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Zanaco opened a ten-point lead at the top of the FAZ Super Division after overcoming Kabwe Warriors 1-0 in Saturday’s Week 18 match in Lusaka.
Mumamba Numba’s Bankers now sits on 43 points, ten above second placed Zesco United who are out of local action owing to CAF Champions League commitment.
Zanaco skipper Ziyo Tembo led by example as he rose high to head in a Fackson Kapumbu corner after 24 minutes.
This was the leader’s 13th victory of the season.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Power Dynamos made a promising start to the second round after securing a 2-1 win at Napsa Stars in Lusaka.
Forward Fwayo Tembo registered a first half brace with You-remember Banda scoring Napsa’s face-server.
Power handed their old coach Tennant Chilumba his first loss incharge of Napsa.
Friday, July 15
Mufulira Wanderers 1 – 0 Forest Rangers
Saturday, July 16
Nakambala Leopards 0 – 1 Red Arrows
Green Buffaloes 1 – 1 Green Eagles
Napsa Stars 1 – 2 Power Dynamos
Zanaco 1 – 0 Kabwe Warriors
Lusaka Dynamos 2 – 1 Mufulira Blackpool
Sunday, July 17
13:00 Nchanga Rangers vs Lusaka Tigers – Nkana Stadium
15:00 Nkana vs Nkwazi – Nkana Stadium
In response to an invitation by the Zambian authorities, the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Zambia to observe the Presidential, Parliamentary, Mayoral and Council Chairpersons, and Local Government elections which are scheduled for 11 August. This is the fourth time that the European Union is observing elections in Zambia (previously in 2001, 2006 and 2011), which reflects the EU’s long-term commitment to supporting credible, transparent and inclusive elections in the country.
Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, appointed as Chief Observer Cecile Kashetu Kyenge, Member of the European Parliament.
The High Representative stated: “The upcoming elections are expected to be one of the most competitive in the country’s history and can further consolidate Zambia’s track record for well-run elections. I trust that these forthcoming elections will be transparent and peaceful, with all sides refraining from actions and statements that may incite violence. Of course, all parties should abide by the law and resolve any election dispute through dialogue and available legal remedies. Under the leadership of Chief Observer Kyenge, I am confident that the EU EOM will make an important contribution to this electoral process”.
The Chief Observer, Kyenge, declared: “I am honoured to lead the EU EOM to Zambia. The forthcoming general elections will be a key moment in the country’s development, and I trust they will set an example of democratic consolidation.”
The EOM Core Team of seven EU election analysts arrived in Zambia on 29 June and will stay in the country until the completion of the elections, to prepare a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process. On 11 July the Core Team was joined by 24 long-term observers, and later, on 5 August by additional 56 short-term observers who will be deployed across the country. Also a delegation of the European Parliament and Zambia-based diplomats from EU Member States will reinforce the mission on election day. The EU EOM stands ready to cooperate with other international observation missions.
At the request of the Zambian authorities, the deployment of an EU EOM aims to contribute at enhancing the transparency of the process, the respect for fundamental freedoms and emphasises the importance of further follow up to EOM recommendations. The EU supports African efforts to reinforce the democratisation process across the continent. Since 2000, more than 70 election observation missions have been deployed by the EU in Africa.
ECZ Chris Akufuna
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has revealed that it will amend the Peace Accord which was signed by only by five of the nine participating parties.
The Peace Accord dubbed the Pledge for Peace was a document drafted by the ECZ which was presented at Friday’s meeting with presidential candidates asking them to make a firm commitment to ending electoral violence.
President Edgar Lungu, Peoples Alliance for Change candidate Andyford Banda, UNIP’s Tilyenji Kaunda, the presidential candidate for Democratic Assembly and FDD’s Edith Nawakwi all signed the Pledge for Peace.
However, UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema, Rainbow Party leader and UPP’s Dr Savior Chishimba refused to sign the accord and requested for an addendum to provide for rights, sanctions, obligations and measures for the enforcement of the Pledge for Peace.
Green Party candidate Peter Sinkamba who participated by phone from his base in Kitwe said he was committed to signing the document at a later date.
Commission Spokesman Chris Akufuna said the addendum will be circulated to all the nine presidential candidates.
Mr Akufuna was speaking in Lusaka Saturday morning when he featured on Kwacha Good Morning TV show.
He said the Commission respects the view of the candidates who refused to sign the accord hence the decision to do an addendum.
And Mr Akufuna has revealed that Ballot papers for the general elections and the Referendum are expected to arrive in the country by July 31.
He said the stockpiling and sorting out of the papers has started in Dubai and he is optimistic that the consignment will be delivered in Zambia by the end of the month.
Chilufya Tayali is with YALI Governance Adviser Isaac Mwanza
The Young Africa Leaders Initiative says the country has enough laws to curtail political violence but that institutions mandated to implement the said laws lack the tooth to do so.
Speaking during a Provincial workshop for youths from different political parties on non violent campaigns Isaac Mwanza the YALI governance advisor says the Electoral Commission of Zambia and the Zambia Police should do more and ensure they implement laws that will guarantee free and fair elections.
Mwanza said Zambia has enough laws that can guarantee free and fair elections and that people should begin to take the institutions charged with specific mandates to task as opposed to continuously pointing fingers at politicians who are the perpetrators of the scourge.
” There is a problem with implementation of laws in the country. Zambia has enough laws to end violence, but enforcement of (these) laws is a problem. Those that are entitled to do so, are not doing their roles and this is a great problem,” Mwanza said.
” Political parties have been complaining, yet no action is taken. ECZ has been mandated to deal with violent parties, but nothing is done. There is a lot of luxury on the ECZ to implement laws. These laws should be implemented by the ECZ to guarantee free and fair (elections).”
He also condemned the police brutality of defenceless citizens.
” We saw the police brutality against defenceless citizens. It is a constitutional right for people to protest if they feel aggrieved. But what we see from the police is total brutality. These police have not performed to standards,” Mwanza said.
And FDD Ndola district chairperson Future Chilumba says the leaders should stop using poverty stricken youths to cause violence.
” There is a lot of poverty, which the PF has created to use the youths to fight. Look at Kabushi for instance. Youths there have nothing to do and this PF candidate called Bowman (Lusambo) is using the youths for violence by giving them K2 and buying them some cheap beer. This is what happens when there is poverty and unemployment among the youth,” Chilumba said.
The Provincial meeting was a culmination of district meetings which were held in several districts in the province.
Police surround the entrance to Radio Mano
Armed police officers this morning stormed Radio Mano in Kasama in an attempt to stop a Radio Program which was featuring UPND’s Vice President Geoffrey Mwamba.
The officers were however left embarrassed after they discovered that the interview was being done via outside broadcasting facility at Mr Bwalya’s residence within Kasama.
Northern Province Deputy Police Commissioner Lizzy Machina told Radio Mano management that the station was not supposed to host the opposition leader because President Edgar Lungu is in the province.
The programme was left to continue uninterrupted and Mr Bwalya used the occasion to castigate the PF for allegedly having failed to deliver most of its campaign promises.
President Lungu yesterday kicked off his marathon tour of Northern and Muchinga provinces as campaigns intensify ahead of next month’s general poll.
Meanwhile, UPND presidential running mate Geoffrey Bwalya has advised the Zambia Air Force command is stop what he called its partisan stance by restricting landing rights for his campaign team.
Mr Bwalya said ZAF should allow his campaign team carry out our campaigns without hindrance.
He said his team is facing challenges in carrying out campaigns on the ground as getting land rights from ZAF is proving difficult.
“Good morning, my team and I continue with our campaigns in Luapula and the north of the country. We are, however, facing challenges to carry out our campaigns on the ground as landing rights from Zambia Air Force are proving difficult,” Mr Bwalya said.
“The Zambia Police, has given us the go ahead to proceed with our campaigns and rallies in the province and as you are aware this is a campaign period and all parties have the liberty to be present everywhere in the country to sell their message to the electorate and therefore the means to get to them should not in any way be curtailed, whether by land, water or indeed by air if the party has the means.”
Mr Bwalya however said his team will continue and urges the ZAF command to do what is right and stop this procrastination and allow them to exercise their right to movement and assembly.
“The Air force is owned by the Zambian people, to whom we are all selling our manifestos, and the ZAF command’s actions may have serious ramifications not so far from now. My advice to the command is stop your partisan stance and let us carry out our campaigns without hindrance.”
Police officers negotiating with Radio Mano staffPolice at Radio Mano
Zesco United brightened their chances of reaching the semi-finals of the 2016 CAF Champions League after thumping Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas 3-1 in Saturday’s Group A match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Jackson Mwanza, John Ching’andu and Idriss Mbombo were the scorers as Zesco eased passed ASEC on day three of the CAF Champions League group stage.
Zesco’s dominance in the first half paid off when they took a 32nd lead thanks to a close range effort by Mwanza who had missed two great opportunities earlier.
Ching’andu ensured that Zesco went into the break with a 2-0 lead when he scored four minutes later.
ASEC scared Zesco when they cut the lead to 2-1 with Youssouf Dao scoring for the visitors before second half substitute Mbombo registered the third goal for the Ndola club.
Mbombo had replaced Mwanza ten minutes earlier.
Zesco now sits on six points from three matches played in the group stage.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca visits Egyptians Ah Ahly on Saturday night in the other Group A tie.
The Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environment says it has started the process of repossessing land which has not been developed by title holders for a long time.
In a notice, the Ministry said it wishes to notify the public of its intention to re-enter and withdraw letters of offer for land that is not developed.
It said this is pursuant to section 13 (1) of the lands act, following lessees/ offerees breach of the covenants and conditions of their lease/offer.
“All lessees and offerees whose names and properties appeared in the Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper are supposed to make representation, in writing to the office of commissioner of lands to show cause why the properties should not be repossessed within 90 days.
Check the Zambia Daily Mail Newspaper for details of properties earmarked for repossession.”
HH is challenging President Lungu to a live TV debate
Leading opposition contender in next month’s general elections Hakainde Hichilema has challenged President Hakainde Hichilema to a live television debate before voting day.
Mr Hichilema said the TV debate will give a chance to the candidates to focus on the issues that are impacting the daily lives of Zambians such as joblessness, rising food prices and the difficulty of accessing even basic health services.
“I am challenging President Lungu to a debate on live TV. I am challenging him to go head-to-head with me to debate our plans and policies for the country so the people can decide for themselves who they want to see in State House for the next five years,” Mr Hichilema said.
He added, “This is an opportunity for us to lead by example and send a strong message to our people that we believe that competition in a democracy is about the exchange of ideas and civilised discussion, not violence, slander and intimidation.”
“It is a chance for us to educate voters on the choice they face on 11th August 2016.”
In the 2015 presidential election, then PF candidate Edgar Lungu was the only candidate who shunned a live debate held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre which was produced by Muvi TV and Hot FM.
This time around, ZNBC and Muvi TV are working together to co-produce running mate and presidential debates before the August 11th elections which will go live on the two stations.
Vice President, Inonge Wina ,has directed the Solwezi Municipal Council to give offer letters to people in unplanned compounds of Highland, Humphrey Mulemba villa pack, Mushitala and Chawama so that they can own land.
Ms Wina says it is important for people to own land because for many years Zambians have failed to acquire land in their own country.She said Zambians need to be given an opportunity to own land in their own country because it is not easy to own land in foreign countries.
Ms Wina said this yesterday when she addressed a public rally at Solwezi Trades Training Institute in Solwezi Central constituency.
The Vice President further advised the Solwezi Municipality to work with traditional leaders to acquire more land that should be given to retrenched miners so that they can venture into agriculture.
She said the Patriotic Front government’s focus on economic diversification is mainly on promoting agriculture rather than heavily relying on copper.
Meanwhile, Ms Wina has handed over one of the Higer buses under the Youth Empowerment programme to the North-western Province Public and Private Drivers Association of Zambia.
She said President Edgar Lungu’s government is interested in taking care of the needs of the vulnerable in society through various empowerment programmes.
Ms Wina has wound up her campaign tour of North-western province which saw her addressing public rallies in all the 12 constituencies in the province.
VEEP being welcomed by MWINILUNGA PF chairman MAanjomba at Ntambu airstrip as PS Mateyo looks onPart of the crowd that attended Vice President Inonge Wina’s rally at Ntambu school grounds on Thursday.
GIVEN LUBINDA CAUTIONS AGAINST DARK FORCES AHEAD OF AUGUST POLLS
Mr Given Lubinda, the Minister of Agriculture has cautioned Zambians to be on the look out for ‘evil and dark forces’ emanating from sections of the opposition ahead of the August 16 polls.
Mr Lubinda cited violent behaviour and total disregard of the law emanating from some opposition pockets as a ‘sign of times’ that must be guarded against as he asked right thinking Zambians to turn to God.
“You keep hearing about Black Friday this, Black Sunday that or whatever…it clearly denotes evil,” Mr Lubinda said, “in a Christian nation whose President (Edgar Lungu) has constantly turned to God for help, you can’t have such talk. We must guard against dark forces.”
The Agriculture Minister said Zambians must take a cue from President Lungu who called for national day of prayer last October instead of following leaders that preach “hate and darkness.”
Mr Lubinda said dark spirits could be at play, “especially among those that are not happy that President Lungu has re-affirmed the decree of Zambia as a Christian Nation that shall shun evil in any form.”
When he (President Lungu) called for a national day of prayer on 18th October 2015, the opposition UPND through spokesperson Charles kakoma, called President Lungu’s call to turn to God as a “waste of time.”
MINISTER LUBINDA REGRETS DEMISE OF UPND CADRE DURING DEMNSTRATION
Mr Lubinda has regretted the death of UPND cadre Mapenzi Chibula who died after she was shot at with live bullets during a demonstration staged to protest against a legally cancelled rally in Lusaka recently.
Mr Lubinda, however, said the senseless loss of a young life would have been avoided had the opposition UPND heed a police order to “not hold a rally in Chawama due to security concerns.”
“PF rallies have been cancelled and we have heed police orders because we are lawful citizens,” Mr Lubinda said, “if they (UPND) had not disobeyed a police word of caution, that young lady would have still been alive.”
Mr Lubinda added that the death of Chibula remained “shrouded in mystery” and wondered whether she was shot by the police as earlier alleged or maybe she was shot by someone else at the illegal opposition gathering.
“There is something suspicious about the death of the girl,” Mr Lubinda said, “a series like movie was captured of her from the time she arrived at the rally to the point where she was shot almost as if someone knew something bad would happen to her…police must investigate that footage closely and interrogate the person who took it.”
Armageddon or ‘the end of the world’ has no place in Zambia, which has a “deeply Christian President in the name of President Lungu. We are tired of invoking evil and dark forces of Black Friday this or Black Sunday…we want peace and love as Christians. That is what President Lungu prays for.”
An opposition party in Zambia has been associated with devil worshiping cults which could be immensely opposed to the fact that President Lungu, a devout Christian continues to pray to God with the rest of the nation such as when the country experienced droughts last year that devastated the rest of the sub region or southern Africa.
“We are like to have a God fearing President and not one that looks to dark and evil forces,” Mr Lubinda said.”
LUBINDA CAUTIONS AGAINST VIOLENT LEADERS
Mr Lubinda has warned Zambians to check the temperament of those aspiring for high office before they can vote for them because some of them have documented fantastic records of violence.
“There are leaders who if they differ with their wives, the wife will end up in hospital because they can only settle differences with fists and violence,” Mr Lubinda said, “you have to be careful and guard against voting for such leaders. You cannot beat wives and workers just because you have differed.”
Even though the Kabwata legislator did not name any aspirant, The Post in recent publications have exposed businessman Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba aka GBM as a violent man who takes keen interest in beating his wife in order to show love.
Hakainde Hichilema, the UPND President has come under constant fire for choosing a man with a recorded history of violence as running mate in the August polls compared to President Lungu who has chosen Mrs Inonge Wina.
GBM, Hichilema, the women’s ,lobby group that often voice out on political issues have chosen to remain totally quite regarding Mr Mwamba’s record of violence, almost as if it is alright to husbands in the UPND to beat up their wives.
“Why have the women’s group, the law association of Zambia chosen to remain silent on this matter (GBMs violent record) and yet they talk about various trivial issues?” asked Mr Lubinda.
LUBINDA ON MEALIE MEAL PRICES
Mr Lubinda has said mealie meal prices in Zambia will soon reduce as the country continues to increase production and explore other foods for export such as soya and wheat.
The Minister added that despite the complaint, Zambian mealie meal is in fact the cheapest in the region fetching below 100 kwacha as compared to neighbouring countries the sub region where prices of mealie are costing as much as the equivalent of 400 Kwacha.
Mr Lungu also cautioned the opposition to tone down on desperation and admit the fact that prices of commodities will always rise based on costs of in-puts and sometimes the laws of supply and demand.
“President Lungu is the only President of Zambia who has shown a practical aspiration to make agriculture a money earner the way copper is and the more we produce under his guidance and of course myself as Minister of Agriculture, the cheaper the food will become,” Mr Lubinda said.
PRESIDENT LUNGU IS A FRONT RUNNER SAYS GIVEN LUBINDA
President Lungu will “easily” secure a re election in the August poll because he has shown resilience and mature leadership says Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda on a live Let the People Talk radio programme aired on Radio Phoenix.
“President Lungu is without any doubt a front runner in the election,” Mr Lubinda said, “he has the right temperament, immense humility and all the qualities needed for good leadership apart from the fact that he is a tested leader. He will definitely win re-election next month.
Mr Lubinda in the same breath cautioned the opposition UPND not to up their hopes too much regarding prospects of Hichilema possibly winning the elections because they could get deeply disappointed.
“You hear some people say Mpaka fye li tulike Mpaka fye (He must win against all odds) what are you going to do if he (HH) loses?” Mr Lubinda said, “this is what brings about violence perpetuated by some parties… elections are about the free will of voters and you can’t say they will vote for you candidate no matter what.”
Mr Lubinda nevertheless concluded by saying President Lungu has in the past 18 months demonstrated to the Zambian voters that he is a leader they can trust.
Zambia goes to the polls for second time in under two years and local and international book makers have placed President Lungu as a front runner as endorsements come big and thick from people like former President Rupiah Banda and former vice President Enoch Kavindele to mention but a few.
SIGNED: Hon. Given Lubinda, Minister of Agriculture
( summarised from Radio Phoenix Let the People Talk)
President Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungu during a rally in Chisamba and Katuba on Wednesday, July 13,2016 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
President Edgar Lungu says he is no longer a novice but a tested leader where governing is concerned.
President Lungu says he has now gained enough experience to govern the Zambian people to greater prosperity.
He said this at a mammoth rally in Mbala.
“Give me space to work. One year that l have served is not enough,” he prodded the Zambians.
He also introduced PF Mbala aspiring the PF MP including six aspiring councillors vying on the ruling party.
He urged the people of Mbala against making a mistake by voting for opposition UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema, who he said has no experience to govern the people.
He told the people to vote for him and all his candidates contesting on the PF ticket.
And speaking at the same rally, former Vice President, Enock Kavindele, implored the people of Mbala and the country as a whole against changing leaders.
Mr Kavindele said President Lungu deserves to be maintained beyond August 11 elections because he has delivered and he is delivering to his promises.
Opposition Christian Democratic Party leader, Dan Pule, also endorsed President Lungu as presidential candidate for this year’s poll.
ZESCO Muzuma substation being upgraded to KV 330 (from KV 220) in order to be connected to the national grid as soon as the Maamba coal plant station is commissioned
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has pleaded with the Zambian government to let Zesco Limited resume power supply to that country.
Upper Katanga Province governor, Jean-Claude Kazembe-Musonda, made the appeal to the Zambian government when Copperbelt Minister, Mwenya Musenge, was in Congo yesterday.
The Governor said it is saddening for people to stay without power and asked the Zambian government to help in negotiating with the power utility firm to continue the supply of electricity.
Governor Musonda noted that it is not a pleasant situation for the people to live without electricity but promised that the DRC government will pay off what it owes Zesco.
And Mr Musenge said the Zambian government will provide the platform for smooth negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zesco for the continued power supply to the DRC.
Zesco has discontinued the supply of power to the DRC owing to the money owed by that government.
File:Three people died in a fatal road accident that occurred within the town center of Mkushi
Government has observed that overloading and over-speeding are the major causes of accidents on the Zambian roads.
Copperbelt Province Minister, Mwenya Musenge, said this when he intercepted an overloaded truck registration number ACZ 3256 that was over-speeding on the pedicle road yesterday.
Mr Musenge warned of stern action against drivers who do not follow road regulations, saying a lot of lives have been lost due to negligence of people on the road.
Mr Musenge noted that in most cases drivers are the ones that are causing a lot of problems for government when there is loss of lives due to negligence.
He said the pedicle road was not constructed so that lives can be lost but that people should have a good road network for easy transportation of goods and services.
The minister has since urged road users to ensure that they board road-worthy vehicles in order for lives to be safeguarded as government cared for the wellbeing of all citizens.
President Lungu and First Lady Esther Lungu during a rally in Chisamba and Katuba on Wednesday, July 13,2016 -Pictures by THOMAS NSAMA
President Edgar Lungu has reiterated that he will not abandon the vision and legacy of late President, Michael Sata.
President Lungu says he will finish and implement the developmental projects in the country.
He was speaking at a public rally in Mpulungu distrct, Northern Province.
President Lungu assured the people of Mpulungu that he will finish and start new developmental projects if he remained in office beyond August 11, this year.
He appealed to the people of Mpulungu to vote for him and his entire aspiring candidates.
President Lungu, introduced PF Mpulungu aspiring MP, Freedom Sikazwe, and ten councillors to the Mpulungu electorates and urged them to vote for him and his contenders.
Mr Lungu said Mpulungu has equally received its share from the national cake in terms of developmental projects.
He said he is the right person for the people of Zambia should vote for.
President Lungu was accompanied to Northern Province by former Vice President, Enock Kavindele, his special aide, Amos Chanda his campaign manager, Samuel Mukupa and other senior PF Members of the Central Committee as well as senior government officials.
