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Chipolopolo captain Adrian Chama says they aiming for a very favorable away result in Sundays’ 2020 CHAN qualifier away date against eSwatini.
Zambia arrived in eSwatini on Wednesday ahead of the September 22 final round , first leg qualifier in Manzini.
Chipolopolo are also chasing their first away win in the 2020 CHAN qualifiers after starting the race to Cameroon on July 27 with a 0-0 away draw against Botswana before winning 3-2 to advance to the final round.
“Preparations are going well and we are looking forward to the game. We are also aware of what eSwatini have to offer and it will not be an easy game,” Chama said.
“But the trend of enjoying a home ground advantage in football is gone; crowds now turn up to cheer the best team and we hope to produce a performance that fans will enjoy.”
Chama said team spirit is high with Zambia now at full-house following his and Zesco United club-mate Clement Mwape’s arrival in camp on Thursday after attending to club duty on Wednesday.
“Pressure is there in every industry. We believe pressure should build us as a team. And should not break us,” Chama said.
The final leg is set for October 19 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Cassava Farmers in Mansa District have bemoaned the low price at which they are selling their Cassava in this year’s marketing season.
Juliet Mwansa, a Cassava farmer from Chief Chisuka’s Chiefdom, says farmers did not expect to be selling their Cassava between the ranges of K 1.00 to K 1.30 per kilogramme.
She points out that the price is too low considering what farmers go through when growing the crop.
ZANIS reports that Mrs Mwansa explains that there is a lot involved in growing the commodity and the best a farmer can expect is a good price.
She discloses that the price this year is very demotivating unlike in the last year’s marketing season when they were able to sell at K 1.40 per kilogramme.
Mrs Mwansa says Cassava Farmers are hoping for something to be done to improve on the pricing if farmers are to make a bit of profit from their produce.
And another farmer, Lawrence Mwila from Matanda area says government should come up with a standard price for buying Cassava.
He observes that this will bring uniformity in the Cassava market as all the companies will buy Cassava at the same price.
Mr Mwila points out that with the current situation Cassava farmers will not be able to benefit more as they are forced to sell their Cassava as low as K 1.00 per kilogramme, which he said is not fair.
He indicates that the issue of price has been talked about for a long time and it is high time that something is done so as to help Cassava farmers in Luapula Province.
Mr Mwila notes that the survival of most people in the province depends on Cassava farming hence it is important that serious attention is given to the issues of pricing.
Over 36 fish species are on the verge of extinction in the Kafue Flats in Monze District if the Lower Kafue Fisheries Management Plan meant to regulate fishing is not implemented soon.
The Fisheries Department has since called for the promotion of aquaculture in the district to reduce on pressure on the Kafue River as the only source of fish.
Speaking in an interview today, District Fisheries Officer, James Mukosa said besides the annual fish ban there was need for both government and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) to support small scale farmers to venture into fish farming to reduce over fishing in the Kafue basin and allow the fish to breed.
He added that lack of implementation of the Kafue Management Fisheries plan has contributed to the reduction of fish stocks as fishermen as free to use any bad fishing methods without much restraint.
Mr Mukosa expressed fear that in few years’ time all the fish species on the Kafue flats might be depleted due to lack of a robust measures put in place to allow fish to breed and multiply.
“We are facing a serious risk of all fish species depleting in the lower Kafue flats if robust measures such a Fisheries Management Plan, and promotion of aquaculture in the District among others are not implemented,” he said.
He also called on the government for resources to enable the Department to ensure effective enforcement of fish ban, and total compliance on fishing regulations.
Mr Mukosa noted there was need for intensified surveillance to ensure compliance adding that fishermen take advantage of lack of presence of the fisheries Department in the Kafue flats to contravene the Fishing regulations wantonly.
He however, said the Department managed to arrest and prosecute over 97 people for contravening the fish ban during the 2018/2019 annual fish ban running from 1 December to 1 March.
Zanaco are looking forward to a reunion against their local rivals Nkwazi for the first time in nearly a year in Saturday’s Lusaka derby.
Zanaco and Nkwazi have not met since October 2018 after they were separately drawn in the 2019 transitional season in Pool A and Pool B where they finished second and third respectively.
Results in the 2018 season saw Nkwazi win 1-0 at home on October 13 after losing 2-1 away at Zanaco earlier in June that season.
Nkwazi have been handed the advantage this weekend, albeit at home away from home, when they host Zanaco in a doubleheader lunchtime kickoff at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
“Nkwazi are a stubborn team, and it is not a pushover team, and we just need work our cards well to overcome them,” Zanaco assistant coach Dabid Chilufya said.
“They also played well in the transitional league. But we don’t know how their team is and how they are playing now but we know Nkwazi how do things; they are too stubborn so we must work our cards well to overcome them.”
Nkwazi and Zanaco each have 3 points with a win and defeat after two rounds played this season.
Zanaco head into the match with other goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata, defender Lawrence Chungu and midfielder Kelvin Kapumbu who are all away on 2020 CHAN qualifying duty with Zambia in eSwatini.
Nkwazi, on the other hand, have no such worries and have a full team at their disposal.
But Nkwazi have another interesting reunion in store this Saturday with Zanaco defender Kebson Kamanga facing his former club for the first time since moving from Sikanze to Sunset Stadium in the off-season.
Zambia National Students Union President Misheck Kakonde
Students are concerned with failure by opposition parties to provide an alternative form of governance in Zambia, says Zambia National Students Unions (ZANASU).
In an interview today, ZANASU President Misheck Kakonde says it was saddening that National Democratic Congress (NDC) Party leader, Chishimba Kambwili, has focused his politics on slandering others, spreading hate and falsehood as opposed to good politics where leaders must engage into real-based issues.
“For instance, instead of constantly condemning things he was once part to such as debt contraction by the PF administration, we as students would like to hear the alternatives that his party offers, the NDC manifesto on things such as the provision of quality education, healthcare, etc. It appears we all don’t know what Mr. Kambwili stands for on these matters since he has concentrated his politics on spreading bitterness against the administration than giving the alternative policy direction,” said Mr. Kakonde.
Mr. Kakonde questioned about activities Mr. Kambwili can could not which he couldn’t do until at a time he was expelled from the ruling party.
“Mr. Kambwili is himself not holier than those he is accusing because if he was and no one would accuse him as he does to people, he wouldn’t have been in court himself for a number of cases. The same allegations he makes are also being made against those who have dragged Kambwili to court,” Says Kakonde.
Meanwhile, the ZANASU leader has taken a swipe at United Party for National Development (UPND) leader, Hakainde Hichilema, for declaring hunger situation in Zambia as a national disaster.
“We also want to advise Mr. Hakainde Hichilema that while we commend his past politics based on issues, we are saddened to note that he would go out of his way to make a pronouncement of hunger as a national disaster. How can hunger be a national disaster when the shelves in all stores still have mealie meal, though expensive for an ordinary man?” he asked.
Mr. Kakonde said Mr. Hichilema’s declaration of hunger as a national disaster is mere political rhetorical and a source of anarchy and said the man who seeks to lead this country should not be this desperate for political power that he would start doing things without following laid down procedures and laws.
“Our observation is that we have enough food in the country but the Government must find a way of ensuring that they find means to reducing the costs of mealie meal and other essential goods for citizens to afford,” he said.
Mr. Kakonde said the current hunger situation obtaining in selected parts of the country such as Southern Province are a result of adverse effects of climate change which has affected our water levels
Mr. Kakonde has meanwhile advised Government to only contract new loans for things which are very essential and not avoidable expenditure.
Deputy Parliamentary Chief Whip Tutwa Ngulube has warned UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema that he risks going back to jail if he continues misleading Zambians on various issues affecting the nation.
Mr Ngulube says the declaration of hunger a national disaster by Mr Hichilema was unlawful because he does not hold any public office in the country.
He said when he appeared on the Hot Seat Programme on Hot FM that Mr Hichilema’s lawyers must start advising him as he risks committing treason if he continues on the path he has taken.
Mr Ngulube said the declaration of a national disaster is a preserve of the Republican President and not an ordinary citizen like Mr Hichilema who is just an opposition Leader.
“He risks going back to Mukobeko where he spent months if he does not change his ways, why has he chosen to ignore authorities in his quest donate stuff. This will land him in problems”, he said.
And on the mealie meal donated to Bauleni by Mr Hichilema, Mr Ngulube challenged the opposition leader to take the food to Southern province where people do not have food.
He said there is no farmer in Bauleni who did not harvest anything in the 2018/2019 farming season because of climate change for him to donate the food.
Mr Ngulube accused the opposition Leader of politicking over the food shortages which have affected Zambians in various parts of the country.
“Let him take the food to people who voted for him and are keeping him in the opposition. Leave the Bauleni people alone”, Mr Ngulube said.
Junior Shepolopolo on Friday made a modest start at the inaugural COSAFA U17 Women’s Cup in Mauritius with a 1-1 draw against Uganda.
But Shepolopolo rallied after Uganda had taken the lead just after the hour-mark to snatch a late equalizer to earn a vital point in the tournament’s opening game.
Captain Juliet Nalukenge put Uganda ahead from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute following a foul on Kevin Nakacwa.
But it took the last five minutes of the match for Junior Shepolopolo to equalize through a stunning effort from 64th minute substitute Shelly Masumo.
Shepolopolo and Uganda have a points and are two points behind leaders and host Mauritius who beat Comoros 5-1 in the days second game.
Shepolopolo will face Comoros in their penultimate Group A match on September 22.
The United Nations has expressed solidarity with the people of Zambia following a sharp rise in food insecurity in the country due to drought during the 2018/2019 farming season.
According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, undertaken by the Government of Zambia, about 18 percent of the rural population in the country translating into 1.72 million people is already in Phase 3 and Phase 4 levels of food insecurity between May and September 2019.
United Nations Resident Coordinator for Zambia, Dr. Coumba Mar Gadio says the figure is expected to grow during the lean season October 2019 to March 2020 to 2.3 million people in the country.
Dr Gadio said prolonged dry spells affected Southern and Western provinces, as well as parts of Lusaka, Eastern and Central provinces between January and March 2019, while flash floods, water logging and leaching have affected the northern and some part of Eastern province.
He said in the most-affected districts, this is the second consecutive season where prolonged dry spells are affecting households that already had limited cereal stocks before these latest shocks.
Dr Gadio said most of these households rely entirely on crop production for food and income and the combination of dry spells and flooding has also increased the risk of malnutrition, communicable diseases and protection concerns for the most vulnerable.
He said the prevalence rate of stunting is 35 percent in Zambia, and nearly 12 percent of children under age 5 are underweight.
“The United Nations stands with the people of Zambia in these difficult times,” said Dr. Gadio adding that the UN is committed to working closely with the Government and Cooperating Partners to support the delivery of assistance to people in urgent need as the lean season approaches.”
Zesco United this Saturday battle to stay top of the FAZ Super Division table when they host struggling Lumwana Radiants at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The defending champions lead the table on goal difference tied on 6 points with Napsa Stars, Nkana and Red Arrows after two rounds of matches played.
Zesco took over top spot from Napsa on Wednesday following a 3-0 away win over winless Nakamabala Leopards in Mazabuka.
Lumwana will be the second successive side on zero points that Zesco will face after Nakambala, and on paper, Zesco are expected to carry the day.
And after resting five starters, Zesco coach George Lwandamina will likely start his strongest XI with an eye on next Saturday’s CAF Champions League regroup stage, final leg home game against Young Africans of Tanzania whom they are tied at 1-1 heading into next weekends decider.
But he will be without defenders Adrian Chama and Clement Mwape who are away on 2020 CHAN qualifying duty with Chipolopolo to face eSwatini in Manzini this Sunday.
Meanwhile, Lumwana have a huge mountain to climb considering that they have yet to score a single goal this season after two games played.
Elsewhere on Saturday, on-fire Red Arrows test Power Dynamos’ rebound when the latter visits them at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Power collected their first league win last weekend following a shock 2-0 home victory over Lusaka Dynamos after kicking off their season with a 1-0 away at promoted Kansanshi Dynamos on August 31.
Nkana and Napsa are only in action on Sunday against Mufulira Wanderers at home and Lusaka Dynamos away respectively.
2019/2020 FAZ SUPER DIVISION
WEEK THREE
21/09/2019
13h00:Nkwazi-Zanaco
15h00:Red Arrows-Power Dynamos
13h00:Buildcon-Forest Rangers
15h00:Zesco-Lumwana Radiants
15h00:Kabwe Youth Soccer Academy-Kabwe Warriors
15h00: Kansanshi Dynamos-Green Buffaloes
15h00: Green Eagles-Nakambala Leopards
22/09/2019
15h00:Lusaka Dynamos-Napsa Stars
15h00:Nkana-Mufulira Wanderers
Government has disclosed that over 595 surface water permits have been issued to various water users in Lusaka.
Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environment Protection Acting Permanent Secretary Kenneth Nyundu says government will continue to regulate the use of ground water, because of the vital role it plays in enhancing national development.
And Mr Nyundu has revealed that the measures government has put in places to regulate the use of water are yielding positive results.
He disclosed that following the enactment of the sanitation and environment statutory instrument No 18 of 2018, 93 drilling companies have been registered.
Most rivers in Zambia are threatened, due to poor water management
Mr Nyundu added that the registering of drilling companies has helped in regulating the indiscriminate drilling of boreholes.
He said this during the commemoration of the world rivers day, in a speech read for him by Department of Planning Information Director Tobias Musonda in the Ministry of Water Development, Sanitation and Environment Protection.
Mr Nyundu pointed that government will continue to regulate the use of water as it is a vital resource.
And speaking earlier, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Country Director Nachilala Nkombo called for raising awareness on the importance of preserving river waters.
Ms Nkombo pointed out that most rivers in Zambia are threatened, due to poor water management.
She said there is need to guard Zambia’s biggest water resource by all stakeholders, if the country is to boast of its fresh and available waters.
Ms Nkombo added that there is need to put in more emphasis on the protection of river sources.
She implored government to come up with measures, in order to remedy the threats faced by the country’s water bodies.
Aircraft: Alenia C-27J Spartan Reg: AF003 photos Serial #: Airline: Zambia Air Force Photo Date: Aug 21, 2019 Uploaded: Aug 21, 2019 Johannesburg-Lanseria-FALA, South Africa Notes: Mega happy with this super catch out of Lanseria! The Zambian Air Force C-27J Spartan climbing out of runway 07. PHOTOGRAPHER: Jono Druion
It appears the Zambian Air Force has taken delivery of its two C-27J Spartan transport aircraft, after they were ordered in 2015.
This is according to Defence news, a respected publication that covers Defence technology and business.
One of Zambia’s C-27Js, registration AF003, was seen at Lanseria International Airport on 21 August, indicating deliveries have been concluded.
The first aircraft was spotted in July 2018 in Italy and the second was seen undergoing test flights in December last year at Torino Airport.
It was still in Italy in mid-February this year, but in full Zambian colours with registration AF002.
Zambian C-27Js have registrations AF002 and AF003 as the serial AF001 is allocated to the Zambian Air Force’s new Gulfstream 650ER jet that first flew in February 2018 and was delivered to Zambia on 28 February this year.
It is believed to have been ordered for $65 million via Israel, where it was fitted with a self-defence system.
The G650 takes over from the Challenger 604 (9J-ONE) used by the Zambian government for VIP transport.
In Zambian service, the C-27Js will most likely replace the Air Force’s BAe 748s and supplement its Y-12 and MA60 transport aircraft.
They will be based at Lusaka/Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, according to Scramble Magazine.
The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Leonardo’s Aircraft Division.
The Spartan was developed from the G.222/C-27A, using the engines and systems of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules to provide 30% lower operating costs than the G.222 and 35% greater range.
It first flew on September 24, 1999.
Aircraft: Alenia C-27J Spartan Reg: AF003 photos Serial #: Airline: Zambia Air Force Photo Date: Aug 21, 2019 Uploaded: Sep 02, 2019 Johannesburg-Lanseria – FALA, South Africa. Notes: Our good run of interesting African military transport aircraft continues in the shape of this C-27J of the Zambian Air Force. This was the first visit of a Zambian C-27J to South Africa. Seen here just after startup for its return flight back to Lusaka. PHOTOGRAPHER: Timothy Brandt
The Spartan offers the ability to carry up to 60 troops in high density configuration and a maximum of 46 paratroopers.
In the medical role, 36 stretchers and six attendants can be carried.
Normal payload is 9, 000 kg for the C-27J, although maximum payload is more than 10 tons.
Elsewhere in Africa, Chad, Morocco and Kenya have ordered C-27Js (four, two and three respectively).
Chad and Morocco have received their aircraft while Kenya’s aircraft are destined for imminent delivery, with flight testing last year.
Zambia has acquired a number of new aircraft in recent years and is expecting more.
In October 2018, Russian media reported that the Zambian government had bought five aircraft from Russia, two from Italy and one from Israel.
One of the Russian aircraft is a Sukhoi SuperJet whilst the two aircraft from Italy are the C-27J Spartan transports.
Subsequent media reports stated that Sukhoi would only supply a single VIP-configured SuperJet for President Edgar Lungu.
The SuperJet will be delivered this year at a cost of $45-49 million, Sukhoi Vice President Yevgeny Andrachnikov said at the Russian Business Aviation Exhibition last year.
Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Stardy Mwale last year said the Ministry of Defence through the Zambia Air Force had purchased five aircraft and explained that one would be used for VVIPs, one would be used to maintain airspace and monitor poaching, while the other three would be for commercial purposes.
The United Nations Technology Bank has agreed to set up a regional centre for Science, Technology and Innovation in Zambia at the cost of US$30 million.
Higher Education Minister Dr Brian Mushimba says the decision to allow Zambia to host the regional centre of excellence for the SADC region was reached at during a two days Science, technology and innovation consultative meeting held in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
He said the UNTB, which was represented by its Managing Director for Least Developed Countries Joshua Setipa indicated that the project would be completed within 12 months once construction was commenced.
Dr. Mushimba told the Zambian Mission in Pretoria, which has extra accreditation to the Republic of Madagascar that the establishment of the center in Zambia will help the country build capacities around science, technology and innovation as well as engineering and mathematics.
He said a Memorandum of Understanding was expected to be signed during the ground breaking ceremony to be held in Lusaka soon.
Dr. Mushimba said the regional centre of excellence would help the region attain its 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
He was accompanied to Madagascar by the leadership of Zambia Academy of Sciences led by Professor Kavwanga Yambayamba and some Ministry staff in charge of science and technology
This is according to a statement issued to the Media by First Secretary Press and Public Relations at the Zambia High Commission Pretoria South Africa Naomi Nyawali
DMMU delivers sufficient food relief to Southern province.
The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit has refuted media reports suggesting that the hunger situation has been declared a National disaster.
DMMU Communications Officer Rachael Chama says reports in some sections of the media, attributed to the Minister in the Office of the Vice President Olipah Phiri, describing the hunger situation being experienced in some parts of the country as a national disaster are a misrepresentation of the Ministerial Statement issued to Parliament by the Minister and should not be condoned.
Ms Chama said Government in collaboration with various cooperating partners is doing everything possible to respond to the situation the best way it can and hence no need for such a declaration.
She has reiterated that the state of a national disaster can only be declared by the Republican President upon recommendation from the National Disaster Management Council of Ministers where a situation can not be handled in-country.
Ms Chama said that the Minister reiterated the call to all Members of Parliament to openly engage DMMU to ensure that the required relief reaches all the deserving households.
She said the Minister also urged the MPs to take advantage of the fact that they are members of the District Disaster Management Committees in their various constituencies, to ensure smooth implementation of the relief program.
Ms Chama said Government is aware of schemes by some Civil Society Organizations and politicians, working with some international organizations to discredit and undermine government works in responding to the matter.
She emphasize that relief distribution is not meant to replace people’s coping capacities but is purely meant to supplement local abilities of sustenance and strengthening their resilience and vulnerability.
Ms Chama said the Unit is guided by four principles namely; humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence in the execution of all humanitarian programs.
Vice President Inonge Wina holds talks with India’s Eagle Techsec Communications
Vice President Inonge Wina says climate change and acts of terrorism are the biggest challenges the world is currently facing.
Mrs. Wina says time is therefore ripe for Zambia to take greater steps in preventing acts of terrorism.
She says Government has invested heavily in building public infrastructure which needs latest technology to protect it.
The Vice President says private sector investors that have built large scale infrastructure such as mines and shopping malls should enhance security to prevent disaster hazards.
Mrs. Wina was speaking in Indore City in the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh when she held talks with India’s Eagle Techsec Communications, an Indian company specialised in the protection of large-scale public infrastructure.
The Vice President has since urged Eagle Techsec Communications Chief Executive Officer Harsh Gupta to submit a Letter of Intent through Zambia High Commission in India for intensive assessment to ascertain viability.
This is contained in a statement released by First Secretary Press and Tourism at the Zambian Mission in India Bangwe Naviley.
ULP Submissions To The Parliamentary Select Committee To Scrutinise The Constitution Of Zambia Amendment Bill No. 10 Of 2019
The united liberal party would like to thank the chairman of the select committee and the committee for according the party an opportunity to submit a memorandum on ramifications of the proposed amendments.
We wish from the onset to state that the united liberal party and its membership are in full support of the constitution of Zambia amendment bill no. 10 of 2019.
We believe the bill is very propgressive in dealing with various concerns such as wasting public resources through unnecessary by-elections, political violence and gender equity that have been raised by several stakeholders regarding the governance of the country and particularly on how we conduct our elections.
We also wish to emphasize that the ULP respects the views of other stakeholders who have raised concerns on the bill and it is our position that our presentation to the select committee will help clear the fears raised on the bill.
We will focus on the following proposed amendments:
1. Concerns Raised By A Few Stakeholders On The Proposed Introduction Of Mixed Member System Of Electing Members Of Parliament Under (P) Article 47(2)
Our position as a party is that this will address the independence old problem of equal representation in the National Assembly between men, women, young people and persons with disabilities.
It is a known fact that the National Assembly has been dominated by men ever since its first sitting. And this proposed article is designed to ensure fair representation of all categories of our society in parliament.
The NDF resolutions to introduce a mixed-member system under proportional representation to ensure political parties have an opportunity to include women and youth in the selection of Members of Parliament.
2. Fears By A Few Stakeholders That Amendments To Article 144 On The Removal Of A Judge Will Dilute The Independence Of The Judiciary
Article 144(1) of the constitution states that, “The removal of Judge may be initiated by the Judicial Complaints Commission, or by a complaint presented to the Judicial Complaints Commission based on the grounds specified in Article 143.
The proposed amendments to Article 144(1) states that, “The removal of Judge may be initiated by the Judicial Service Commission.”
The contention by some stakeholders is that the proposed change in the institution that handles the removal of Judges will lead to dilution of independence of the Judiciary.
The position of the party is that this does not dilute the independence of the judiciary but will enhance independence of the judiciary, especially that the same institution responsible for the welfare of the judiciary will also be responsible for holding Judges accountable of their actions or omissions.
It is also standard practice among commonwealth countries from which we derive most of our practice that the Judicial Service Commission is responsible for initiating removal of Judge.
It is also standard practice among other public commissions in Zambia such as the Police and Prisons Service Commission and the Public Service Commission despite have complaints bodies (Police Complaints Authority), The Police and Prisons Service Commission is responsible for initiating removal of a Police officer or Prisons/Correctional Services officer.
3. Fears By A Few Stakeholders That The Words “AS May Be Prescribed By Parliament” In Various Articles Of The Bill Means Increasing The Powers Of The Executive?
The party position is that this actually gives power to the National Assembly to come up with legislation that protects the integrity of the Constitution and ensures that none of the three arms of government will act arbitrary in executing its functions.
Allowing Parliament to decide on how various public institutions conduct affairs including the courts will not any anyway transfer power from the National Assembly to the President?
4. Another Contentious Issue Consitently Referenced By A Few Stakeholders Has Been The Number Of Days In Which The Constitution Court Could Hear A Presidential Petition.
The NDF resolved to extend from 14 days to 30 the number of days in which the constitutional court can hear a presidential petition.
The proposed amendment in Article 103(2) states that, “The Constitution Court shall hear and determine an election petition filed in accordance with clause (1) within thirty days of the filing of the petition.
The party believes this is adequate time in which to determine the presidential petition.
5. The Other Matter Of Contention By A Few Stakeholders Is The Election Of Mayors And Chairpersons; Some Stakeholders Contend That It Would Be Undemocratic To Reintroduce Of The Election Of Mayors And Council Chairpersons By Councillors.
The current constitution in Article 154 (2) (a) states that, “A Mayor and Council Chairperson shall be elected – (a) directly in accordance with 47(3) during elections for councilors, as prescribed;
The proposed amendments in Article 154(2) (a) states that, “A Mayor and deputy Mayor or Council Chairperson and a deputy Council Chairperson shall be elected – (a) by councilors among themselves, as prescribed;
The party believes this amendment is necessary to stop the wastage of public resources of electing Mayors and Council Chairpersons by public ballot because the general public would have participated in the elections through their councilors. This proposal also reduces the risk of political violence which accompanies most by-elections.
We should as a country also look at those with whom we share common democratic values such as the United Kingdom whose democratic credentials are among the most respected in the world.
Each time a vacancy has occurred in the office of prime minister of the United Kingdom, the new prime minister has been elected only by members of the party from which the previous prime minister was elected. This is true with Mr. Boris Johnson the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
When Mrs. Theresa May resigned from the position of Prime Minister of the UK, it was the Conservative Party only that was given the opportunity to elect the current prime minister.
We should bear in mind that the Prime Minister of the UK has more responsibilities to govern a country as compared to the Mayor of Lusaka even the Mayor of London and yet to find a replacement only slight over one hundred thousand members of the ruling conservative party were involved in electing the prime minister.
6. The Other Article Which Has Caused Concern By A Few Stakeholders Is The Forming Of A Coalition Government By A Presidential Candidate Who Has Acquired More Votes Than Other Presidential Candidates But Has Not Received More Than Fifty Percent Of The Valid Votes.
Article 101 (3) (a) of the current constitution state that, “if at the initial ballot a presidential candidate does not receive more than 50 percent of the valid votes cast, a second ballot shall be held with thirty-seven days of the initial ballot, where the only candidates shall be the presidential candidates who obtained-
(a) The highest and second highest number of valid votes cast in the initial ballot;
The proposed amended Article 101 (3) (a) states that, “if at the initial ballot a presidential candidate does not receive more than fifty percent of the valid votes cast,
The candidate with the high number of votes cast shall, within fourteen days of the declaration by the Retaining Officer of presidential election results negotiate and form a coalition government with a presidential candidate that participated in the initial ballot, except that the combined votes of that presidential candidate and the preferred presidential candidate forming the coalition government meet the threshold of more than fifty percent of the valid votes cast.
This the party believes sums up aspirations of the majority of the Zambia population, that is to say reduced presidential by-elections violence, stop or avoid costly by elections and enhance the spirit of dialogue among political players in Zambia.
Conclusion:
There are several provisions that everyone agrees with as being positive and likely to bring happiness. It surprises us that some people say we should postpone everything in the Bill even though they acknowledge that a good number of the provisions will bring happiness.
Let us not forget the wise saying from American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker, Jim Rohn who said, “Happiness is not something you postpone for the future, it is something that you design for the present.”
A number of things in this bill will bring happiness today that we should not postpone to the future. There are a few examples we wish to give.
Why should we postpone the happiness that would be brought with the savings we would make from not having mayoral bye elections?
Why should we postpone the happiness that we would get from a lesser campaign period to shorten the tensions and disruptions campaigns bring?
Why should we postpone the happiness that a reasonable time for disposal of presidential election petitions in the court would bring?
Why should we postpone the happiness that would come with greater women representation in Parliament by a proportional representation system with gender quotas?
Why should we postpone the happiness that would come with greater youth and other marginalized groups representation in Parliament by a proportional representation system with youth and marginalized groups quotas?
Why should we postpone the happiness that greater and more inclusive participation in the affairs of governance by provision for coalition government?
Some people say that coalition governments should only be used in a parliamentary rather than a presidential system of governance. The first things the proponents for this argument forget is that our political system is neither purely parliamentary or presidential. Ours is a mixture or blending of presidential and parliamentary system. You cannot therefore place our system completely into either the “presidential system box” or the “parliamentary system box”
The second thing that the proponents of the fit it into the “presidential system box” or the “parliamentary system box” forget are the wise words of an American motivational speaker who pointed out that, “We are trapped in our own patterns and we are our own worst enemies. Yesterday’s presumptions shape your attitudes today and tomorrow.” This in itself limits us.
We have had several constitutional changes and these always seem to come to naught. This is because we have not heeded what Einstein stated thus, “You cannot solve a problem with the same thought process that was part of creating the problem.” This means that if you want to change the system you have to have a solution from outside the system because anything within the system is part of the system.
This means you have to think outside the box. Be it the presidential or parliamentary system box. Thinking outside the box is metaphor for thinking unconventionally, in a totally different manner, or from an innovative perspective. This entails novel or creative thinking.
Some people say, “Instead of thinking outside the box; get rid of the box.” We do not need to place ourselves into the two boxes of “parliamentary system box” and “presidential system box”. If thinking outside the box is good, then thinking outside two boxes is doubly good. Think outside the two boxes or get rid of them.
In short, The United Liberal Party believes Bill No. 10 of 2019 will help lessen electoral violence, increase participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities in the governance of the country. The Bill will also enhance accountability and reduce wastage of public resources.
