied with. When this happens, the constitution mandates the Constitutional Court to hear the election petition to validate or invalidate the election of the President.

Ladies and gentlemen, the nation knows what happened to the petition lodged before the Constitutional Court by the UPND challenging the Presidency of the incumbent. Rather than go down the route of analysing what happened as this will not lead anywhere, we want to suggest the following:

• That the PF use legal means available to them to prove to the UPND that President Lungu was legitimately elected to put this matter to a close.

• Another option is for dialogue. We strongly believe that if all parties to this challenge are reasonable, this is something that can be resolved through dialogue – even if that dialogue is to agree to disagree, it will help the two parties establish boundaries on how to express their disagreement. This will ultimately reduce the tension in our country. We want to believe both President Lungu and UPND President Hakainde Hichilema have the interest of this nation at heart and will demonstrate leadership through dialogue, peaceful and civilised resolution of this impasse.

Presumption of Innocence Until Proved Guilty

CiSCA believes that a person does not lose his human rights simply by being in the custody of law enforcing agents. Even those proved guilty, while acknowledging some limitations in the enjoyment of their human rights, still retain fundamental rights such as protection against torture and inhuman treatment. Article 18(2)(a) of our constitution pre-supposes that every person charged with a criminal offence is innocent until he pleads or is proved guilty. CiSCA is deeply concerned that the police and prison authorities have exhibited blatant violation of this provision lately when dealing with those charged with Treason and other politically motivated cases. CiSCA learnt with sadness that the police service attempted to bundle HH and his co accused into a vehicle filled with dog faeces and how Hichilema and co-accused were brutalised during their arrest and during their transfer to Mukobeko Maximum Prison. This is a violation of article 18 of the Zambian constitution because not even a convict deserves such kind of inhuman treatment.

The Zambian constitution, in line with other international and regional human rights instruments provides for the protection of individuals against torture and any inhuman and degrading treatment. Article 15 provides that “a person shall not be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading punishment or other like treatment”. Sadly, CiSCA notes that allegations of physical, mental and psychological torture are increasingly becoming an inherent feature of the police and correctional services. This is unacceptable and must be stopped forthwith. We all know that protection from torture is a non-derogable right and therefore there is no justification in using dehumanizing tactics to mete out punishment or in the treatment of those who are under the care of law enforcement agencies.

We have heard comments from some people in our country that this is ‘normal’ treatment of accused persons in our country. It is sad that we as a country have been brain washed to believe that this is acceptable. The fact that the incarceration of Hichilema has exposed the blatant disregard of the rule of law in enforcing the very law does not make it right and does not make it acceptable. There has been a lot of speculation on the conditions under which Hichilema is detained. This is another source of anger for the supporters of Hichilema and his family.

To resolve this, CiSCA suggests the following:

• The Human Rights Commission must urgently undertake an enquiry into the conditions under which Hichilema and others are detained with clear recommendations to address any challenges noted within an acceptable period. Additionally, the Human Rights Commission must conscientise citizens on their rights, especially rights of persons found in conflict with the law. The case of the ZAF officer who died in police custody is still fresh in our minds and if such tragedies are to be avoided, Zambians must be fully aware of their rights

• Further, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the department of Correctional Services must put in place a plan to improve the conditions in our prisons and detention centres.

Protection of Freedom of Conscience Article 19 (1) of the constitution provides that “except in his/her own consent, a person shall not be hindered from the enjoyment of the freedom of conscience, and for the purposes of this article, the said freedom includes freedom of thought and religion, freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his/her religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance”

Clearly, the state has no constitutional right to determine how citizens should practice and manifest their beliefs as the PF government is trying to do today through the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

CiSCA calls on the ministry to desist from interfering with citizen’s enjoyment and exercising of freedom of conscience.

CiSCA therefore notes with dismay some of the pronouncements and actions of the Minister of Religious Affairs and National Guidance to regulate the freedom of conscience against the provisions of the Zambian constitution.

The constitution does not prescribe the minimum of maximum number of people that may congregate to manifest or propagate their belief but strangely the Minister finds it necessary to go against the constitution by arbitrary introduction of a moratorium on the number of congregants that may be allowed to enjoy their right to congregate and worship.

From the number of controversies that have emanated since the creation of this ministry, CiSCA recommends that President Lungu must immediately scrap or abolish the Ministry of Religion and National Guidance. This will not only put an end to the confusion brought by the creation of this Ministry, it will save this country much needed resources that can be applied to delivery of basic social services.

Protection of Freedom of Expression

The Zambian constitution provides for the protection of citizens freedom of expression and assembly and association in articles 20 and 21 respectively. Article 20 (1) states that “except with his own consent, a person shall not be hindered in his enjoyment of his freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to impart and communicate ideas and information without interference, whether the communication be to the public generally or to any person or the class of persons and freedom from interference with his/her correspondence.”

Our country has experienced unprecedented levels of detention of persons for expressing their opinions in public, on social media and other platforms. We have seen clamping down of media and harassment of the media. The story of the Post, Komboni Radio, Ithezithezi Community Radio, Muvi TV, among others, is well known. A recent example are the threats issued by Lands Minister Honourable Jean Kapata to Muvi TV reporter Innocent Phiri on Wednesday 14th June 2017 to the effect that she would deal with Muvi TV for televising a story linking her and other government officials to an alleged land scam in Lusaka West’s Zombe area. The conduct of Ms. Kapata was clearly meant to intimidate and interfere with the free sharing of information which was in public interest.

Freedom of Assembly and Association

One would not be far from the truth to allege that the Public Order Act under the PF regime does not apply to the Patriotic Front party, PF cadres and PF patrons and associates. In what appears to be a PF scheme, the Zambian police service has time and again violated article 21 of the Zambian constitution which provides for the protection of freedom of assembly and association which includes freedom to form or belong to a political party, trade union or association for the protection of a person’s interest. It is ironic that while the police have on several occasions prevented some individuals and groups of people from exercising and enjoying this constitutional right, the PF and their associates do enjoy this right, even to an extent of abusing it to infringe or threaten to infringe the enjoyment of fundamental rights by other people seen to be opposed to the establishment.

Further, CiSCA notes with dismay how the Zambia police services continually operate like a force contrary to article 193(a).

Zambians who want to peacefully express their concerns or displeasure, their solidarity with those they feel are being persecuted must be allowed to do so. Bottled anger and resentment of the establishment are not healthy for a democracy such as ours.

Our suggestion is for the Police Service to immediately allow peaceful assembly and put in place measures to ensure that such assemblies remain peaceful. Further, we urge a speedy repeal of this archaic law inherited from our colonial masters that is still glorified in an independent, democratic nation such as Zambia is supposed to be.

Sole Candidacy

More recently, CiSCA has watched with shock the debate on the candidature of the PF for the 2021 general election. It goes without saying that PF under President Lungu has been in power for the second term of office for less than 10 months now. Ordinarily, one would have thought that the regime would be now focussed on delivering on the campaign promises for improving the welfare of poor Zambians, but alas, the PF priority seems to be on securing a third term for President Lungu.

This debate is logically misplaced, legally wrong and goes against the Zambian constitution. The eligibility of President Lungu is before the courts of law, why are the PF discussing it now? Do they already know the verdict?

Ladies and gentlemen, we all know that political parties are now a creation of the national constitution. Specifically article 60 provides for the rights, character, operations and limitations of political parties. Article 60 (1c) demands that political parties must conduct primary elections for the selection of candidates while article (60 d and e) requires political parties to “promote and practice democracy through regular, free and fair elections within the party” and to “respect the right of its members to participate in the affairs of the political party.” respectively. CiSCA believes that the current debate in PF about a sole Presidential candidate for the 2021 general election flies in the face of article 60 of our constitution. Note that these constitutional provisions apply to ALL political parties whether in power or in opposition.

Debt Contraction

CiSCA is concerned that the PF government has continued to seek contracting public debt without seeking the approval of parliament as provided by the constitution. Article 63(2d) and 114(e1) provides that “the national assembly shall oversee the performance of the executive function by approving public debt before it is contracted.”

The Zambian government has contracted over US$500 000 000 without the due Parliamentary processes as follows:

i. US$600 000 000 from the World Bank for various developmental projects. US$150 000 is direct budget support.
ii. In October 2016, the African Development Bank approved a US$50 000 000 credit line to Development Bank of Zambia for small and medium businesses.

Zambia has signed up other loan facilities and has been a recipient of other grants over the last 12 months. Zambia is also courting the IMF for a bailout package in order to support its debt repayment.

CiSCA is saddened by the apparent interference by the executive in the matter of ZCCM-IH and FQM where ZCCM-IH has been forced to settle out of court the case against FQM (worth US$1.5 billion).

This, coming from an executive that has clearly stated that it cannot interfere in matters before the courts of law is highly questionable and must arouse the interest of every Zambian given the economic challenges the country is going through.

Zambians must realise that without such careless debt contraction and careless management of our economy, we would still be able to enjoy cheaper fuel and cheaper electricity, even in the face of high costs of importing power caused by the low levels of water in the Kariba.

To address this, CiSCA proposes the following:

• The Speaker of the National Assembly to immediately take to task the Minister of Finance on debt contraction and to request the Minister of Finance to disclose fully the total debt exposure of the country including previously incurred debt.

• The Speaker of the National Assembly to immediately demand accountability on sue of debt incurred so far, including Euro Bond.

We are now aware that the Speaker has insulated himself against any public engagement with his recent pronoucnements and so we call upon Members of Parliament who are the people’s representatives and have the interest of this nation at heart to make this request in Parliament.

Call to Civic Duty

Ladies and gentlemen, the fall of our beloved country from being a beacon of peace and trend setter of democracy on the African continent popular to dictatorship it is today is testimony of what happens when citizens cease to exercise their democratic duties and constitutional rights after they leave the polling booth. It is reminder that the task to nurture democracy to its full maturity cannot be left in the hands of politicians alone. In fact, even the most democratic politicians turn into despots the moment citizens cease to demand accountability and participation in governance processes.

CiSCA firmly believes that destiny of this country is the hands Zambian citizens and not those in power who only interest and preoccupation is to have more and more power. Time has come for Zambians to defend the democracy that we embraced in 1991 at whatever cost.

Way forward

While it is generally agreed that the law does not always respect human rights, principles of good governance and constitutionalism requires that each and every individual in the land follows the law to the letter and spirit. CiSCA is deeply saddened that this does not seem to be the case in our country today. The fate of citizens who came into contact with the law appears to be at the whims and fancy of those in power. This is a potential source of conflict and tension in the country.

Ladies and gentlemen, CiSCA believes that our national reconciliation and healing should be rooted in the respect for the rule of law, human rights and constitutionalism. As primary duty bearers, the PF government has a both legal and moral obligation to provide tenacious leadership in ensuring that our lost democracy is fully restored. Indeed the restoration of our democracy entails respecting the sanctity of our laws in all political, social, economic and religious affairs. It is not too late for President Lungu to make amends.

Finally, we wish to announce to the nation that a movement, we will continue to catalogue constitutional breaches and will therefore produce a regular bulletin highlighting these breaches.

We will also set up a complaints mechanism for citizens to report any breaches or infringement of their rights and we will publicise these as necessary. We urge all citizens to support and participate in this nation for the betterment of our nation,

The road ahead of us, economically, is challenging, It will be made worse by an unresponsive government, inactive citizens who will not be able to hold government accountable for its actions.

At the end of the day, we must all realise that it is not President Lungu that will suffer, it will not be Hakainde Hichilema, it will be ordinary Zambians that will suffer. Ordinary Zambians are already suffering – paying more taxes than any other time in our history, paying more for fuel and electricity and this will continue to rise. Communities that depend on agriculture will still be subjected to the chaotic FISP and e-voucher system while our leaders continue to fight for power and recognition, while cadres continue to campaign for and support a useless third term bid for President Lungu.

The Finance Minister announced an ambitious Zambia Plus programme and convinced us as Zambians that an IMF programme is necessarily – many of us have no idea what is happening because of the political crisis our country is in. IN his budget speech, the Minister announced the free distribution of sanitary ware to girls in schools.

A few months later, we are told there is no money for this. What else isn’t there money for in the 2017 budget? ARVs? Teachers and nurses’ salaries? These, ladies and gentlemen, are the things that should be pre-occupy us as a nation.
Thank you.

Issued by:

Bishop John H. Mambo
Chairperson -Civil Society Constitution Agenda

66 COMMENTS

  1. Another nonentity organisation who statement whose statement is not worth the paper it is written on.

    The Governemnt should rescind the licenses of these organisation who serve no purpose for their existence.

    Thanks

    BB2014,2016

    • What Archbishop Tresfor Mpundu told PF are all included in Bishop Mambo good paper.
      Religious and Guidance is coming from somewhere else, not from Rev. Sumaili. Sumaili need leave PF and join church mother- bodies like the bishops Mambo.

    • This is the most *****ic statement of them all…How people dare waste other people’s time by publishing such nonsense…honestly, is this coming from a bishop?

    • This is the most id!otic statement of them all…How people dare waste other people’s time by publishing such non.sense…honestly, is this coming from a bishop?

    • I am just wondering whether Water Aid Zambia and the region supports Pamela’s involvement in politics. I think the Board should get involved before this key organisation gets tainted. She did this at Action Aid and they should not let her drag her political ambitions into the affairs of the organisation. Why are they letting her use organisational resources for her political ambitions. Patrick Mucheleka tries this at CSO and at the time the staff and the Board realised it was too late. Water Aid Please Act.

    • @ Enock. Kanshi you know the story about this breached woman. She is sharp though. But I agree. She makes a good political figure. But the issue of using organisational resources ton advance here political ambitions should thoroughly checked. Am told by a colleague at Water Aid that they are uncomfortable with her approach to issues and how she is linking water issues to politics. Whereas she has gone scot free with linking water issues to governance – what most people don’t see is her political undertone and ambition to that.

  2. This is a comprehensive report. Touches on most hot topics prevailing in the nation. People have spoken. The appeal to the Party and it’s government is for them to listen. I agree with CiSCA that even if the Party and it’s government will not hear the petition, for good reasons on their part, they can therefore dialogue with their opponents and draw parameters on which they can agree to disagree and move forward. Zambia is one Country. We are One. We have to move on -move forward even if it means walking in different lanes, but we must move forward as a country.

  3. Great patriots have spoke and dunderhead will always say otherwise including Lungu. We need action to correct the ills of these thugs in government. What is saddening is the fact that the Honorable s and respected servant in government like Mabilima, DPP and some PF MPs have no shred of morals left to challenge for the truth. Cry my beloved country.

    • This is a useless waste of space by the so-called CiSCA (just looking for some coins, hopeless). There is no law that compels anybody to recognize the President – but there are laws against anarchy, impunity and lawlessness. There are laws that govern Parliamentary decorum. Why just talk about “no law” and not talk about the laws of this country. When you start inciting your supporters to rise against a sitting President, you are asking for trouble – anywhere on earth. Let’s stop posturing to the outside world just because you want some pieces of silver from them. Very shallow stuff from CiSCA.

  4. Bishop Mambo is spot on. Lungu wants to be recognized President. All that Lungu needs to do is to provide evidence in Court that he legitimately won the 2016 Election.For the last 10 months Lungu has failed to do this which means he did not Democratically ,Constitutionally and legitimately win the 2016 Election. Lungu is acting like sarogate father who wants to be recognized as Biological Father but without undergoing a DNA Test to prove paternity. If u see a suspected Shoplifter refusing to be body searched then u know he has shop lifted. Lungu should do the Right thing and allow the Petition to be heard in Court. HH and UPND will Never recognize a Vote Thief and a Law Breaker as a Legitimate President. In any case there is No Law which compels HH and UPND to recognize Lungu as President…

    • What thinking is this? Lungu is accused of having stolen the vote by UPND. Other monitors including the church declared the vote free and fair. Now if Lungu stole the vote then he is a thief! Where on earth does a thief go to court and provide evidence that he is not a thief. Does he need to sue himself? I thought the accuser is the one who is supposed to prove that xyz is a thief and provide evidence. There is sickness in this nation.

  5. Upnd cadres masquerading as civil society…! If Lungu is not president, y do u keep on asking him to release your law breaker..hh?

  6. Very foolish statement and who is HH if may ask what so special about HH, the crisis is in your heads you people and not the country Zambia, so foolish and stupid with your friends HH UPND

  7. @Mambo. U have put it very well. Lungu should produce a DNA Election Certificate to be recognized as Legitimate President. Without this Certificate Lungu will stew in illegimacy and the Crisis will not go away. Without solving this Crisis No IMF Loan, Donor Aid and Western Investors will come to Zambia.A collapsing Economy will lead to unrest threatening Lungu’s Presidency. The writing is on the Wall.

  8. Bishop Mambo, Macdonald Chipenzi are UPND cadres, simply because you have no jobs, you want to cheat people that you are civil society members, you conmen. Just deal with your own dictatorship in UPND, where HH is your small god.

    • @Kayumba! So you can’t make any sense of what Mr Mambo has said. I can just imagine the level of your dullness and i can’t say anything to you because it will be like trying to milk a stone.

  9. The litany of complaints is intended to weaken an elected government. It is intended to create doubt in the minds of members of the public about right and wrong. The issue of recognition only became a critical issue following the Mongu Road fiasco. The issue of Press Freedom only became a critical issue following the tax case by The Post. No amount of shouting will stop ZRA from collecting taxes. From your statement, you do not see anything wrong with tax evasion. Remember taxes fund development projects. In fact, the ZRA must be commended for working hard under difficult conditions. The presidential election case before the Constitution was decided but the outcome was found wanting by the opposition lawyers. The detention facility must be inspected regularly and because of one politician…

    • I would like you to apply the same logic to many parastatels that owe ZRA money sir .Its clear your are selective in your analysis .Not only the case of parastatals that owe even more than the post but the recent issue of FQM?Lets be objective no, one denies ZRA needs to collect taxes but there are more economic and beneficial ways of making firms pay up .A scheme could have been drawn up for the evaders to pay while the business is open without throwing the workforce on the streets .Now that company is not adding any value in the economic value chain .Going by your title i expect you to critically look at these issues and not just look at them on face value no pan intended .
      Thanks

    • To the extent that you are proposing a new tax regime, your argument is coherent. You are simply asking ZRA to do Public Relations and Tax Awareness. First and foremost, taxation laws must be implemented in accordance with the existing legal provisions. This means that the tax payer must first pay tax obligations as calculated by ZRA. Where a genuine complaint exists, the independent Tax Tribunal will sit down to hear the complaint and reimbursement would follow. Even mining companies have had to pay first and then successfully seek huge reimbursements. The truth of the matter is that The Post did not have the financial capacity to pay the tax obligations calculated by ZRA. Borrowing was not possible for the same reason. If you like, then petition my title.

  10. From your statement, you do not see anything wrong with tax evasion. Remember taxes fund development projects. In fact, the ZRA must be commended for working hard under difficult conditions. The presidential election case before the Constitution was decided but the outcome was found wanting by the opposition lawyers. The detention facility must be inspected regularly and NOT because of one politician is detained in it. This is the reality of justice.

    • The presidential election case before the Constitution Court was decided but the outcome was found wanting by the opposition lawyers. The detention facility must be inspected regularly and NOT because of one politician is detained in it. This is the reality of justice.

    • No Sir the reality of Justice is that it should be applied fairly to all and not just to fix one person .How many prisoners do you know who have been transported in a vehicle full of Dog feaces .That alone is an affront to human rights and like the statement says just because people have taken it that way does not make it right .again these are the failings i see in your analysis .You are right these things are coming to Light because HH is detained because thats the only time they are getting coverage and the fact is they are wrong .What do you make of the police and prisons blatantly ignoring court orders .A direct attack of the credibility of the judiciary and it is happenings like that that make citizens not recognize the judiciary and anarchy breaks out .Again lets look at the issues…

  11. PF Cadres don’t get it! If yr fathers doubt that u are their Biological Sons and daughters they take u to a DNA Test to prove paternity. So also Lungu should do an Election DNA Petition Test to prove he is the Legitimate Winner of the 2016 Election. Lungu cannot ask for Recognition without producing a declaration or validation from Court. Since Concourt Judges are Lungu’s friends why doesn’t he direct them to issue him with such a Validation or declaration? Lungu is between a Rock and a hard Place. His clamour for Recognition has no Legal basis. Refusal to recognize Lungu as President should not be punished by slapping HH with Trumped Up Treason Charges and incacerating innocent Souls. Lungu should Release HH unconditionally and let the Petition be heard in Court. Mulandu tauboli!

  12. You people in government why don’t you want to hear the cry of the people,free our president HH.

  13. What is the FEAR of having the petition heard kanshi! the logical explanation is that- THERE IS SOMETHING TO HIDE. If Lungu won the election fair and square why fear. This thing of saying there was lapse of time is just an excuse and everyone in PF who is now pretending and using that excuse knows that. In all honest and in the interest of justice why not let the petition be heard and we bury everything and move forward. Why try to force the other party to just accept the result? “HH ngatakasumine ama result yama election akamona efyo nkamucita”- that was Lungu speaking way before the elections. Please ba PF lets do things in a civilized way.

    • The fact of the matter is that Lungu never attained beyond 50% , vote. And upon realising that he had not, they started delaying tactics announcing results to prop up the figures to make sure that cooked up figures see them go beyond just 50 + 1%.This is where that M7 boy Chavuma came in and Kaizer was too playing his part on the other hand. And that is the truth they do not want people to know. Chagwa lost the elections and the least he should have done is to at least allow a re-run.
      Chagwa is an illegitimate president who should never be recognised by HH…even if it means getting on to 2021. If PF want recognision let the petition be head in the courts of law

  14. Wonderful clause: ‘a surrogate father who wants yo recognized as biological father without undergoing DNA test’.
    Frantically refuses to take DNA test for fear of being found with different DNA strings. Ooops! I mean if I know truly that am the biological father definitely I would be proud to clear the Q by taking the test….simple and even send it to all those that are doubting.
    CiSCA well articulated points. Those with eyes and ears can see and hear all what you have pointed out.
    Some duffed heads deliberately tend to burry their heads in ‘hot sand’ eg Mushota and ba blindfolded PFs.
    Bane things are not OK for sure been around for Six and Half decades ..repeat THINGS ARE NOT OKAY!.

  15. Indeed CiSCA has spoken, the church mother body has spoken and lets not abuse the voice of reason. It is up to the governing authorities to act reasonably before it’s too late. I simply urge anybody for or against this to read the book of Daniel from the holy bible and see what happened to king Nebuchadnezzar. Sometimes God speaks through people in this manner and it’s even dreadful to disrespect the voice of the church. For goodness’s sake , let the governing authorities take this as timely warning!

  16. Check Political History: OBEDIENCE TO OPPRESSORS DOES NOT WORK. WHAT WORKS IS RESISTANCE! ALL WELL MEANING ZAMBIANS MUST SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS CiSCA, the CHURCH MOTHER BODIES, ETC TO RESIST PF OPPRESSION! If Zambia’s Freedom Fighters were obedient to the Colonial Rulers, Zambia would not have been independent. PF is worse than the Colonial Rulers. ABASH PF!

  17. If a suspected rapist refuses to take a DNA test………there is some thing he knows.

    If a suspected vote theif refuses to nation to see allegations of fraud in a court.. ……there is some thing he knows.

    • Not when the suspicion comes from a a suspected thief – I have told you several times and I wonder why you still think this is an intelligent conjecture.

    • There will just be too many cases for the suspected thief – and his dreams of ever leading this country – which have already diminished will disappear.

    • Onenation

      We are for the truth…….let the suspect theif be investigated and suspect vote theif have the petition heard……..we are all for the truth.

      As I said if a suspect theif refuses to be searched.. …..

  18. Dialogue is paramount if Zambia is going to move forward. UNIP, after trying all tactics agaisnt ANC succumbed and agreed to discuss unity. It agreed after a lot of people had lost their lives. Ask KK. he is still there. Bwana Lungu and HH (after you leave the cells) agree for a dilogue we move forward. the issue again of the Con court is important that the issue is settled quickly.What is the fear? If Lungu won why dillydally when it comes to this issue? I agee with CiSCAR 100%

  19. People who de-campaigned the bill of rights are the ones crying louder for rights? Politicians awe sure. Anyway i didn’t finish reading this empty press briefing.

  20. The moment I read, right in the first paragraph, ‘…..we agree with the three “church mother bodies” …crisis….’, I switched off, a breed of UPNDonkey named “bishop” Mamba was speaking and I don’t have to follow the boresome incongruent stuff that can only come from donkeys. Which three “church mother bodies”? Does “bishop” Mamba live in Zambia?
    Looks like the statement of Telesbore Mpundu was calculated and intended to be the “basis” of future attacks by other donkeys. Badly misfired donkey strategy as usual, for it has turned out clearly that Telesbore is not the “three church mother bodies” after all. Waste of your time mr Mamba, sorry we have better things to do.

    • 100% right, Terrible. These are the people inciting the donkeys to cause anarchy!!! MAMBO SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO ISSUE SUCH UNPATRIOTIC STATEMENTS AGAINST HIS OWN COUNTRY!!!

  21. U5 aka Kaili-1 aka hh akal presidenT of UPNDonkeys is in the High Court for treason. If I were you former “bishop” John Mamba, I would wait for the case to be disposed of next year before calling for reconciliation. Otherwise be fair like a christian and call for reconciliation with ALL murderers and suspected murderers and other criminals and remandees in Mukobeko. Why single out U5?

  22. Unfortunately this is not a statement from civil organisation but a political statement from a political party masquerading as civil organisation. Why should only the statement from the 3 “church mother bodies” carry so much weight?? What about what The Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ), Pentecostal Fellowship of Zambia (PFZ) and the Bishops Council of Zambia (BCZ) said on the matter, is it not relevant?? Bishop Mambo should declare his political interests and his affiliation which is clearly upnd. Why should the Human Rights Commission inspect prisons today because of hh and not you lobbying for this earlier for the other Zambian prisoners??? PATHETIC SENTIMENTS WHICH ARE AIMED AT DISCREDITING A DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED GOVERNMENT.

  23. If a candidate isn’t sworn in according to the Constitution is he the president.maybe this is a contentious issue in zambian politics.
    Can the chief justice and deputy chief justice explain why it was left to a lower member of the judiciary to swear in ECL even though the constitution is specific as to who must swear in the candidate. There is no provision for either justices to delegate to a lesser official in the case of swearing in. Do we really have a legal president then.
    If upnd say HE ECL is president then how do you proceed with a case against his election, this is why HE ECL wants upnd to recognize him…to stymie their appeal

    • @Masalamuso: I’m not sure if most PF bloggers even have time to read and understand the Constitution of Zambia. Most just argue to show loyalty to the Party. Bishop Mambo is quoting from our Bill of Rights and our Constitution but is labeled a UPND sympathizer. If all with divergent ideas ( both local and across our borders) are UPND, I’m afraid to say UPND then is bigger than PF! In my view, most of us who are neutral can see the injustices better than those biased to their parties of choice.

  24. Ooohhhh looks like the church has stirred up the kaponyas.

    They thought they bought the church after lungu called for national prayers and established a religious ministry and even started to bribe churches with 100, 000 pin donations on tv.

    Sorry kaponyas , we still have sane people. It’s not all about bribing….

  25. Well articulated statement and every sober person will agree and respect it. Unfortunately, power blinds people and when sound advice is given free of charge, it looks like rubish until when it is too late. Idon’t hate PF but there are just too many issues with them. While you still have time, make amends.

  26. I voted for PF. I am a PF member, but I am beginning to think, probably President Lungu didn’t win. Why don’t these guys let the petition be heard in the concourt? Is it that may be there is something they are afraid of?

    If the issue was given opportunity be heard in court, the dust would have long been settled.

    MAY BE AFTER ALL THE PRESIDENT DIDN’T WIN……..I am beginning to suspect something here…………….

    • Kaponya

      That is the issue. Some of us are not even UPND by default , not even Tonga.

      But let the best man win. That is all what we want. Honesty, fairness and full democratic rights for our nation and future generations to vote freely confident that the best man with the most votes will be President..

    • Where were you tw0 donkeys above when the petition was filed in by gbm and hh. Are you still ignorant to the fact that the entire petition period was wasted by preliminary issues. The donkey party was given the full duration to present their petition and failed to bring out even one fake reason. Unfortunate the constitution only allows 14 days plus 7days after win is declared by ecz. The next petition will be opened in 2021august according to the constitution . Just go and eat more grass while its still green.

  27. Okay silence in court! Let us do this: Lungu vacates office and the Army takes over and then let there be a re-run in Lusaka and Southern provinces ONLY while maintaining the 2016 results from the other provinces. These elections will be organized by the army (not police). Once voting has been done in these two provinces tally the results and add the frozen totals from the other provinces and then let the army declare the winner.

    • That’s what you donkeys dream of…NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!!!! Edgar Chagwa Lungu is the sixth republican president and there is no need to go for more elections. The majority spoke and chose, hh can stay in prison till 2021, and life will go on as usual!!!

    • It is becoming clear to even PF supporters that lungu did not win those elections…..why else would he rather be called a theif and have s divided nation than let the courts see he won……

      The petition will not go away. If lungu is ok being called a theif and overseeing a divided nation, good on him.

      Also if he does not declare a party state, his excuse and sham of a democracy will be clear to all…

  28. Nonsense must not be tolerated in the country. If u have been paid to speak we are not going to tolerate your nonsense.

  29. THE PRESIDENT SHOULD NOT LISTEN TO THESE UPND CADRES. THE ISSUE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HEARING THE PETITION. IT HAS TO DO WITH CONSTITUTIONALISM. YOU SAY THE CONSTITUTION MUST BE RESPECTED. BUT WHY DO YOU WANT THE PETITION TO BE HEARD AFTER 10 MONTHS WHEN THE CONSTITUTION ALLOWS ONLY 1 DAYS? WHAT NEW EVIDENCE DOES UPND HAVE APART FROM THE BAG FULL OF PRELIMINARIES? AND WHERE WERE THE VOTES STOLEN?

  30. Voice of reason right here from Bishop John Mambo… I was beginning to forget about this man. The 3 church mother bodies also spoke sense. But these guilty thieves will as usual dismiss all this free advice. That’s what dictators do, especially one borne out of stolen elections. Lungu knows in his heart of hearts that he never won those elections, and that’s why we are witnessing this tyrant behaviour, it’s partly a sign of insecurity and partly a sign of guiltiness. He will never heed advice, no matter how well intended. His ending is nigh.

    Only massive protests will move him… or perhaps some brave soldiers in the army can force him to bend or flash him out.

    • Are you going to protest with spaka, nez and some other donkeys?? Or maybe with those disgusting ugly old tonga hags you showed us on Africa Freedom Day???

    • Zambian citizen

      We also protest on line through massive petitions of spam proportions.. .that reminds me the IMF and world bank are due another blast of petitions……

  31. What reasoning is in breaching the constitution in to pave way for the petition to be heard. That stupid and childish statement coming from mambo. The petition is dead closed and dusted. If you want the petition to be heard first call for referendum to abolish the constitution so that a clause can be put to extend the period from 14days to infinity. Mind you mazoka petitioned levy for 5years without any tangible results. Its the nature of donkeys to failing to concede election results.

  32. “We want to believe both President Lungu and UPND President Hakainde Hichilema have the interest of this nation at heart….”
    UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has not had a chance to show where his heart is, so that means it is still to be seen.
    PF President Lungu has clearly demonstrated that his heart is traveling the world, collecting allowances and adding to the 2.3 million dollars he has already stolen.

    That is what we SEE……………. Now what must we believe?

  33. Aza stoolpid NGO! The leadership of this country to rise up to solve what? The law is solving that! How does it rise to solve what a clueless party and clueless opposition party thinks? How can it solve HH’s delusions? Can it solve your delusions too? The degree of ignorance is appalling!

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