Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
The Patriotic Front has said it will not use government machinery during Edgar Lungu’s campaigns.Secretary General Davies Chama said this was demonstrated in Kitwe and Mansa over the weekend when Edgar Lungu’s team chartered a private jet and helicopters from a private avaition company.He said by law only the President and vice President can use public resources.
Below is the Full Press statement
It has come to our attention that there are concerns that government facilities are being used in the campaign.
We wish to inform the nation that PF President Hon. Edgar Lungu will conduct a fair, peaceful, and non-violent campaign as enshrined in our electoral laws and has provided for in good governance principles.
Hon. Lungu will not use government facilities. Although he is Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice, he has used party resources to conduct his campaigns.
In this vein, Hon. Lungu wishes to advise all ministers and officials to comply with his directives on the use of public resources.
Choppers used by Edgar Lungu team
From our laws, only the Republican President and the Vice-President are allowed by law to use such facilities.
As demonstrated by the two functions relating to the National Launch the party held in Kitwe and Mansa, the Helicopters and Plane used were hired from the private aviation companies and we wish to emphasize that NO government facilities were used from the Zambia Air force (ZAF).
We also wish to inform the nation that our National Campaign Committee will today Monday, sit to craft and announce a comprehensive 40 day national campaign program that will give details of the public rallies and public appearances by the PF President Edgar Lungu.
Davies Chama
SECRETARY GENERAL
PATRIOTIC FRONT
We are now well into the campaign period for the 20 January 2015 presidential elections and the candidates need to be laying out a strong and clear plan of action to address the challenges we face and move Zambia forward. It is therefore shocking to hear that Lungu has no vision for the country other than continuity.
Continuity is not enough. The suggestion that continuity is enough is an insult to those farmers across the country that have gone unpaid and who are struggling to plant for next season or send their children to school, it is an insult to those students who have not received bursaries or been paid their allowances, and it is an insult to those workers who have seen a wage freeze at a time when the cost of living is rising all the time. I could go on but you get the point. 60% of our people are living in poverty and something more is needed.
I urge voters not to get caught up with this or that token gesture from Government in the campaign period.
Judge them based on performance of the last 3 years, not just these 3 months up until elections.
I also urge the Zambian people to challenge Lungu on his statements regarding mealie meal given the fact that the PF Government has had 3 years to address this problem and during that time they have only managed to increase the price. Independent research undertaken by the JCTR earlier this year showed a serious rise in the number of Zambians now dependent on pamelas. Is this a trend we want to vote for in January 2015? Is this the kind of thing we want to see more of?
A President needs to be a leader with a vision and the drive, commitment and energy to achieve this. The Zambian people are hungry for change and we cannot continue just to live day-to-day hoping some improvement might come about.
Richard Kapita
UPND Vice- President
___________________________
UPND Information (PI Dept)
To Announce the new MMD and give confidence that the apparent squabbles are short lived and therefore cast a vision for NEW Politics and a NEW Zambia.
Introduction:
In September 2011, you the people of the Copperbelt made a dramatic decision to remove MMD from power and replace it by the PF. To the MMD you gave us an assignment to go back to the drawing board and change our ways. To PF you gave them a mandate to bring change in your pockets, in your homes, in your work places and in the nation as a whole.
Today, the two parties are back and must report to you as to how much MMD has changed and whether or not the PF fulfilled its 90 day promises.
THE MMD
In view of the assignment given to us after the 2011 loss, MMD undertook to find out the sins that cost us the 2011 election. To change the perception of the party, MMD chose a new leader, a Pastor in order to make a point that the perception of a corrupt MMD, an arrogant party, a party that was accused of caring more for foreigners than locals has made a shift and started on a road to reform.
It would therefore be arrogance for MMD to dare bring back to the Zambian people the old MMD which they rejected hardly three years ago. It is for this reason you have been hearing of major conflicts within MMD because a new party cannot be born unless the old habits are identified and abandoned. There are those in our party who are determined to keep the old face of MMD and hope that you the people of the Copperbelt have forgotten the reason why you removed MMD from office. I wish to assure our members, the people of the Copperbelt and the people of Zambia that under my leadership, MMD shall never be the same again.
Today, I am presenting a new MMD to Zambia.
A Party that has truly repented from the sins of 2011. A Party which now understands the pain and plight of all Zambians. A party which has a new President. The disturbances you have seen in the MMD are kicks of a dying horse. The old MMD is dying and it has vowed not to die without a fight. I am however confident that the new shall triumph over habits of old. I have given the prime of my life to fight for the re birth of a new MMD and I am ready to pay the highest price to present to the people of the Copperbelt a new start for MMD, a new start for the Copperbelt and a new start for Zambia. I believe now more than ever before that Zambia shall be saved. The survival of MMD is critical for Democracy and for the prosperity of Zambia as a whole.
KK wanted the old Northern Rhodesia to die and birth a new nation- Zambia. He was fought, hated and imprisoned many times, but eventually a new nation was born in 1964.
Fredrick Chiluba wanted the old one party state to die and birth a New Democratic Republic. He was fought, hated and imprisoned many times, but eventually a New MultiParty state was born in 1991.
Today, Nevers Mumba wants to change the old politics of immorality, injustice, hatred and corruption. I want the old politics to die. I have been fought, hated, thrown into prison, but as our history reveals, We shall over come.
In the past we have changed governments, this time we shall change both government and politics.
Copperbelt, “the old MMD has passed away, behold the new has come.”
NEVERS MUMBA
Some say, “Nevers does not qualify to be President because he is a Pastor and has no experience!”
Experience?
At age 20 I had founded the first national Christian organization (Victory Ministries) and developed it through the Years to become one of the top Christian organizations on the continent.
Experience?
At 37 I founded the National Citizen’s Coalition political Party and served as President. It later merged with MMD.
Experience?
At age 43 I became Republican Vice President and served as leader of government business in Parliament.
Experience?
At age 49 I served as Zambia’s High Commissioner to Canada and elected the President of Canada’s Diplomatic Community. The first African to ever hold this position.
Experience?
At 52 elected President of the MMD
I humbly submit that The Lord and Zambia have adequately prepared me for the job ahead of me.
THE NATIONAL CHALLENGE
The greatest Challenge Zambia faces is lack of leadership of morality and integrity. PF won the election on expedient promises which have now proved to be false. Zambians have been duped and dumped after the PF emerged as winners.
Instead of life being easier as promised, it became harder. Subsidies on both fuel and Agricultural inputs were removed. This resulted in Mealie meal prices jumping from K37.00 to K85.00. All food prices went up and travel costs went up as well.
The promised jobs plummeted as investors pulled out and others suspended further investments until the economic policies of PF could be clarified.
Lack of credibility in leadership has cost Zambia everything. Instead of delivering goods and services, the PF opted for brutality against the opponents. Lest Zambia forgets.
Under PF, we have lost freedoms of expression and association. Under PF, the Constitution has not been done. Under PF, no foreign Head of State came on an official visit. We lost out both locally and internationally.
THE NEW MMD BACK IN GOVERNMENT:
GOVERNANCE:
This is the last time you are seeing this Constitution.
Public order act will no longer be a weapon against political opponents.
Women: My vision is to target 52% of cabinet to go to women.
EDUCATION:
An intelligent and educated population is the key to practical development and prosperity.
Education will be mandatory and it will be illegal to keep a child away from School.
Salaries for teachers will compete highly with those of teachers in the region especially Botswana, so that we no longer lose our hard trained teachers to other countries.
Recruitment of teachers will be on going to ensure that we keep sustainable levels of teachers.Construction of Universities, Secondary Schools, Primary Schools will be an ongoing program. ICT will be mandatory to all children from grade one.
HEALTH:
We will Champion public health: which includes clean environment, good sanitation and clean water provision. Every Zambian will have access to basic health care provided through public, private and family partnership. Will continue with the construction of our initiated 650 clinics. We shall continue with the construction of District Hospitals under the scheme like Mwanawasa Hospital.
We shall ensure that all hospitals are equipped with medicine and necessary technology.
We shall re instate all nurses fired by PF and pay them all that is owed to them
STREET VENDORS:
Every country has street vendors including the United States. The New Hope MMD back in Government shall improve the standards of vendors by ensuring that strict sanitation, cleanliness and appropriate levies are managed. There shall be no dirty street as a result of a vendor. There shall be high penalties for throwing of garbage in any public place.
AGRICULTURE:
We shall re introduce subsidies that have been removed by PF on agricultural inputs like fertilizer and seed. This will result in cheaper mealie meal and more profit for farmers.
Agriculture will continue to be an economic driver and shall create necessary jobs for our youth.
MINING:
We shall bring back investor confidence in the mining sector by having consistent policies. We shall engage mine owners to ensure that we create a win win situation for both the investor and the worker.
WORKERS AND UNIONS:
Unions will be allowed to bargain for better pay without interference from government.
We shall lift the wage freeze immediately we take over government.
We shall lift the job freeze which has been put in place by the PF government.
CHURCHES:
Under my leadership, I will make the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation a practical aspect.
Churches will play a heightened role in the governance of the country. Under my leadership, the church will regain its rebate status which has been taken away by the PF government. They will be able to bring in mission vehicles, building materials, aid into the country duty free as it used to be under President Chiluba. Churches will be allowed to meet in any facility as long as there is an agreement with the institutions renting out facilities including schools. Churches will be free to apply for land and be considered through a fast track program. We will introduce a National Thanks Giving day in which the Church will lead the whole nation in worship and praise to God for his abundant blessings on our land once per year.
YOUTH:
Every youth will be encouraged to enroll for a skill training program. Those graduating from school and those abandoned on the streets without a trade. My vision is to place tools in the hands of our youth to make a living through specialized skills training.
We shall use a youth development fund to provide capital to enterprising youth to start sustainable businesses.
We shall teach and prepare the youth in programs of democracy and the rule of law to prepare them to assume national leadership at relatively young age.
CONCLUSION:
Good promises without good men to implement them is a circus of frustration for the governed. How do you identify good men and women? Through diligence and patience. The Bible says, ” You shall know them by their fruit.” The Bembas say, ” Ichikwanka bachi mwena kumampalanya.”
Faith in God, fear for God makes a leader accountable to promises he makes. In this Jubilee season, I offer myself to the Copperbelt, my home, and to Zambia to be your next President.
The Zambian Voice Press Statement on Current Political Campaigns and Political Funding by Foreign Interests
As an organisation that promotes good governance, Justice, Human Rights and quality of life for all Zambians, we are would like to engage with our people during this crucial time of Presidential elections.
During this Presidential election we have seen an unprecedented number of people, aspiring for Presidency. This can be a sign of our growing democracy, fifty years after independence. However, most of these candidates that floated their names for Presidency did not seem to be aspiring to serve the Zambian people but the insensate desire for power. Because of this high appetite for power they subjected the citizens to such anxiety of political and economic strife. These politicians particularly in the ruling party Patriotic Front (PF) and Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) wrestled for power like treasures to benefit them personally.
We would like caution political leaders not to personalize political parties like private entities because it is against democratic tenants. The sense of entitlement to the party should not be by affinity but collective to all members. Ascension to leadership should not be about individual anointment but consensual selection by members. What pride can a leader enjoy if his power is acquired by arm twisting?
We urge all Zambians to be vigilant during this time of elections so that they don’t fall victim of political deceptions. The citizens should scrutinize all Presidential candidates in this elections and ask them to explain any clandestine activities or character on them. In this regard the media need to offer balanced coverage of all aspiring candidates while posing those tough questions on behalf of the citizens.
Zambians should not just vote for a politician because he/she is surrounded by so many people who mostly are job seekers. Popularity of a person does not necessarily mean integrity, or political acumens and quality. Zambians need to look for a mature leader who will look at their interest and has a vision for Zambia. Politics is about benefits, but such benefits should not just be limited to the elected but also the electorates.
It must also be borne in the minds of Zambians that we will soon have another election in less than two years, so those promising drastic policy change must be checked with the probability of time and global economic trends on how things happen. What we need is a caretaker to stabilize, correct and maintain policies so that we land in 2016 safely then chose a leader who will start afresh.
But many politicians are overlooking this fact; instead they are doing everything possible to get power. As an organization we are concerned with abrupt cash gate that has opened up during this campaign. All of a sudden we are seeing huge spending to support political activities.
Just when President Sata died, debate ensued about the PF convention. It was argued that PF has no money to hold the convention. However, the convention happened without any disclosure of where the money came from. Zambian Voice would like to ask the PF to review who funded their convention which ran for about five days? About seven thousand people attended that convention and many received money.
There are a number of questions that we will be asking the leadership of PF and other parties as well to maintain transparency and security of our Nation. We are aware that politicians are mortgaging this Country to foreigners to attain power. We are extremely concerned about this and we promise to expose all political leaders getting monies from foreign powers because we believe nothing come for free. We need to maintain our independence but it would be folly for us to expect our leaders to be reign over our resources freely when they have indebted themselves heavily from foreign powers.
We have received information linking the United Party for National Democracy (UPND) and the foreign mining company Anglo American. A story was even published by Africa Confidential on 17th November 2014 claiming that Hakainde Hichilema has been chosen by Anglo American and other foreign interests as their preferred candidate. The article said that Hakainde Hichelima met with these foreign interests and power brokers to seal the Presidency of Zambia.
It is in the interests of the nation and Mr. Hichilema himself to address the following issues:
Mr. Hichelima must disclose the true nature of his relationship with Anglo American and other South African business interests whom he has been meeting in the recent past.
We have been informed that the UPND campaign is being funded by foreign powers and international companies. We want Mr. Hichelema to disclose these funders and what is being promised in return to these people and companies.
It has also been revealed to us that the same group of South African commercial interests met with the UPND leader and Dr. Nevers Mumba in November here in Zambia at a named Lodge. The nation must be told what was discussed and what deals were made between them all.
Other questions that Mr. Hichilema must answer now include:
What financial interests does Mr. Hichilema have in regard to Anglo American?
In the interests of transparency, Mr. Hichilema must publish his financial affairs and various shareholdings for the Zambian people to see so that he is not accused of defrauding Zambians if he is elected as President – will he do so?
Further to the above issues, there are questions about Mr. Hichilema’s role in the sale of Zambian assets that were sold cheaply to foreign interests, who have resurfaced to sponsor some political leaders. Such companies include Lima Bank and Hotel InterContinental in Livingstone. It has been reviewed that actually Mr. Hichilema has shares in some of these companies he privatized.
We demand that Mr. Hikainde shade more light on how he handled the privatization process of Roan Antelope Mining Corporation, Kagem Mine.
It is also important for the Zambians to know how Mr. Hikainde will wriggle out of conflict of interest in some of these companies where is has shares and those that are supporting him like the Anglo American the giant conglomerate that has returned in Zambia?
Mr. Hakainde should explain the issues raised above so that he does not cry foul when we start speculating publicly.
It is common knowledge that at times we may elude the law but that does not make us credible especially if we want to ascend to the top most office of the Country. Mr. Hikainde (and all other candidates) as a person aspiring for public office has an obligation to explain the issues we have raised and explain how he even got his worth which he must declare.
We also hope the PF, through Dr. Guy Scott, will tell us where they got the money to sponsor the convention as soon as possible.
It would also be good for Edgar Lungu to disclose who is funding his campaigns before we start speculating publicly.
Visiting the market, listening to the people’s concerns
Reducing the cost of living with better economic management
The ERB announced yet another piecemeal reduction in the price of fuel yesterday. While this is welcome, we believe such piecemeal reductions are not enough.
As UPND we have always argued that it was wrong of the PF Government in the first place to remove fuel and mealie meal subsidies without any mitigation policies. This caused unnecessary hardship in our country.
We have always said that high fuel prices are driving up food and transport costs for Zambians across the country. They are further making it harder for local businesses to grow, flourish and create much-needed jobs.
It also raises the question of how we can hope to export Zambian crops and products across the region when the cost of transporting them is so high.
The reduction in fuel prices should not merely be for political expediency, but should be part of a well-coordinated and bigger plan to address the weaknesses in our economy.
A plan to manage the economy which will not only enable us to reduce fuel prices further but also to keep them down. After all it was only April this year when prices went up by 7% or more.
We are aware that the prices of crude oil on the international market have significantly been reduced by almost 35 percent. This means the fuel prices could have been lowered further so as to significantly bring the cost of living and doing business down.
The UPND stands on the platform of better management of the economy through reductions in fuel and food prices through better utilization of our natural resources.
If elected the UPND will take some short-term measures to reduce the cost of living, including lowering the price of fuel, but at the same time we will take action that will lead to bigger price reductions in the long-term and that will keep prices down.
We have always said investing in agriculture is the best way to bring down food prices, investing in education to equip our youths with the skills and training they need will help grow our economy, and creating a more business friendly environment will lead to accelerated economic growth and job creation.
FORUM for Democracy and Development (FFD) President Edith Nawakwi addressing a rally at the Changanamai grounds in Kitwe
Forum for Democracy and Development FDD President Edith Nawakwi says the country has enough wealthy to take care of all its people if prudently managed by the people elected to govern the nation.
Speaking when she addressed a mammoth rally at Kwacha’s Changanami Grounds in Kitwe Ms. Nawakwi said the poverty being experienced in the nation is not because of the country’s lack of resources but is as a result of bad economic management by elected leaders.
The Opposition leader who received a standing ovation from the Copperbelt students who turned up in numbers for the rally explained that politicians have continued to withhold vital information which can be used to prosper as a nation.
She reiterated the need to decentralize the governance system of the nation to ensure that people make their owen decisions in respective districts without the influence of a few individuals in government who do not understand their problems.
“What is government? Government is nothing but the leaders you elect as Councillors and MPs. Government is nothing but the President you elect and these people must be held accountable.
“The leaders should rule according to our wishes and demands and not them imposing what they want on us.
“As FDD we believe that we can only hold these leaders accountable if the governance system is decentralized to allow people make their own decisions.
“The country belongs to all of us hence our leaders should rule according to our wishes and believe this can only happen if we dismantled the current governance system starting from the powers of the President down to the lowest structure as it perpetrates inequality in opportunities and unfairness in the distribution of the country’s resources.”
And the opposition leader wondered what some opposition leaders who are going round the country mean when they tell people that they should be voted for on the basis of continuation of President Sata’s legacy when the people have been going through untold misery in the past 3years.
“I’m not here to ask for a vote from you for me to finish anyone’s legacy but what I’m saying is that we have an opportunity to elect some one you can partner with and start afresh and I believe I’m that person.
“What I’m promising is to partner with you in finding the best possible solutions to our challenges as a nation as opposed to empty promises.
“Some of these politicians are telling you that they want continue with Sata’s legacy what legacy is there to continue? You want them to continue promising you that they will give fertilizer in July and not do that until January? You want them to continue promising you jobs but you are still waiting for those jobs?
She warned the public against voting for people going round the country making unattainable promises saying the country is where it is today because of unfulfilled promises by politicians who have conditioned citizens to believing that you have to lie to win an election.
She added that lies by politicians have not taken the country anywhere but to the doldrums of poverty.
On the mining sector, the life blood of the Copperbelt Province, Ms. Nawakwi said Copperbelt residents continue to get a raw deal on the abundant wealth that the province has because successive governments have continued to look to foreign investors and ignore the wishes and demands of the local people.
She said the current government can’t even allow the youths in the provincial mine from black mountain but would rather give it the Chinese to mine it.
Meanwhile party provincial chairperson Yotam Mutayachalo said the FDD had a quality Presidential candidate boasting of abundant experience in government as a senior minister in various ministries including being the only female finance minister that country has ever had.
He said Ms. Nawakwi was the best suited candidate to move the country forward because of the vision and experience which sets her apart from other candidates.
Nathan Mulonga who is the party national secretary said the country was blessed with abundant natural resource hence people should not be suffering like it is today.
He said what the country needs is a leader with a heart for the country and that Nawakwi was that leader.
And Southern African Students Council General Secretary said it was high time the country gave an opportunity to a mother to govern as the country has been like an orphan for the past 50years due to the failures of men in managing the country.
He observed that even in a home a mother always unites the family and that an individual with qualities of uniting the nation is what the country needs.
The opposition leader was flanked by party national spokesperson, national chairperson and provincial leaders from all the districts of Copperbelt Province among others.
UPND(United Party for National Development) opposition Party President Hakainde Hichilema, has maintained that the UPND would improve the plight of Mkushi residents if he is elected into power.
Mr. Hichilema was speaking at welfare Ground in Mkushi District on Sunday, during his campaigns for the Presidential By-election that have been slated for 20th January 2015.
He said that his party would effect the reduction of energy costs, namely electricity tariffs, adding that reductions would be effected in other items such as fertilizer and mealie-meal.
He said that although Mkushi District was renowned for being a leading agriculture production region, he was saddened to learn that residents cited high poverty levels as being amongst the pertinent challenges.
Mr. Hichilema said that if elected, his party was determined to introduce moves that would reduce the cost of production for all sectors including agriculture.
He mentioned that the UPND had plans to offload other interventions such as the support for irrigation, cheap loans for marketers and small businesses, as well as subsiding education from primary to tertiary level.
He stressed that the efforts of his party are focused on creating the environment that would avail jobs for youths as well as make it viable for businesses to thrive.
Mr. Hichilema also stated that his party would lift the current wage freeze pertaining to civil servants, as well as reinstate all Nurses that were sacked by Government last year.
He criticized the wage freeze, explaining that the move had impacted negatively on the efforts to mitigate poverty as prices of commodities had continued to increase.
The ECZ(Electoral Commission of Zambia had set 20th January 2015 as voting Day for the Presidential By-election, leading to several political parties commencing their campaigns.
Rally in Kapiri Mposhi.Mpula in Central ProvinceVisiting the market, listening to the people’s concernsVisiting the market, listening to the people’s concernsMeeting Chief Chikupili and Chief ChembeGoing for the rally at Welfare grounds in MkushiGoing for the rally at Welfare grounds in MkushiRally at Welfare grounds in Mkushi
UPND President Hakainde Hichilema with his supporters in KabweUPND President Hakainde Hichilema waves to his supportersUPND President Hakainde Hichilema visited the hard working doctors and nurses at UTH on Thursday 4th DecemberUPND president Hakainde Hichilema receives a bouquet of flowers from a little girl on arrival in KabweUPND President Hakainde Hichilema on arrival in KabweUPND President Hakainde Hichilema interacts with his supporters in KabweUPND President Hakainde Hichilema in mobbed by crowds in KabweUPND President Hakainde Hichilema attended a service at Kabwe Central SDA church with Charles Milupi and Former first lady Maureen Mwanawasa
MMD presidential candidate Dr Nevers Mumba launched his presidential bid for the January 20 2015 election with a colourful and well attended rally at Chibote grounds in Kitwe’s Chimwemwe Township.
And Dr Mumba said he will remove Statutory Instrument 103 of 2013 which introduced Excise Duty on goods and equipment imported by Churches and other religious organisations because it has negatively affected the work of the Church.
He said he will also allow Churches to meet and fellowship in Government Schools as long as there is an existing contract between the school management and the Church.
The MMD leader further promised to formalise the declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation by introducing a National Thanksgiving Day to acknowledge God’s blessings.
Dr Mumba who spoke mostly in the local Bemba dialect promised the people of the Copperbelt that he will address all their problems once elected President because he understands what they are going through.
Dr Mumba said will address the worsening plight of miners and ensure that the business environment and contracts in the mining sector are enhanced to the local people.
He also promised to upgrade the standards of street vending by improving the conditions under which street vendors operate.
‘There is no country on earth without street vendors even America has street vendors. We will allow vendors to operate from the street except we will upgrade their businesses and ensure that they operate in clean environment with proper sanitation,’ Dr Mumba stated.
He also promised to enact a new constitution by 2016 saying Zambians deserve a people driven constitution that will stand the test of time.
‘By 2016, this current constitution will be no more. We shall give you a brand new constitution that will guarantee your freedoms and liberties.’
Dr Mumba also promised to reverse the removal of subsidies on fuel, Maize and Fertiliser which he said has increased the cost of living especially for poor Zambians.
He said he is one of the most experienced politicians among those vying for the republican presidency because he served as Vice President under the late President Levy Mwanawasa.
‘We formed NCC when i was just 37 and i was appointed republican Vice President at 43. I have amassed experience over the years to make me a good President. Zambians know me, the people of Kitwe know who Nevers Mumba is and you know you will get God fearing and quality leadership,’ he said.
The MMD also demanded that the PF government pays all the farmers that supplied Maize to the Food Reserve Agency and cleans up the bursary system in Zambia.
Dr Mumba also reassured MMD supporters countrywide that the perceived wrangles with Mr Rupiah Banda are nonexistent.
He maintained that the MMD only has one President adding that he respects Mr Banda as former President but that he needs to rest.
Dr Mumba’s campaign rally was televised live on ZNBC main channel, Muvi TV and several other private radio stations across the country.
Dr Mumba was flanked by several National Executive Committee members, his wife Florence while prominent gospel recording artistes among them Malembe Malembe and the Ngosa Brothers were on hand to offer entertainment at the rally.
Nevers Mumba speaking at the rallyMOVEMENT for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) President Nevers Mumba addressing a rally in KitweMOVEMENT for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) President Nevers Mumba addressing a rally in KitweMOVEMENT for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) members showing support to the party during a rally in KitweMOVEMENT for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) members showing support to the party during a rally in Kitwe
MOVEMENT for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) members showing support to the party during a rally in KitweMathews NgosaMalembe MalembeGospel artistes at the rallyDr Mumba introduces his wife Florence and NEC members
FORUM for Democracy and Development (FFD) President Edith Nawakwi addressing a rally at the Changanamai grounds in Kitwe
FORUM for Democracy and Development (FDD) President Edith Nawakwi has urged people to vote for her as she would not make any broken promises.
Ms Nawakwi said for the past fifty years Zambian people had been forced to live by broken promises by previous Governments.
She was speaking during the launch of the parties Campaigns on the Copperbelt at the Changanamai grounds in Kitwe yesterday.
Ms Nawakwi said she would not make any promises to the Zambian people but pledged to work hand in hand with Zambian people to bring development to the country.
She said time had come for people in the country to have their dignity restored by voting for her as she would work with them in creating employment and development.
“I am here to ask you all to vote for me so that we can work together in bringing development to each and every district in the country,” Ms Nawakwi said.
She said the country had enough resources to carter for each and everyone and achieve a poverty free nation.
FORUM for Democracy and Development (FFD) members during the parties rally at the Changanamai grounds in KitweFORUM for Democracy and Development (FFD) members during the parties rally at the Changanamai grounds in KitweFORUM for Democracy and Development (FFD) members during the parties rally at the Changanamai grounds in KitweFORUM for Democracy and Development (FFD) members during the parties rally at the Changanamai grounds in KitweFORUM for Democracy and Development (FFD) members during the parties rally at the Changanamai grounds in Kitwe
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) president Edgar Lungu has appealed to the Church to pray for politicians during the transition.
Mr Lungu said when he attended a mass at the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary here yesterday that the Church should pray for both the opposition and ruling party to help maintain peace and unity.
“What I am saying is please continue praying for all of us the opposition and the ruling party. Politicians are here to work for the people and during our work, we argue but we always reconcile and embrace,” he said.
Mr Lungu said politicians sometimes argue and use strong language against each other but they always sort out their problems amicably and move forward.
He also said the church should not hesitate to suggest and contribute to the wellbeing of politicians because they make up the community as well.
“Tell the politicians the truth and tell it to them in their faces. Our job as politicians is to politick and debate, and argue every day. We argued in the PF but after some differences, we have come together to continue working,” Mr Lungu said.
He urged the church not to shy away from addressing politicians because the clergy are only doing God’s work.
Mr Lungu said the work of the church is to bring love, peace and unity amongst Zambians.
Cathedral of Assumption of Mary priest Reverend Nicholas Mumbi said the people of Mansa are happy and privileged to receive Mr Lungu.
Rev Mumbi hoped it is not the last time the people of Mansa are seeing Mr Lungu.
He urged Zambians to maintain peace, love and unity before, during and after the January 20 presidential election.
At a a rally held in Mansa, Mr Lungu said that the ruling party will embrace members of opposition political parties because it was founded on the principles of love and inclusiveness.
Mr Lungu said when he addressed a rally here yesterday that the PF should endeavour to recruit more members in preparation for the 2016 tripartite elections.
“We should open hearts and receive people from the MMD, United Party for National Development, National Restoration Party (NAREP) and other parties so that we grow bigger.
“Do not be upset and surprised when you see people from other parties joining us. Just welcome them so that we can continue to grow our party,” he said.
Mr Lungu, who is Minister of Justice and Minister of Defence, urged PF members to welcome and embrace those joining the PF and to orient them to the democratic tenets and values of the ruling party.
He also said he has his own vision but that for now, he wants to fulfil President Sata’s vision of developing the country.
“I have my own vision and if I am given a chance in 2016, Zambians will see my ideas. For now, let’s work as one and build our country,” Mr Lungu said.
Earlier, Mr Lungu’s wife, Esther, called on Zambians to support her husband because he cannot work alone.
Mrs Lungu said power lies in the people and Mr Lungu needs the support from all citizens.
She also described PF national chairperson Inonge Wina as an iron lady.
And Mrs Wina urged PF members to continue organising the party and to ensure all corners of the country receive the campaign message of voting for Mr Lungu on January 20.
She said Mr Lungu has blessings from the Litunga, who gave him a walking stick.
Minister of Youth and Sport Chishimba Kambwili said this is not time for members to be attacking each other but to instead promote unity and peace.
Mr Kambwili said there is need for the PF to move forward and this can be achieved by loving each other and uniting.
He said PF has 241 development programmes for Luapula Province, which can only be completed by the PF.
Mr Kambwili warned that the projects will stall if the people of Luapula vote for the opposition.
Kabwata member of Parliament Given Lubinda said the PF is a united party and the perceived infighting was only part of intra-party democracy.
Others who spoke and urged the people of Mansa to vote for Mr Lungu are Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba, Deputy Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya, All People’s Party president Mike Mulongoti and Alliance for Better Zambia leader Frank Bwalya.
FILE: Acting-PRESIDENT Guy Scott interacts with Patriotic Front (PF) women in Kyafukuma area when he arrived to drum up support for PF candidate Newton Malwa in the area.
Acting President Guy Scott has remained non-committal on joining the Patriotic Front’s campaign trail which got off the ground with a mammoth rally in Kitwe on Saturday.
Dr Scott, who is also PF vice-president and Lusaka Central MP, could not commit himself to joining Mr Lungu campaigns, saying the country “should wait and see”.
“I am not travelling to Mansa today to attend the campaign, but for future campaigns, we will have to wait and see,” Dr Scott said in an interview.
On Friday, Dr Scott said that United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema will soon feel the “heat” of the Patriotic Front (PF) in campaigns for the January 20, 2015 presidential election.
In an interview with ZNBC, Dr. Scott said that Mr Hichilema’s days of criss crossing the country were fast coming to an end as the PF will kick off their vigorous campaigns nationwide.
“We are coming like rampaging horses and will overrun the UPND. The tours Hichilema is making across the country will now be meaningless because the PF machinery has kicked into high gear and will retain power.” Dr Scott said.
“Mr Hichilema thinks he is the only one running but we will very soon put him where he belongs at about 20 percent in terms of being popular by the electorates,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kasama member of Parliament Geoffrey Mwamba says he is ready to join Patriotic Front (PF) president Edgar Lungu’s campaign for the January 20 presidential election if invited.
Mr Mwamba, popularly known as GBM, said from Kabwe yesterday that he is willing to be part of the campaign trail if invited.
He said he has not been part of Mr Lungu’s campaign because he has not been invited.
“I am not part of the campaign team for our president because I was not invited but I am willing to be part of the team if am invited,” he said.
But Bahati MP Harry Kalaba, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, has invited Mr Mwamba to be part of the team.
He said yesterday that Mr Mwamba is a political “heavyweight” in the PF, who should join Mr Lungu’s campaign team to enable the ruling party win the January 20 presidential election.
“Mr Mwamba has contributed effectively to this great party and we need him and I am also inviting other party members who are not part of the campaign team to come on board so that we can win the forthcoming presidential poll,” Mr Kalaba said.
He urged members to work hard by recruiting new members ahead of the presidential election.
Mr Kalaba also said he is happy with the support the PF is receiving from the people of Luapula Province as can be exhibited by the thunderous welcome that Mr Lungu and his team received in Mansa yesterday.
“The party in Luapula Province is very strong and intact. I am also very happy that president Lungu was given a thunderous welcome today when he came here to campaign,” he said.
Mr Kalaba urged all well-meaning Zambians to vote for Mr Lungu to help foster development in the country.
Mr Kalaba said late President Sata left many development projects which need to be completed on time.
The opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) says if voted into office, they will use other prudent fiscal measures of raising revenue as opposed to engaging in reckless borrowing.
UPND Deputy Spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo says Zambia’s economy is showing tremendous signs of recovery but that irresponsible borrowing can trigger a slum in its growth.
Mr. Lifwekelo says the UPND has a well defined roadmap on how they will raise revenue locally instead of engaging in excessive borrowing like the way the PF has done in the last three years.
The UNPD deputy spokesperson maintains that the introduction of windfall taxes in the mining industry can better help create more jobs and reduce poverty.
He says the UPND Leader has promised to introduce the windfall tax to help address some of the challenges the country is currently facing.
Mr. Lifwekelo is of the view that more measures should be put in place to lower interest rates for loans to be leaned to average businesses or individuals in order to further trigger increased economic activity and help create jobs in the country.
Mr. Lifwekelo was speaking in a telephone interview with QFM News.
All politicians both in the ruling and opposition in the country have been challenged to tell Zambians the sources of funding for their campaigns.
And Acting President Dr Guy Scott has been challenged to tell the nation who funded the PF General Conference in Kabwe when the party earlier said they had no resources to host the event.
Addressing journalists today, Zambian Voice Executive Director Chilufya Tayali observes that politicians are mortgaging the country to foreigners.
Mr. Tayali notes that leaders in the country luck political independence hence performance has been questioned when they are elected in government.
He has since challenged UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema to declare his interest in foreign companies and alleged of funding his campaigns clear out the speculation.
He has also called on the PF President Edgar Lungu to also tell the nation who is funding his campaigns.
He says it is surprising that Mr. Lungu who was also said to have mo resources is now able to use a chartered plane for campaigns.
Edgar Lungu on his way to file his nomination at Cabinet Office escorted by MPs, Cabinet and Deputy Ministers and Central Committee members.
Patriotic Front Presidential candidate Edgar Lungu this afternoon received a thunderous and heroic welcome by the people of Mansa.
And Mr. Lungu announced that he has appointed Home Affairs Minister Ngosa Simbyakula as central committee legal and discipline chairman.
Addressing a mammoth rally in Mansa this afternoon, Mr. Lungu assured the people of Zambia that he will not abandon President Sata’s vision because it is because of that vision that the people voted for him.
Mr. Lungu notes that by 2016 by the will of God, he will come up with his own vision.
He has also encouraged many people to join the party even those from other political parties so that they work together.Lungu with Ngosa
And PF National Chairperson Inonge Wina says it has been a big struggle for Mr. Lungu to be where he is today.
Ms. Wina explains that it took God’s intervention for the party to come this far citing that without the hand of God they would not have achieved what they have today.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba says Edgar Lungu is the one to complete were President Sata left.
Mr. Kalaba says if people loved Sata they will vote for Mr. Lungu for continuity.
Some of the notable people who attended the rally include; People’s party president Mike Mulongoti, Pf Secretary General Davies Chama, Transport and Communications Minister, Yamfwa Mukanga, chiefs and Traditional affairs minister Pro Nkandu Luo, Community Development Mother and child Minister Emerine Kabanshi, Home affairs deputy minister Nickson Chilangwa among other cabinet and deputy ministers and other PF officials.
