Advertisement Banner
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 2857

It is irresponsible to write to the UN, President Lungu tells HH

38
President Lungu greets UPND president Hakainde Hichilema during the memorial service of the Late President Michael Chilufya Sata at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Lusaka
FILE: President Lungu greets UPND president Hakainde Hichilema during the memorial service of the Late President Michael Chilufya Sata at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Lusaka

President Edgar Lungu has described as irresponsible the decision by United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema to write to United Nations (UN) over alleged threats to democracy and rule of law in Zambia.

Mr Hichilema recently wrote to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to seek an intervention over the matter.

Responding to questions from journalists in Livingstone yesterday at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport shortly before his departure for Mongu, President Lungu described the move as irresponsible.

“It is very irresponsible move for Mr Hichilema to write to the UN,” President Lungu said.

Mr Lungu, who addressed a mammoth rally at Villa Grounds in Livingstone on Sunday, was yesterday standing inside his vehicle along Musitunya Road while waving at Livingstone residents as the presidential motorcade was going to Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport.

The Zambia Airforce (ZAF) plane, which carried the Head of State, left the airport around 08:45 hours for Mongu to continue drumming up support for the ruling party candidates.

And PF Livingstone Constituency Chairperson Elias Mwila said the huge turnout of Livingstone residents during President Lungu ‘ s public rally was a sign of victory for the ruling party both at parliamentary and local government elections.

Mr Mwila said in an interview yesterday that the ruling party was expected to retain the parliamentary seat and win more than five wards from the 17 wards in Livingstone Constituency.

“As you may be aware, we only had three councillors in the suspended council but we are hopeful that we will have more than five councillors.

“Our campaigns have been fruitful and we have gauged that we are a popular party in Livingstone,” Mr Mwila said.

He also dismissed claims that the ruling party brought cadres fro districts outside Livingstone to fill up Villa Grounds during President Lungu ‘ s public rally.

“It is not true that we hired trucks and buses to ferry people to Villa Grounds from other towns of Southern Province.

“The local people in Livingstone started flocking to Villa Grounds around 13 hours and the Ground was fully packed around 18 hours when President Lungu arrived to address the gathering,” Mr Mwila said.

PF Livingstone Parliamentary candidate Omar Munsanje said the ruling party was ready to carry the day on August 11, 2016 going by the succesful campaigns conducted.

Mr Munsanje, who is former Livingstone District Commissioner, said a lot of people in Livingstone had confidence in the leadership of President Lungu.

He also trashed claims suggesting that the ruling party ‘imported party supporters from other districts on Sunday, adding that those who attended the meeting were local residents.

HH promises to fix Youth Unemployment

12

hhwillfixitOFFICIAL STATEMENT

HH Ready to Fix Youth Unemployment

A government serious about job creation is a government serious about supporting local business and investing in youths. Yet the PF has only created jobs for itself, while its mismanagement of the mining and energy sectors has seen thousands made unemployed.

Youth unemployment is 5 times higher than for older Zambians. Many of our youths have become frustrated and disillusioned with the broken promises and empty rhetoric of politicians, fuelling unrest as they look for solutions elsewhere.

I am ready to fix it. Under our 10 Point Plan a UPND government will invest in our youth so they have employable skills through skill training initiatives and mentorship programmes. We will invest until every child is in school, through bursaries or other financing mechanisms. We will pay for this by cutting waste at State House and fighting corruption by ensuring the full autonomy of the Anti-Corruption Commission.

We will break down the barriers that stop youths from succeeding, such as difficulty accessing credit, and we will give our youths contracts, from supplying furniture to schools to making uniforms for public sector workers.

Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President

AVAP calls for mass voter turn out

3

Voting in vote in Lubansenshi
The Anti-Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) has called for a mass voter turnout in Thursday general elections and referendum vote.

AVAP Executive Director, Richwell Mulwani said it is cardinal that eligible voters turn up in large numbers to cast their vote.

Mr Mulwani said AVAP has been sensitising members of the public across the country on the need to turn up and vote in the August polls so ensure democracy and guarantee their civic rights for posterity.

He also advised members of public to attend rallies of
different political parties so that they can understand the
different policies and development programmes being propagated by various aspiring candidates.

Mr. Mulwani has meanwhile urged political party members to avoid
bringing anarchy at polling stations during voting.

President Lungu’s tour of Eastern Province was successful-Lameck Mangani

6

Lameck Mangan
Lameck Mangan

FORMER Home Affairs Minister Lameck Mangani has said the visit by President Edgar Lungu to Eastern Province was a sign that the ruling Patriotic Front(PF) will get more than 80 percent of votes in the region during the Thursday general elections.

Mr Mangani who is coordinator for special campaign team for President Lungu in the province said that the Head of State meetings in the region were successful because of the number of people who attended his rallies in all the districts.

He said the President sold himself well a sign that the ruling party would not need a re-run in the elections.

Mr Mangani said at a press briefing held at Luangwa lodge in Chipata yesterday that the desire for PF was to win the elections in the first round.

“President Edgar Lungu meetings in all the districts in Eastern Province became successful and the response from the people was overwhelmed. It is good that the President sold himself very well to people in the region a sign that he will get more than 80 percent of votes in Eastern province,”he said.

Mr Mangani said going for a re-run in the elections would be costly to the country saying the first round would be more ideal.

He appealed to people to turn up in large numbers and vote in the elections.

He said even,the old should be encouraged to vote in order to get the required number of votes in the general elections.

Mr Mangani said voting for PF in the thursday’s election would be important because of the good leadership which President Lungu has shown to people.

He said there was need to embrace each and every person to show unity and avoid bickering ahead of the polls.

He said he was aware that some candidates from opposition who were supporting President Lungu should continue to do without any intimidation.

Mr Mangani said candidates who were supporting Lungu should be encouraged to do so and wished the best candidates to win the elections.

He appealed to people to reman united in the ruling party in order for PF to get the maximum votes.
Mr Mangani said he was happy that the campaigns in the province became successful despite few pockets of isolated incidents caused by the outsiders.

The Head of State whilst in Eastern Province assured invited the people to his inauguration because he was confident of winning the election.

Mr Lungu said it was clear that the PF would take the day on August 11th.
The President held campaign rallies in

Mambwe,Chadiza,Lundazi,Nyimba,Vubwi,Sinda,Katete,Chipata,Petauke,all in Eastern Province and he also held in Chama District of Muchinga Province which were characterized by huge turnouts and endorsement from the traditional leaderships.

PF SG Davies Chama Condems Mtendere Violence

56
President Edgar Lungu chat with PF Secretary General Davies Chama at the lunch of PF Campaign in the Heroes Stadium
President Edgar Lungu chat with PF Secretary General Davies Chama at the lunch of PF Campaign in the Heroes Stadium

PF SECRETARY GENERAL DAVIES CHAMA CONDEMNS MTENDERE VIOLENCE

9th August 2016, Lusaka–we wish to strongly condemn the political violence that took place in Mtendere Township yesterday (Monday 8th August).

The PF is treating this matter very seriously and we hope the police can get to the bottom of the senseless inter-party fights as soon as possible, as we independently alongside conduct a separate investigation.

We understand that people dressed in PF regalia were involved in the attack that was waged on some cadres dressed in UPND regalia that were conducting their campaigns in Mtendere.

Allow us to say for the record that time and time again, President Edgar Lungu has publicly condemned violence, signed an ECZ PEACE ACCORD and attended prayers aimed at calming the pre-election and post-election violence, even when others have not.

Therefore it is with the same disdain and contempt President Lungu has openly and sincerely shown against violence that we call for action on the perpetrators of this current wave of violence.

We also understand that at a time like this, sympathisers of different parties have a tendency of getting excited as they try to protect their so called ‘own turf.’

We therefore call for all parties running in this election to avoid deliberately taking action that has a potential to incite violence due to what is widely seen as provocation.

Do not provoke others, stay in your corner and do your campaign peacefully, the votes will still listen to you.

And indeed to our election observer missions in Zambia currently. The PF is the only major party that publicly denounces violence, signs peace accords and signs peace accords because President Lungu resents violence.

Our party will do anything, including handing over to the police anyone found promoting violence regardless of party affiliation. We resent law breakers.

I therefore ask our members to embrace diversity in political expression. It is part of the political pluralism we embrace. Please refrain from violence even in the face of extreme provocation.

We also ask the visiting election observers to be alive to the fact that out of desperation, some opposition parties have decided to fan violence so that they can scream foul if they lose again.

President Lungu, however, insists on maintaining peaceful and unity. Zambia is not violent nation.

As a peace-loving political party, the Patriotic Front would like to urge Zambians to ignore calls from so called leaders who ask them to shed blood but they jealously guard their own blood. Elections will come and go and we will remain brothers and sisters.

President Lungu has clearly demonstrated that the infra structure development roll out, the largest since independence the PF is riding on will win him the polls, not desperation bred by perennial loss of presidential elections.

We fully understand the opposition’s desperation but we also fully appreciate the importance of national peace.

ZABS standardises over 1,000 instruments

3

Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS)-participating in this year Labour Day celebrations
Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS)-participating in this year Labour Day celebrations

The Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) has standardised a total of 1,136 instruments for various companies across the country in the first half of 2016.

ZABS Head of Marketing and Public Relations Hazel Zulu said the number shows an increase of 27.7% of standardised instruments from the first quarter of 2016 to the second quarter.

Mrs. Zulu explained that the Bureau standardised 499 instruments for industry between January and March this year and 637 instruments between April and June this year bringing the total of instruments standardised to 1,136.

She said the 1,136 standardised instruments reflects the Bureau’s commitment to providing quality calibration services in order to stimulate industrial efficiency and economic growth.

The ZABS Head of Marketing and Public Relations said this in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

And Mrs. Zulu named some of the companies whose instruments were standardised during the period under review as Ndola lime, KCM, Mopani Mine, Lubambe Mine, Sable Transport, Pamodzi Hotel, Zambia Sugar, Zambezi Portland Cement and Alfred H Knight.

Mrs. Zulu disclosed the instruments calibrated as scales, weight sets, dial indicators and measuring tapes, ovens, cold rooms, radiation thermometers and digital thermometers.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Zulu has urged other companies especially institutions such as hospitals to ensure that they standardise their instruments with ZABS to enhance their service delivery.

President Lungu and Attorney General must resign after Constitutional court ruling-Chipenzi

111

From Left to right: Dante Saunders, MacDonald Chipenzi and Gabriel Namulambe
From Left to right: Dante Saunders, MacDonald Chipenzi and Gabriel Namulambe

Electoral Expert McDonald Chipenzi has described as landmark the ruling of the Constitutional Court ordering ministers to pay back the money in salaries obtained after the dissolution of parliament.

In a statement, Mr Chipenzi said the ruling is the best gift ever four days to the General elections.

“When this issue came first, ministers were advised to stay away from their portfolios but unfortunately they were misled by the Attorney General and President Edgar Lungu,” Mr Chipenzi said.

“It is now incumbent on all the concerned ministers to voluntarily pay back the money to avoid being forced to do so by relevant authorities.”

He added, “President Lungu and the Attorney General must apologise, if not resigning altogether, for misleading the nation on the continued stay of ministers in their respective offices despite the dissolution of parliament. I urge all Zambians to unite and join in the campaign dubbed “Payback the money today.”

The Constitutional Court has ordered Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and provincial ministers to vacate office forthwith because their continued stay in office was against the spirit of the amended Constitution after the National Assembly was dissolved.

And the ConCourt has ordered the ministers to pay back all the salaries, allowances and other emoluments they have drawn from the treasury since May 12, 2016 when Parliament was dissolved.

Constitutional Court president Hildah Chibomba, who sat with Enock Mulembe and Mulela Munalula said the ministers’ continued stay in office was contrary to the spirit of the Constitution.

“The ministers ought not to have continued in office in the absence of the required provision that allowed them. It is contrary to the spirit of the Constitution. We do order that they should forthwith vacate office,” judge Chibomba said.

The court, however, allowed the Vice-President to continue in office so that there is no vacuum created in the governance of the country.

Judge Chibomba also ruled that the ministers knew that their continued stay in office after dissolution of Parliament was illegal and therefore saw no injustice done to them by asking them to pay back the salaries and allowances accrued.

“They should pay back all salaries and emoluments they have drawn from 12th May 2016 to date. The assessment will be conducted by the Registrar of the Constitutional Court. The ministers knew that they were in office illegally and we see no injustice done to them. We would have agreed with the Solicitor General if the Cabinet ministers were appointed from outside Parliament,” judge Chibomba said.

On deputy ministers continued stay in the office, the court said the Constitution as amended did not provide for the office of deputy minister.

“The office no longer exists in the amended Constitution. We do not agree with the Solicitor General’s submissions that deputy ministers should continue in office. Their continued stay in office after amendment of the Constitution in null and void. They should and shall not continue to hold on to office,” said judge Chibomba.

UPND and PF Monday Campaigns in Pictures

28
President HH joined by running mate GBM and MMD President Nevers Mumba
President HH joined by running mate GBM and MMD President Nevers Mumba
HH at a Rally in Kasama
HH at a Rally in Kasama
Crowd at Buseko ground in Kasama
Crowd at Buseko ground in Kasama
Todays crowd at Buseko ground in Kasama
Crowd at Buseko ground in Kasama
Crowd at Buseko ground in Kasama
Crowd at Buseko ground in Kasama
Crowd at Buseko ground in Kasama
Crowd at Buseko ground in Kasama
President Lungu being Welcomed in Mongu
President Lungu being Welcomed in Mongu
Vice President Inonge Wina Welcomes President Edgar Lungu at Mongu airport on Monday picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/ State house
Vice President Inonge Wina Welcomes President Edgar Lungu at Mongu airport on Monday picture by Eddie Mwanaleza/ State house
President Lungu with Vice-President Inonge on arrival Mongu Airport for rallies on Monday, August 8,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Lungu with Vice-President Inonge on arrival Mongu Airport for rallies on Monday, August 8,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Lungu
President Lungu
Vice-President Inonge Wina speaks when President Lungu arrived at Mongu Airport for Rallies on Monday, August 8,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
Vice-President Inonge Wina speaks when President Lungu arrived at Mongu Airport for Rallies on Monday, August 8,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
First Lady Esther Lungu and Vice-President Inonge Wina arrive at Limulunga Palace where President Lungu paid a courtesy call on the Litunga in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
First Lady Esther Lungu and Vice-President Inonge Wina arrive at Limulunga Palace where President Lungu paid a courtesy call on the Litunga in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Lungu with First Lady Esther Lungu and Vice-President Inonge Wina When they paid a Courtesy call on the Litunga at the Limulunga Palace on Moday, August 8,2016 -Picture by EDDIE MWANALEZA
President Lungu with First Lady Esther Lungu and Vice-President Inonge Wina When they paid a Courtesy call on the Litunga at the Limulunga Palace on Moday, August 8,2016 -Picture by EDDIE MWANALEZA
The Litunga presents a royal walking stick to President Lungu when he paid a courtesy call on him at the palace at Limulunga Palace in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-PICTURE BY EDDIE MWANALEZA
The Litunga presents a royal walking stick to President Lungu when he paid a courtesy call on him at the palace at Limulunga Palace in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-PICTURE BY EDDIE MWANALEZA
The Litunga presents a royal walking stick to President Lunguwhen he paid a courtesy call on him at the palace at Limulunga Palace in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-PICTURE BY EDDIE MWANALEZA
The Litunga presents a royal walking stick to President Lunguwhen he paid a courtesy call on him at the palace at Limulunga Palace in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-PICTURE BY EDDIE MWANALEZA

lung52321

President Lungu during a meeting with the Litunga when he paid a courtesy call on him at the palace at Limulunga Palace in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-PICTURE BY EDDIE MWANALEZA
President Lungu during a meeting with the Litunga when he paid a courtesy call on him at the palace at Limulunga Palace in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-PICTURE BY EDDIE MWANALEZA
The Litunga presates a bag of Rice to President Lungu at the palace
The Litunga presates a bag of Rice to President Lungu at the palace
President Lungu being introduced to Induna Mukulwa Kashiko when he paid a courtesy call on the Litunga at Limulunga Palace in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Lungu being introduced to Induna Mukulwa Kashiko when he paid a courtesy call on the Litunga at Limulunga Palace in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
 The Litunga at the Limulunga Palace
The Litunga at the Limulunga Palace
PF supporters when President Lungu paid a courtesy call on the Litunga at Limulunga Palace in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
PF supporters when President Lungu paid a courtesy call on the Litunga at Limulunga Palace in Western Province on Monday, August 7,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMA
President Lungu addresses a rally in at Kyawama grounds Solwezi on Monday, August 8,2016-Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
President Lungu addresses a rally in at Kyawama grounds Solwezi on Monday, August 8,2016-Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
President Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungu during a rally in at Kyawama grounds Solwezi on Monday, August 8,2016-Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
President Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungu during a rally in at Kyawama grounds Solwezi on Monday, August 8,2016-Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA

President Lungu promises to revive rice industry in Western Province.

13
,President Edgar Lungu being welcomed by an 8years old girl Ammanda banda on arrival at the palace of Paramount Chief Gawa Undi in katete District
,President Edgar Lungu

President Edgar Lungu says government will revive rice growing in Western Province.

President Lungu said his government will consider establishing a rice plant as well as an abattoir owing to the abundant livestock and fish species in the province.

The Head of State said this in Limulunga district, when he paid a courtesy call on the Litunga, King Lubosi Imwiko the second at his palace.

President Lungu said that resuscitating the rice and livestock industry in the region is the best way of diversifying the economy.

He said the plants once established would create jobs for the people and help reduce poverty levels in Western Province.

President Lungu also

And Litunga’s representative Induna Twaleti commended President Lungu for his good leadership style.

The Litunga said Western Province and Limulunga in particular has received it’s share of national development.

He also praised the Head of State for being an advocate of gender equity through the appointment of Inonge Wina as republican Vice President.

The Head of State was accompanied to the palace by First Lady Esther Lungu, Vice President Inonge Wina, Western Province Permanent Secretary Mwangala Lyomba and senior government officials.

President Lungu later held private talks with the Lozi King.

FAZ settles for Igesund as Chipolopolo Coach

30
Gordon Igesund
Gordon Igesund

The Football Association of Zambia has appointed South African Gordon Igesund as the new Chipolopolo Coach.

Highly placed sources at Football House and within the football fraternity have confirmed Igesund’s appointment.

But FAZ general secretary Ponga Liwewe refused to confirm or deny the development.

Liwewe however confirmed that an expatriate coach had been appointed and that he would only announce the name once personal terms and conditions had been concluded.

Igesund was among three coaches that the FAZ interviewed last week.

Born in 1956, Igesund played as a striker in his career before taking up the coaching role.
As coach, he won four PSL trophies with four different clubs and also bagged the BP Top Eight cup with Orlando Pirates and the SAA Super Eight with Sundowns in 2007.

Igesund’s Profile

Name in home country: Gordon George Igesund
Date of birth: Jul 26, 1956
Place of birth: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Age: 60
Nationality:  South Africa
Term as coach:1,71 Years
Points per match as manager:1,47
Success rate as coach:39,5 % Wins, 28,1 % Draw, 32,4 % Losses
Trainer licence: UEFA A licence
Preferred formation:4-4-2 double 6

Musonda desperate for game-time

1

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - DECEMBER 19: Mwape Musonda of Golden Arrows celebrates  during the Absa Premiership match between Golden Arrows and Polokwane City at Chatsworth Stadium on December 19, 2015 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images)
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – DECEMBER 19: Mwape Musonda of Golden Arrows celebrates during the Absa Premiership match between Golden Arrows and Polokwane City at Chatsworth Stadium on December 19, 2015 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images)

Zambian striker Mwape Musonda is not part of the plans at Orlando Pirates this season and is considering heading back home if he fails to get a move to another South African club.

Musonda spent the past season on loan at Golden Arrows but his stay there came to a premature end in April.

Though still under contract for another two years at Pirates, the 25 year-old has been informed by the club that he is not in the plans for the upcoming season and has since stopped training with the club.

“The club has indicated that I am not in the plans for the new season and that is understandable considering the issue of the number of foreign players at the club,” Musonda tells KickOff.com.

“I am currently training with Jazzy Queen’s (Harold Legodi) academy just to keep fit while waiting for a deal.

“If all fails here I will have to go back home because I really need to be playing.”

Pirates already have Edwin Gyimah, Issa Sarr, Tendai Ndoro and Bernard Morrison as foreign players, with one space being left open for the January transfer window, according to coach Muhsin Ertugral.

Two other foreign players Felipe Ovono and Yasser Mugerwa are also not in the plans at Bucs, and have since been placed on transfer.

Musonda was signed by Pirates at the beginning of last year and made just two substitute appearances under Eric Tinkler, before being loaned out to Arrows.

International Group of experts say Hichilema remains likely to win

63
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and UDF leader Miles Sampa addressing a rally at Villa Grounds in Livingstone
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema and UDF leader Miles Sampa addressing a rally at Villa Grounds in Livingstone


By Eurasia Group, the world’s largest political risk consultancy.

This election poses a bigger test for President Edgar Lungu than the by-election in January 2015 when he ran simply on former President Michael Sata’s legacy. He has lost many of his most charismatic supporters to Hichilema including Miles Sampa and Mulenga Sata, undermining his campaign that has increasingly relied on entertainers and payments to draw crowds.

Low turnout (32% nationwide) in the 2015 presidential election and the high number of newly registered voters this year present wildcards in the race.

Stronger turnout in Lungu strongholds like Muchinga and Luapula would undermine Hichilema’s chances. Roughly 1.7 million Zambians registered ahead of this election.

Lusaka, Southern and Copperbelt were the top three provinces in terms of new registrations — all three of these provinces will likely trend in Hichilema’s favor, helping him secure a first round victory.

The negative economic climate has been felt most strongly in the two largest provinces that brought the Patriotic Front to its first victory in 2011, Copperbelt and Lusaka. These two provinces will likely swing from supporting the ruling party to backing Hichilema’s UPND.

Other areas where Hichilema is likely to gain ground from a low base is in Northern, the home province of his vice presidential candidate, Geoffrey Mwamba. Even stronger backing from Hichilema’s home province of Southern (90% of voters backed him in 2015 with 49% turnout) will further support the opposition leader. Eastern, Muchinga, Luapula and Northern will likely remain firmly in the Patriotic Front’s camp and turnout will be critical to the overall outcome.

Government interference presents another wildcard. Interim president Guy Scott limited the ability of the government to use instruments of power in 2015. Lungu has clearly sought to use his incumbency advantage; blocking some opposition rallies and closing the opposition-supporting Post newspaper.

Despite this interference, opposition rallies have been well attended, especially in Copperbelt over the weekend and the Post continues to operate though at a more limited scale. In addition, Zambians voted out the incumbent in recent history. In 2011, despite similar practices, Rupiah Banda lost to Michael Sata.

Critically, the vote counting process under the Zambian Electoral Commission (ECZ), which lacks full independence, will be the key determinant of the contest.

Sporadic violence from both parties, despite the ECZ’s 10-day suspension of political campaigns in Lusaka and Namwala districts in July, will likely intensify over the last few days of the campaign and as votes are counted, but is unlikely to threaten national stability.

Zambia has a history of localized election violence, including significant riots in Lusaka in 2006 during the vote counting process when the opposition candidate at the time, Michael Sata’s lead evaporated and Levy Mwanawasa was announced the winner.

The election could extend into September if results are disputed or no candidate reaches a majority

The ZEC took four days to tally results in January 2015; once announced on 24 January Lungu was sworn in the following day.

New constitutional amendments will alter the timeline in this election, however. Vote counting will likely extend until Sunday, 14 August and in the event an outright winner is announced without a court challenge, the swearing in ceremony would take place the first Tuesday seven days following the announcement of the result.

Should the new 50%+1 threshold not be met, a second round would be required within 37 days of 11 August. If results are indeed challenged, a petition must be filed before the newly introduced Constitutional Court within seven days of a winner being declared, and the petition must be heard by the court within 14 days with a decision issued within 30 days.

In this context a winner would not necessarily be confirmed until the end of September, creating a long period of political uncertainty. The constitutional court is a new entity in Zambia, previous court challenges have not blocked the swearing in of a new president. How a challenge would be treated in terms of the swearing in of a new administration is unclear. It could go ahead in parallel with a challenge, likely sparking protest.

One undoubtedly positive result of the recent constitutional amendments is the inclusion of an elected vice presidential role. In the event that a president not be able to complete a full term, the vice president will now take over and complete the remainder of the term. This will eliminate what had become a common practice of snap presidential elections; held both in 2008 and in 2015 after the death of Levy Mwanawasa (August 2008) and Michael Sata (October 2014).

IMF deal likely, but not until December at the earliest

An IMF program is likely to follow a Hichilema victory, but only after the budget is presented in October. The IMF will insist that progress is made on reducing subsidies, especially on fuel and power tariffs though the later in installments after the deep political backlash to the 200%+ increase that Lungu introduced and swiftly reversed in January.

The program would likely run over three years with roughly $1 billion in financing over six disbursements. Under a less likely Lungu administration, a program would still be probable, but future disbursements would be in greater jeopardy as Lungu’s economic team would likely push back on some of the deeper structural reforms. If elections are perceived to have been fraudulent, the US may drag its heels on a deal over governance concerns, pushing the conclusion of a program well into 2017.

We Respect the Decision of the Constitutional Court-PF

103
Sunday Chanda
Sunday Chanda

The Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has said that it will respect the decision of the Constitutional Court Cabinet Ministers to vacate their position immediately.

In a statement made available to the media by the party’s media committee, the party said that today’s decision gives credence to a robust and independent judiciary that Zambia has where the courts can enter judgments against the state, contrary to assertions previously made by the Opposition.

Earlier today the Constitutional Court has ruled that Ministers and their Deputies are in office illegally following the dissolution of Parliament.

The Ministers and their Deputies have been ordered to pay back all the salaries and other allowances they illegally accrued.

Below is PF Full statement

WE RESPECT THE DECISION BY THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT- SUNDAY CHANDA, ON BEHALF OF THE PF INFORMATION COMMITTEE

Lusaka, 8th August 2016 – His Excellency President Edgar Lungu had earlier guided that his administration would respect the decision of the Constitutional Court on this matter. In respecting the rule of law, the Patriotic Front (PF) wishes to state that it will respect the decision of the Constitutional Court. It is on record that the PF under President Lungu delivered a people-driven constitution which also establishes the constitutional court.

The constitutional court plays an important role in, among other functions, the interpretation of ambiguous clauses whenever these arise. Today’s decision therefore gives credence to a robust and independent judiciary that Zambia has where the courts can enter judgments against the state, contrary to assertions previously made by the Opposition.

This is yet another confirmation that PF trusts and respects the doctrine of separation of power as the basis of our thriving democracy and the backbone of our governance.

There may be those across the political divide who may wish to mislead the general public on many aspects not pronounced by the judgment of the Constitutional Court. Some of these vehemently opposed the enactment of the new constitution, but this is expected. In this regard, we wish to inform members of the public that the vehicles are still part of the Ministers’ benefits as such nothing changes, and that Ministers will continue to use their own facilities for campaigns.

Lastly, the Constitutional Court’s ruling confirms that President Lungu has presided over very strong independent institutions with his outstanding record in further strengthening our governance structure. He has exhibited this by delivering the first people driven constitution in 50 yrs. This constitution is the basis of the court that today has demonstrated its independence and delivered this judgement.

It’s a proud moment for any leader to see the maturity of a structure or system that has been one of the milestones of his first 18 months.

Like the constitutional court PF also has confidence in an independent electoral process and administration thereof. In this regard, we must emphasize that other political parties should commit to respecting decisions of these independent institutions such as accepting the results of 11 August 2016, when they lose.

Zambians across the divide can therefore walk with their heads high being fully persuaded that indeed we are a country of laws and not of men.

SIGNED: SUNDAY CHANDA, on Behalf of the PF Information Committee

Konkola Blades reclaim FAZ Div 1 Zone 2 lead

0

Konkola Blades are back on top of the FAZ Division One Zone Two table after thumping Kalulushi Modern Stars 2-0 at the weekend.

Striker Smart Chisenga scored a first half brace as Konkola beat Kalulushi in a Week 19 match played at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.

Konkola moves to 37 points from 19 matches played.

Kitwe United have dropped to second position after a goalless draw away at Ndola United on Sunday.

Second placed Kitwe have 36 points.

Elsewhere, Indeni moved into third place with 35 points after beating Gomes Wanderers 1-0 in the Ndola derby at Indeni Sports Complex.

Defender George Mwape scored a solitary goal after 40 minutes.

Fourth placed Roan United remain stuck on 32 points after losing 1-0 at Kansanshi Dynamos in Solwezi.

Chambishi were the biggest winners after thrashing Zesco Solwezi 4-0 at home.

FAZ DIVISION 1 ZONE 2 WEEK 19 RESULTS

Bresmar United 0-0 FQMO Mining

Konkola Blades 2-0 Kalulushi Modern Stars

Chambishi 4-0 Zesco Solwezi

ZNS Lwamfumu 0-0 Copperbelt Buffaloes

Mining Rangers 1-0 Chingola Police

Ndola United 0-0 Kitwe United

Indeni 1-0 Gomes Wanderers

Kansanshi Dynamos 1-0 Roan United