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Four political parties successfully apply for Chilubi council chairperson by- election

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Four political parties successfully apply for Chilubi council chairperson by- election

Four candidates have successfully filed-in their nominations for the October 22 Chilubi Council Chairperson By-election.

These include PF’s Rosemary Chimbini, People’s Alliance for Change (PAC) candidate Mark Mpundu, Risto Mushembe of UPND and Standford Chikuma of United Peaceful and Prosperous Zambia (UPPZ).

The candidates took turns to file-in his nomination before Chilubi constituency returning officer John Longwe.

And speaking in separate interviews, the four candidates expressed confidence of scooping the seat and pledged to spearhead development in the district.

Ms. Chimbini, who is the only female candidate in the race, said once elected, she will work with various stakeholders to ensure that the plight of women is looked into through the existing government initiatives.

She added that she will endeavor to enhance development plans embarked on by the PF administration and the late Council Chairperson.

Mr. Mushembe of UPND said he will strive to deliver development through improving the road network.

He said Chilubi District is yearning for sustainable development that will boost economic activities among the local people.

And PF Campaign Manager Brian Mundubile said he is optimistic that the ruling party will retain the seat owing to the development projects being implemented.

Mr. Mundubile cited the establishment of two hospitals, a nursing school and upgrading of the Luwingu – Chaba road.

He further said the PF is ready to conduct issue based campaigns in line with the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct.

Meanwhile, UPPZ Northern Province Chairperson Samuel Kabungo said his party seeks to exercise political tolerance and promote peace.

Mr. Kabungo said political players should allow the democratic process to take course unlike engaging in violence.

UPND Chilubi District Chairperson Elpidious Mwakwa called for a free and fair election saying all parties should embrace tolerance and co-existence.

And Northern Province Police Commissioner Richard Mweene has warned that the police command will not condone lawlessness in the run up to the October 22 polls.

Speaking to ZANIS in Chilubi, Mr. Mweene said there will be no sacred cows in enforcing the law against perpetrators of violence.

The Chilubi Council Chairperson seat fell vacant following the death of the incumbent Daniel Mwila.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set October 22, 2020 as the date for the by-election.

Mufumbwe Youths Protest Against Illegal Mining Activities By Shawi Fawaz’s Company

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Mufumbwe Youths Protest Against Illegal Mining Activities By Shawi Fawaz’s Company

Youths in Mufumbwe on Thursday carried out peaceful protests against the continued illegal mining activities by Lunga resources under the auspices of Kalengwa Processing Zone (KPZ).

The youths who were led by Chief Chizela’s son Fumpa Chizela are demanding that KPZ should immediately vacate the mine and that the Ministry of Mines should quickly return the License to the rightful owners, Moxico Resources.

Speaking on behalf of the residents Prince Chizela who is also an aspiring parliamentary candidate on the Patriotic Front (PF) said the people of Mufumbwe had suffered a lot at the hands of Lunga resources previously and now KPZ and that they will not allow phoney investors who want to steal resources meant for the people in the area.

He called on the Republican President to take interest in the happenings surrounding the mine and help resolve the issues so that people of Mufumbwe can start benefiting from the riches in the district through employment.

“The youths of Mufumbwe carried out a peaceful protest against the illegal mine activities taking place at Kalengwa mine. We wanted to get the attention of the President so that he can look into the plight of people of Mufumbwe by ensuring that the rightful owners take up the operations at Kalengwa mine. Moxico is the company we know. KPZ does not mean well and the President should take action so that we can start benefiting from these resources as a community”.

“The youths of are asking the President because they have suffered. Moxico has demonstrated that they are willing to help the people of Mufumbwe through their Corporate Social Responsibility programs. When the Police Station was burnt it was Moxico that pumped in money to ensure that it is rebuilt. The only bank was about to close but Moxico pumped in over K1 million to ensure that it remains open. Our appeal to the President is to listen to the cries of the youths and help resolve the challenges surrounding our mine so that we can get employment and avoid the bad vices that come with unemployment,” he said.

He said as the custodians of the land they will ensure that the rightful owner of the mine starts to operate from the mine and that government through the ministry of mines should expedite the process of ensuring that Moxico Resources License is reinstated.

He said KPZ is not only reaping of the people of Mufumbwe but they were stealing resources which belong to the people of Zambia.

Meanwhile Moxico Resources has commenced Contempt of Court proceedings in Ndola against KPZ and others after the company abrogated a court ruling which reinstated Moxico as the rightful owners of Kalengwa Mine in Mufumbwe District of North Western Province.

Contempt charges have been filed against Shawaki Fawaz, Brenda Gama, Craig Meerholz, Colin Bird, Bezant Resources, Xtract Resources and Lunga resources on Thursday.

The Contempt charges are in relation to an ex parte order which was granted on 26th July 2019 to Moxico that restrained KPZ and its employees and agents from positioning mining equipment and people as well as undertaking any mining activities on Kalengwa Mine in Mufumbwe District. The recent occupation of the Kalengwa mine by KPZ with equipment, vehicles and people is in contempt of the ex parte order.

The injunction also has a penal notice which cautions that if the defendants fail or neglect to comply with the terms of the order they shall be liable for contempt of court and be committed to prison for breach of the order.

The recent occupation of mine by the defendants is a clear breach of the ex parte order by any standards.

The case also stretches to London. Colin Bird the chairman of Bezant and Xtract is a known associate of Fawaz and has boasted publicly about his business deals with KPZ.

More recently he has been making public statements to the London markets regarding the on-going illegal KPZ mine activities as he has said they have raised money and will be commencing drilling at Kalengwa but did not mention the injunction against KPZ even coming near the Kalengwa mine site.

The traditional leadership in the District has also vehemently refused to support KPZ as they have written several letters to authorities including the President asking for his intervention in the matter.

In the recent correspondence, the traditional leader has written to the Ministry of Traditional Affairs complaining about the invasion by KPZ who have moved to the mine without any approval from ZEMA nor a consent from his Chiefdom.

Zambia Athletics Quashes Newly-Elected Copperbelt Board

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Zambia Athletics has announced that it has nullified the recent Copperbelt Area Board elections that ushered into office the Andson Katongo led executive committee.

Other executive committee members elected are vice chairman Nathan Nyirongo, Treasurer Jane Tembo, Secretary Mulenga Chipoma and his vice Peggy Mutuna while committee members are Felix Mbuye, Zachariah Kumwenda, Judy Mutupa and Felix Kapembwa.

In a letter addressed to Secretary elect- Chipoma, ZAA General Secretary Davison Mung’ambata alleged that the elections held at Kitwe College of Education were not free and fair.

“We received the report from the presiding officer that the elections were held in a toxic and intimidating environment. The presiding officer was also ridiculed, demeaned and referred to as ‘Mwankole’,” Mung’ambata wrote.

“Furthermore, the elected chairman had just undergone a disciplinary hearing and was awaiting the verdict of which the report has now been received and awaits the final determination by the ZA Executive.”

“In view of the above, I wish to inform you that ZA does not recognise the results of the said elections and has nullified them. Meanwhile ZA will continue to recognise the Botain Mulendema as the chairman and Jeddah Phiri as the Secretary of the Copperbelt athletics until fresh elections are held,” Mung’ambata wrote.

The mandate for the Mulendema led executive committee expired earlier in March 2020.

However, the Katongo led executive has appealed the election nullification while copying the appeal to the Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Council of Zambia.

Secretary Mulenga said: “We have sent the appeal to ZA. The elections were free and fair so we are surprised that ZA is talking about nullification. Why did the presiding officer allow the elections to go ahead if the environment was toxic?”

It’s not illegal for pupils to obtain NRCs, Chinsali DC explains

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It’s not illegal for pupils to obtain NRCs, Chinsali DC explains

Chinsali District Commissioner Mary Chifuna says it’s not illegal for pupils to obtain green National Registration Cards (NRCs) as long as they meet the required age.

Ms Chifuna said the act is not wrong because all pupils who obtain the document have consent from parents through submission of details.

Ms Chifuna was responding to concerns raised by callers during a live radio program on Muchinga FM called hot issues.

Some callers questioned that it was not right for school going children to be represented by people who are not their parents to obtain an NRC.

Ms Chifuna explained that parents should not worry about their children obtaining NRCs while they are in schools adding that the idea is being done in good faith.

She also called on some citizens to be factual and engage authorities before publicising any information especially on the current mobile issuance exercise of NRCs and the forthcoming voter registration which will commencing soon.

And Kenneth Kaunda Secondary School head teacher, Kanyimbo kabise disclosed that so far 80 pupils from the school have obtain NRCs during the mobile exercise which was conducted at Lubwa School recently.

The DC also called on other stakeholders to join hands with government through publicity so that every citizen get an NRC.

“It is every Zambians right to obtain an NRC for them to prove that they are bonafide Zambians,” said Ms Chifuna.

She expressed worry that it will be challenging to reach the set target in Chinsali as many people who live on the river banks of Chambeshi River have migrated on to the other side of the river for fishing and rice cultivation which has made it difficult to reach them.

And a check by ZANIS in the areas where the NRC mobile issuance exercise is taking place in Chinsali District, the response of people obtaining NRCs is overwhelming.

At District Registration offices, more than 100 people were found being attended to and given NRCs.

President Lungu to setup Commission of Inquiry into the Privatisation process

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President Lungu to setup Commission of Inquiry into the Privatisation process

President Edgar Lungu has assured that a Commission of Inquiry will be set up to look into the Privatisation process in order for the matter to be addressed conclusively.

The President says Section 2 of the inquiries Act allows him to set up a Commission of Inquiry and that he is not obliged to consult anybody.

The Head of State was speaking in Lusaka at State House today when he received petitions from the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and other youth groupings requesting him to set up a Commission of Inquiry regarding the privatization process.

“It is just a matter of time and the Commission will be instituted. This matter is of great national interest. It has been on people’s minds and discussions have been held in various places. I have also people pushing me on the subject matter but like I said the will of the people reigns supreme,” President Lungu stated.

The Head of State said having heard the voices from across the country, he will reflect on the matter and will make a few consultations before setting up the Commission.

“I have heard a lot of voices, North, South East And West, throughout the country, I will take time to reflect on this matter and I will make a few consultations because what you have given me is a petition with signatures without giving me terms of reference, so I will have to sit with those who are well vested in the matter of privatization historically and those who are well vested with the law to tell me what will be the terms of reference for the commission,” the President indicated.

And the Head of State stated that once the matter of privatization is concluded, all those that will be found wanting will face the law.

“I think it’s a matter of time, so we have to put this matter to rest and all those who were in it and are found wanting will have to answer to the people through the courts of the law,” he said.

“Whether people are sleeping or not it doesn’t matter, what is important is justice so I assure you that it’s a matter of time, the Commission will be instituted and all I’m looking for are these gentlemen, ministers and others who are conversant with this matter to give me what will be appropriate terms of reference and then we begin identifying which citizens can be on this commission,” he explained.

Meanwhile, YALI Executive Director, Andrew Ntewewe, said the petition is a request to the President to help the country address the issue of privatization which has affected the country for a long time now.

Mr. Ntewewe said it is expected that the Commission of Inquiry once constituted will look at how the privatization process was managed with particular attention to those that evaluated, negotiated, and made decisions on behalf of the country.

“Your Excellency, we are making an earnest plea that u look into this matter and bring a conclusion to it. Our parents lost jobs, our parents died because of privatization, because of privatization, others suffered depression because of privatization, our parents continued to live in poverty and some became destitute. This is a cry of the citizens of the Republic of Zambia,” bemoaned Mr. Ntewewe.

President Edgar Lungu reads through a petition on the Privatisation of National assets presented to him a State House
President Edgar Lungu reads through a petition on the Privatisation of National assets presented to him a State House
Young African Leadership Initiative President Andrew Nthewewe speaking when he presented a petition on the Privatisation of National assets a State House
Young African Leadership Initiative President Andrew Nthewewe speaking when he presented a petition on the Privatisation of National assets a State House
Protesting students displaying banners at State House when they presented a petition on the Privatisation of National assets
Protesting students displaying banners at State House when they presented a petition on the Privatisation of National assets
Protesting students matching to State House to present a petition on the Privatisation of National assets
Protesting students matching to State House to present a petition on the Privatisation of National assets

Government has not defaulted or failed to pay back the Euro Bond-Antonio Mwanza

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Government has not defaulted or failed to pay back the Euro Bond-Antonio Mwanza

PF Deputy Media Director Antonio Mwanza has said that the Government has not defaulted or failed to pay back the Euro Bond.

Mr. Mwanza said that the Government has put in place a comprehensive debt restructuring strategy adding that Zambia is not the only country that has asked for debt cancellation or suspension of interest as it is a global phenomenon, adding that that only China will record growth of 1% because the COVID 19 has resulted in a recession across the world.

Mr. Mwanza said that the money that has accumulated as debt in Zambia was used to spar visible development in the country and that all countries in the world borrow, and what is important is how the money is used but stressed that President Edgar Lungu has directed that the country should not contract any more debt from the international market

The PF Deputy Media Director said that the PF Government has invested heavily in infrastructure development and a specialized hospital in order to stem capital flight.

Speaking on 5FM Radio today, Mr. Mwanza said that Zambia today is boasting of bringing back the Mununshi Banana Scheme in Mwense District, Luapula Province, adding that the Kafulafuta Bulk Water Project will connect one million people on the Copperbelt to end water challenges.

Mr. Mwanza further said that the Kafue Bulk Water Project which is 90% done will see water challenges in Lusaka become history.

The PF Deputy Media Director also said that the PF Government has increased the storage capacity of Lusaka Medical Stores from 9000 to 33 000 adding that medical hubs have been built in seven other provinces to stabilize the supply of essential medical drugs across the country.

Mr. Mwanza said that critics have failed to criticize the 2021 proposed national budget because it has responded to the needs of Zambians and that even UPND President Hakainde Hichilema is happy because he will benefit from the 40% import tax on processed beef products as it will result in sourcing such products locally.

Mr. Mwanza also said that President Edgar Lungu has appointed more young people than any President in Zambia and that the Ministry of Commerce is giving loans for aquaculture while the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is giving loans for goats and chickens, and that youths should also take advantage of cooperatives to venture into gold mining and that the PF Government has helped 30 000 youths that have been sponsored to go to school in form of bursaries.

Holders of Zambian Eurobonds Reject Government Request to Delay Interest Payments

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Holders of Zambian Eurobonds Reject Government Request to Delay Interest Payments

A group representing many holders of Zambian Eurobonds has rejected a government request to delay interest payments until April, but said it was ready to look at a potential bond swap.

Zambia, one of the world’s largest copper producers, had been wrestling with growing public debt even before the coronavirus pandemic forced lockdowns and cut demand.

Last week it proposed deferring interest payments on its three outstanding dollar-denominated bonds to give it time to finalise a debt sustainability analysis and sketch out the parameters of a restructuring plan.

“While the Committee stands ready to engage constructively and proactively on finding ways to support Zambia, its members are unable to provide a positive response,” the Zambia External Bondholder Committee, which holds a blocking stake, said.

The committee said the government had not engaged with the group since its formation in June and that the budget presented to parliament last Friday moved the country further away from a path to debt sustainability with long-standing fiscal imbalances not being addressed.

The committee consists of 14 U.S. and Europe-based financial institutions which hold in aggregate some 40% of Zambia’s outstanding Eurobonds, including at least 25% in each of its three outstanding Eurobonds.

Source:Nasdaq

Charles Banda Suspends Kalumbila Town Council for Inviting the Opposition to Inspect Government projects

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Charles Banda Suspends Kalumbila Town Council for Inviting the Opposition to Inspect Government projects

The Minister of local government Hon. Charles Banda has suspended the Kalumbila town council for inviting the opposition to inspect government projects and taking credit for the work done.

Dr Banda told journalists at a media briefing this morning that the councillors invited the opposition leaders to inspect government projects after lying that the projects which were taking place were their own initiative.

He said the move by the councillors was an act of indiscipline which will not be tolerated.

He said the decision by the government to punish the Kalumbila council was to save as a lesson to other councils.

The councillors invited their political leaders to inspect government projects without permission.

Dr. Banda said the local authority has the mandate to oversee the projects in the local authority.

He said the action taken by councillors to invite the opposition leaders to inspect government project was illegal and tend to politicise the projects.
And speaking at the same briefing, North-western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu condemned the acts by Kalumbila councilors to invite the opposition leaders to inspect the government projects saying the move was unacceptable.

He said Kalumbila was the creation of the PF government saying there was no way the opposition could claim benefits.

Meanwhile, Dr Banda has confirmed that the government has fully disbursed the constituency development fund for the year 2020.

He also regretted the high indiscipline being exhibited by Mufumbwe council officers that fought in Public.

He has since directed the Provincial Minister to ensure that an ad-hoc committee was formed to investigate the infighting that went viral on social media.

ECZ to Operate Independently: I hope it has nothing to do with Dr. Mumba’s rigging allegation

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ECZ to Operate Independently: I hope it has nothing to do with Dr. Mumba’s rigging allegation

The news that President Edgar Lungu will ensure that ECZ operates independently from any political interference is being received with praise by some people. I hope it has nothing to do with Dr. Mumba’s allegation.

It has come when Dr. Mumba rigging allegation is a hot topic hence make President Lungu sound like he is referring to it. Like the President is trying to say Dr. Mumba is interfering with EZC operations.

I have read Dr. Mumba’s article on Lusaka Times. Not once but several times. It is a simple and detailed article, in Zambian English. Very easy to follow and understand. There is no complicated sentence, word, or paragraph for Dr. Mumba to explain before the “ECZ jury”.

Even if there were, when did the Electoral Commission of Zambia become an investigation agency of Zambia?

Is the Electoral Commission of Zambia free from criticism?

These are the questions that remain unanswered and maybe haunting may Zambians. They have been haunting me ever since I heard that ECZ has ordered a meeting with Dr. Mumba over the rigging allegation.

What does ECZ want to discuss with the New Hope Movement for Multi-Party Democracy President Dr. Nevers Mumba on Lukashya bye-election rigging allegation that Zambians should not hear?

I hope it is not about intimidation; warning and threats. In a democracy society every citizen has the right to express his concern over anything.

There is no doubt like any other organization, group, or individual, the Electoral Commission of Zambia strive for improvement.

Dr. Mumba’s critique should not be taken as a threat. If anything, the best the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) could do is to allow space for more criticism. It is the easiest way for shortcomings discovery. Unless a shortcoming is discovered, one can’t improve.

It appears up to now, the ECZ has not discovered any shortcomings. A few months ago, in my article “235 Constituencies Before 2021 Election is a Political Scam” I criticized EZC of leaning towards PF government interests. It seems nothing has changed.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia continues to serve the interest of the PF government. The coordination between the PF and ECZ on Dr. Mumba rigging allegation speaks it all. How does one explain PF Deputy Secretary-General, Mumbi Phiri threat to take Dr. Mumba to court and later on ECZ trying to take a court role!

I invite the PF or ECZ to explain.

By Venus N Msyani,
Concerned Citizen

Vice President Inonge Wina Expected on the Copperbelt Province for a two -day working visit

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Vice President Inonge Wina Expected on the Copperbelt Province for a two -day working visit

Vice President Inonge Wina
Vice President Inonge Wina

Vice President, Inonge Wina is tomorrow expected on the Copperbelt Province for a two -day working visit.

Provincial Permanent Secretary (PS), Bright Nundwe says Mrs Wina is expected to arrive in the area at South Down Airport in Kalulushi district.

Mr Nundwe said the Vice President will on Saturday morning check on the welfare of the Kitwe flood victims accommodated at Helen Kaunda School grounds.

He said Mrs Wina will also visit families whose houses were demolished by Mopani Copper Mines in Luyando Community.

“The Vice president will visit the flood victims and make provisions of relief food before checking on the designated site in Mufuchani area where they will be relocated,” Mr Nundwe said.

Mr Nundwe further said Mrs Wina will later in the afternoon have interactive meetings with the Mines Workers Union of Zambia, ex-miners, marketeers, Taxis and bus operators.

He added that Mrs Wina will on Sunday attend a church service in Kitwe before departure for Lusaka.

“I urge all senior government officers to welcome the Vice president to the province. She makes our work lighter whenever she comes to the province,” he said.

Chipolopolo 2021 AFCON/2022 WC Opponents Watch

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International football resumes in Africa next week after a seven-month Covid-19 lockdown.
We track what our 2021 AFCON and 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier opponents have planned for October’s friendly week before the continent resumes competitive action in November.

=MAURITANIA
2022 FIFA World Cup Group B opponents Mauritania have two friendly games this month.
They will first host Sierra Leone on October 9 in Nouakchott.
Mauritania will later take the short trip just across their southern border to play Senegal at Thies on October 1.

=EQUATORIAL GUINEA
2022 FIFA World Cup Group B opponents Equatorial Guinea have a reported date against Ghana on October 12 away in Turkey.
The match will mark the burly ex-Portugal international Jorge Costa’s debut as boss following his appointment on September 23.


=ZIMBABWE
Zambia’s 2021 AFCON Group H qualifiers opponents Zimbabwe will visit Malawi to play a friendly on October 11 in Blantyre.
It is the only friendly so far confirmed by the Zimbabwe Football Association.

=ALGERIA
Group H qualifiers opponents Algeria have two huge dates this month starting with Nigeria on October 9 in Austria.
The African champions will later fly to the Netherlands on October 13 to play Mexico.

=TUNISIA
2022 World Cup Group B qualifiers opponents Tunisia have lined-up two friendlies.
The 2004 African champions will host Sudan in Tunis on October 9 before flying to Austria to play Nigeria on October 13.


=BOTSWANA
According to media sources in Gaborone, The Zebras, who will play Zambia in back-to-back 2021 AFCON qualifier dates next month, have not yet announced their October international friendly dates program

Stanbic music festival goes virtual

Entertainment Editor
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Stanbic music festival goes virtual
Flashback: Stanbic Music Festival 2017: Boyz 2 Men

Stanbic Bank Zambia will this year take its iconic Music Festival online as the nation adjusts to the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bank is partnering with top DJs to host a month-long virtual music festival on its social media platforms, kicking off on October 1, 2020, with DJ Gesh Groove as part of a wider celebration of Zambian talent.

October 9 will see DJ Sebastian Dutch spinning the decks, followed by Ms Selfie on October 16, King Nano on October 23 and DJ V Jeezy on October 30.
“This bears testimony for our commitment to the musical and culture of our people. As a bank, we are committed to ensuring Zambia’s talent can be celebrated, and we do this in many ways. One way is by promoting arts and music and we believe that by doing so, we are contributing to the growth of the entertainment industry and consequently the economy of our country,’’ said Head of Communication and Public Relations Chanda Katongo.

The DJ sessions will run from 18:00 to 20:00hrs every Fridays throughout the month of October on Facebook at @StanbicBankZambia.
“Stanbic Bank continues to live by its purpose to drive Zambia’s growth, as well as being a leading financial service provider. It Can Be speaks to the ethos of who we are and where we are going; and how we will put the dreams and aspirations of our artistes and music lovers at the forefront, providing the experience, attitude and innovation required to unlock great possibilities even the new normal,” Ms Katongo explained.

“The Stanbic Music Festival is a unique platform that offers our local music artistes showcase their talents, and learn a lot from each other,” she added.
The music festival has grown and become a permanent feature on everyone’s calendar, and it is steadily becoming a significant tourist attraction. People from as far as Uganda, Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa, and many other countries attend the two-day show demonstrating the magnitude of the event.

Mucheleka Deserves Proper Treatment as a Suspect-UPND

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Mucheleka Deserves Proper Treatment as a Suspect-UPND

The Human Rights standard practice for the police outlines the way they must conduct themselves as far as the treatment of suspects awaiting trial is concerned.

The United Party for National Development (UPND) is therefore disturbed at video that emerged this morning where an overzealous police officer is flogging UPND Deputy Secretary General for Politics, Patrick Mucheleka as he and his co-accused Elias Mubanga and Samuel Ngwira appeared at Kasama Magistrates Court for trial.

The UPND has also noted with regret how overzealous police officers have taken to the habitual mistreatment of suspects and their sympathizers each time those appearing at court even when such trials were in open court.

To treat Mucheleka like a common criminal by handcuffing him to Mr Mubanga is the gravest of inhuman treatment that can be accorded to a political leader of his calibre.

As a party that is a member of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) which provides for strict adherence to international rules and standards for policing and the Standard Minimum Rules for Treatment of Suspects, we expected the police to handle Mr Mucheleka and his co-accused with professionalism.

Therefore, as a suspect, the police should have desisted from any harsh, cruel and degrading treatment, the reason we have been calling for the thorough retraining of law enforcement officers so that the police can be held accountable to Zambians for the gross human rights violations they continue to commit.

PF cadres involved in criminal cases have been handled with so much compassion despite the gravity of the cases involved.

UPND Deputy Secretary General Patrick Mucheleka and three others arrive at the Kasama Magistrate Court from Milima state correctional facility
UPND Deputy Secretary General Patrick Mucheleka and three others arrive at the Kasama Magistrate Court from Milima state correctional facility
UPND Deputy Secretary General Patrick Mucheleka and three others arrive at the Kasama Magistrate Court from Milima state correctional facility
UPND Deputy Secretary General Patrick Mucheleka and three others arrive at the Kasama Magistrate Court from Milima state correctional facility

UPND has a deliberate Ploy to discredit the integrity of the Electoral Commission of Zambia

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UPND has a deliberate Ploy to discredit the integrity of the Electoral Commission of Zambia

THERE IS A DELIBERATE ploy by the opposition UPND to discredit the integrity of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) so as to cause doubt and disrupt the electoral process, Deputy Media Director for the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Antonio Mourinho Mwanza has said.

And Mwanza has explained that there is no online voter registration currently taking place ahead of the 2021 general elections.

Speaking when he featured on the Wednesday edition of the Lusaka Star Radio Magazine on UNZA Radio, Mwanza said the opposition was preparing for nothing but a loss in 2021.

“The opposition UPND have launched a campaign to discredit the integrity of the ECZ and they are doing this in order to bring doubt and confusion with regards to the electoral process and democratic credentials that we have as a nation,” said Mwanza.

“There is no online Voter Registration that ECZ is conducting. What ECZ is doing is pre-voter registration and NOT voter registration. The online-voter pre-registration is l not a final registration. All those who will pre-register online will be required to visit a physical registration centre to submit their biometrics (portrait, signature, finger/thumb prints), have their details verified and obtain a voters card.”
The PF Deputy Media Director said the opposition party was trying to plant seeds of discort and plant fertile grounds to dispute the 2021 election results.

He also said the opposition UPND has been crying and accusing ECZ of rigging elections from 2001, adding that the opposition party was headed for another loss in the upcoming general elections.

“All this is a very calculated move by the opposition but they are preparing for another loss. From 2001 upto 2021, the UPND will continue claiming that elections are rigged but what is important is that if you have proof of your allegations, that is why we have the Courts of Law where you can go and petition if you have evidence that elections have been rigged,” said Mwanza.

Mwanza further challenged the opposition to take part and participate in all meetings called by ECZ with various political parties and stakeholders.
He said there was no reason for anybody to go out and discredit the ECZ than just trying to justify a loss then blame it on ECZ when the election body had always invited all political party players for engagements on matters of concern.

“For example, we have Bill 10 which is trying to cure the issue of the Public Order Act, the issue of ECZ and the judiciary and if anybody cares about the autonomy and Independence of ECZ, they have an opportunity to support Bill 10 so that they can also change, revise and amend the electoral process,” he said.

“But those who boycott Bill 10 are simply saying that they are also happy with the Electoral Process Act the way it is, they are happy with the Public Order Act the way it is and they are happy with the way the Judiciary is.”

Meanwhile, Mwanza said there was no online voter registration as perceived by some sections of society and that the only registration taking place was a pre-online voter registration exercise whose purpose was to reduce the time people spend when doing the physical voter registration exercise.
He added that all those who would have done the pre-online voter registration would still be required to visit a voter registration center for verification and other requirements.

“The voter registration will require that all of us go to a voter registration Center and do the physical registration where they need to take your portrait, thumb print and signature. The only thing that this pre-online voter registration exercise is doing is that it reduces the time spent on the process so that when you go to the actual voter registration center, you would have already submitted some of your details and spend less time there.”
Mwanza added that nobody would be disadvantaged including those without Smart Phones or related Gadgets as everyone would still be required to visit a Center to complete the process before obtaining a voter’s card.

Lungu calls for biodiversity conservation in address to the UN General Assembly

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Lungu calls for biodiversity conservation in address to the UN General Assembly

President Edgar Lungu has called on nations to consider re-calibrating their relationship with nature by rebuilding a more environmentally responsible world in the wake of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

President Lungu has said as the world population was approaching 10 billion, nations and their leaders should be able to better understand the web of life in which citizens lived and their relationship with nature.

Addressing the 75th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 75) during the Summit on Biodiversity Leadership Dialogue, President Lungu told world leaders that the Covid-19 pandemic had acutely undermined economic activities across the globe, particularly the tourism and conservation sectors.

The Head of State delivered his address to the General Assembly through a pre-recorded statement on addressing biodiversity loss and mainstreaming biodiversity for sustainable development.

The theme of the Summit on Biodiversity is; “Urgent Action on Biodiversity for Sustainable Development.”

He informed world leaders that the Covid-19 had completely altered human movement and activities hence the need for nations to address zoonotic disease that are emerging as a result of human activities.

President Lungu stated that Zambia’s abundant biodiversity in flora and fauna such as forestry fisheries, wildlife and aquatic biodiversity, which form the country’s socio-economic basis had been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has endangered wildlife species such as Rhinos that require constant protection and management. In many National Parks, Rangers prevent the decimation of wildlife by poachers and also implement other wildlife protection regulations. With COVID-19 cutbacks, the endangered animals might be at increased risk,” President Lungu said.

He cautioned that other consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic included the increased illegal logging, pollution of the ecosystems, and the subsequent closure of ecotourism sites.

President Lungu said Zambia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of 2015 had estimated that the country had over 12,500 different species in flora and fauna but that this critical biodiversity was facing a growing threat of loss because of human-induced activities.

“In order to address this serious threat to biodiversity, my government has enacted policy and legislative frameworks to promote biodiversity conservation. Our national Vision 2030 and the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) have integrated environmental issues. We place emphasis on sectors such as agriculture, forestry, wildlife, and wetlands,” President Lungu said.

The Head of State said Zambia had taken practical measures such as the promotion of Climate-Smart Agriculture, the annual National Tree Planting Programme, and the wildlife re-stocking in the effort of addressing biodiversity loss.

He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to prioritizing sustainable management and conservation of the country’s biodiversity. He said Zambia fully supported efforts on the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity, which is contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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