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RB arrives in Mongu

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President Rupiah Banda emerges from the ZAF plane at Mongu airport

President Rupiah Banda has arrived in Mongu to a thunderous welcome.

The president who is accompanied by United Liberal Party President Sakwiba Sikota and former Information Minister Vernon Mwaanga says he is happy to be in Mongu where there is overwhelming support for the MMD.

The President says the MMD has overwhelming support in Mongu contrary to reports from other opposition political parties.

Mr. Banda says MMD supporters in Western Province and Mongu in particular should continue to mobilize people ahead of the September 20 polls so that the party wins with a landslide victory.

He says MMD will continue to preach peace ahead of the elections because violence does not pay.

Meanwhile President Banda says he is happy that United Liberal Party Leader Sakwiba Sikota is supporting him in the ongoing campaigns.

He says this is a sign that other political parties are supporting the MMD’s political agenda.

President Banda was speaking at Mongu Airport on arrival from Lukulu.

And a delegation from Angolan President Eduardo Dos Santos has arrived in Mongu to meet President Banda.

Mr. Banda announced the development during his address at the airport when a plane carrying the Angolan delegation landed.

Earlier, President Rupiah Banda called on the people of Western Province to trust him as they did in 2008. President Banda said that in 2008 people from across the country voted for him based on trust and that he had delivered to the expectation of many Zambians.

The President was speaking when he addressed a rally in Zambezi East Constituency today during the day. President Banda also said that Zambians must ensure they carry out peaceful campaigns in order not to disrupt the development that the country has attained.

He said that from what he had delivered so far, there was a lot that can be used to engage people to vote for him and other candidates. President Banda said that North western Province was full of promises going by the resources it is endowed with. He said tat he will continue delivering and sharing resources equally across the country.

And MMD Provincial Chairman Pinakin Patel said that the province is geared to deliver a land slide victory for the MMD and President Banda. Mr Patel said that people in the province are happy with the adoption of MMD candidates.

And MMD National Secretary Richard Kachingwe has urged people in the province to ignore independent candidates. Major Kachingwe says independent candidates are not accountable and are not obliged to anyone.

United Liberal Party President Sakwiba Sikota has also urged people in the province to vote for President Rupiah Banda. Mr Sikota said that it was important that Zambians vote for leaders who will continue delivering development.

And Former Zambian Ambassador to China David Saviye said that people in the province have witnessed what violence can do. Mr Saviye said that the province has hosted people running away from violence and urged them to reject leaders promoting violence.

Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga who is also former Government Chief Whip has told people in North Western Province that their colleagues in Southern province have pledged not to remain in the opposition again.

And former Vice President Enock Kavindele has called on people to vote for President Rupiah Banda for continued development.

Mr Kavindele says the people of North Western Province have for the first time seen the tarring of the Mutanda Chavuma road which is now nearing completion.

President Rupiah Banda arrived at Zambezi air strip at about 11:54 hours and immediately proceeded to Mbingila Lodge where he met meeting traditional leaders.

The traditional leaders who attended the meeting included Senior Chief Ndungu, Chief Mpindi, Chieftainess Nyakuleng’a and Chief Kucheka.

[ZNBC]

Police rescue Sata from irate UPND

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atrotic Front leader Michael Sata
Patrotic Front leader Michael Sata

Quick action by police in Mangango in Western Province prevented Patriotic Front-PF Leader Michael Sata from being lynched by irate UPND cadres on Thursday.

This was after Mr. Sata went to Mangango hoping to meet his members, only to find UPND cadres gathered at the place.

The UPND cadres got incensed by Mr. Sata’s presence and charged towards the PF leader.

But police responded swiftly, rescuing and whisking him away in a Mangango police vehicle to another place.

Mr. Sata was later led to a place where his cadres had gathered.

Police Spokesperson Ndandula Siamana has confirmed the development to ZNBC News in Lusaka.

Meanwhile, President Rupiah Banda says he will deal firmly with anyone advocating violence ahead of the September 20 Polls.

President Band says no one should be allowed to advocate violence and that Zambians must be allowed to vote in peace.

President was speaking in Lukulu on Thursday when he addressed a mammoth rally at Fernando grounds.

President Banda says as long as he is republican president the country will remain peaceful and those going around fanning violence will be dealt with so that Zambians can enjoy their democratic right peacefully on September 20.

He has urged MMD members not to accept provocation from any one and urged other political leaders to stand up and denounce violence.

And the President has appealed to the MMD to campaign in a positive manner ahead of the polls.

He says the MMD must use the few days that have remained before the elections to tell people the massive development projects implemented in the three years that he has been in office.

He says the MMD has worked and development is there for everyone to see across the country.

The president is accompanied by United Liberal Party President Sakwiba Sikota and Veteran Politician Vernon Mwaanga and other party officials.

ZNBC

Withdraw Sata from race – Lifwekelo

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File: F Edwin Lifwekelo

Several Non Governmental Organizations have urged the Patriotic Front to withdraw Michael Sata as its presidential candidate for the sake of his health.

Forum for Leadership Search Executive Director Edwin Lifwekelo says it is unfortunate that the PF has continued to subject Mr Sata to strenuous work when they know he has been unwell.

Mr Lifwekelo says it is not too late for the PF to withdraw Mr Sata in order to save his life.

He says the PF should allow other people to do campaigns for Mr Sata instead of stressing him with a lot of work.

He was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka on Thursday.

And Die-hard for RB National Coordinator Bowman Lusambo has expressed concern over the reported poor health of Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata.

And Mr Lusambo says it is clear that the PF leader is not in good health, as pressure is mounting on him to go to State House.

Mr Lusambo says the PF has nothing to offer to Zambians.

He says president Banda and the MMD government have worked tirelessly to improve the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, Mr Lusambo has called for the immediate arrest of Chongwe PF parliamentary candidate Silvia Masebo.

He says Ms Masebo must be investigated and arrested for allegedly inciting violence during her campaigns.

[ZNBC]

Bumper harvest advantage RB- Kawana

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Last year's Maize from the bumper harvest in Kapiri Mposhi
One of the current maize Storage facility in Kapiri Mposhi

A recent survey by an NGO dealing in Politics and Good Governance has indicates that the successive crop bumper harvests and massive infrastructure development projects have put President Rupiah Banda ahead of his political contenders in this year’s tripartite polls.

The African Institute for Good Governance and Democracy says the September 20, political contest in Northern Province and other parts of the country will strictly be at parliamentary and local government levels.

Institute Spokesperson Thabo Kawana also says the pilot study for Northern Province shows that the majority of people in the region have generally resolved to support President Banda because of his good policies and unprecedented performance.

Mr Kawana was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Kasama on Thursday.

He says the race at parliamentary and local government level remains competitive due to a good turn out of credible candidates across political parties.

Meanwhile, Mr Kawana says the political ground in Northern Province is relatively calm except for selected cases of intolerance in Kasama Central where the MMD has fielded Chilekwa Munkonge to challenge his brother Geoffrey Mwamba of the Patriotic Front-PF.

He has urged the two brothers to look at the broader picture of national interest other than focus on antagonizing each other based on family ties.

Mr Kawana has also urged all political contenders in the Northern Province to uphold peaceful and issue based campaigns ahead of the September 20, tripartite elections.

ZNBC

Rupiah Banda expected in Mongu on Thursday

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PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda is welcomed by Mwansabombwe MMD former National Secretary Dr. Katele Kalumba when he arrived at Kazembe grounds
File: PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda is welcomed by Mwansabombwe MMD former National Secretary Dr. Katele Kalumba when he arrived at Kazembe grounds

President Rupiah Banda is on Thursday Rupiah Banda is on Thursday expected in Mongu, Western Province for a two day working visit.

According to a programme released by the Western Province administration, the President is expected to arrive in Mongu in the afternoon.

President Banda is on Friday expected to call on the Litunga at his Limulunga palace.

President Banda will later address a stakeholders meeting at Mongu trades.

The President will in the afternoon address a public rally at Mulambwa grounds before leaving the district.

Meanwhile, Former Information Minister Stan Kristafor says the opposition has failed to offer any credible alternative to the MMD government.

Dr Kristafor says this is because the MMD government has managed to build a solid foundation in the last 20 years.

He has advises Zambians to vote wisely and reject politicians inciting violence.

Dr Kristafor has told ZNBC News in an interview that Zambians should base their votes on the in-roads the MMD government has achieved.

And Independent Churches of Zambia board chairperson Reverend David Masupa has urged the electorate to continue upholding peace in the country.

Reverend Masupa has also praised government for facilitating national prayers for peaceful elections, encompassing different faiths in the country.

ZNBC

Chansa On Recovery Path

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There is good news for Dario Bonetti with news that Orlando Pirates midfielder Isaac Chansa is on the road to recovery.

Bonetti yesterday said at a press briefing at Football House in Lusaka that he was hoping that Chansa would be fit enough for the Libya game after news that Rainford Kalaba of TP Mazembe in DR Congo would miss Zambia final and crucial 2012 Africa Cup Group C qualifier against Libya at home on October 8 due suspension.

According to Kickoff.com, Chansa said he should be ready for first team action in two weeks.

“I will be fully fit in two week’s time. I am following a training programme that is separate from the rest of the players,” Chansa told Kickoff.com.

“The good thing is that I am jogging now because this is a positive development.”

Chansa has been out of action since July 19 due to an ankle injury sustained in a Vodacom Challenge Cup 1-1 draw against English Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur.

Zambia’s All Africa Games Boxing Dreams Knocked Out

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Zambia’s boxing interests at the All Africa Games have ended with the remaining boxer’s exit culminating in a knockout on Wednesday evening in Maputo.

Boxing has traditionally been Zambia’s best medal performers at the All Africa Games as the team ends its worst ever performance in the event.

Lightweight Precious Makina was knocked out in the third round of his last 16 contest against Collin Richamo of Mauritius.

Richamo scored 5-1 in the first round and upped his game in the second round carding 11-3.

The Mauritians dominance was completed in the final round knocking-out Makina to end a forgettable outing for Wisdom Mudenda’s team.

Makina who was the last boxing medal hopeful remaining, now joins his six team out of the games in one of Zambia’s poorest All Africa Games outing in the same event.

His bow saw him exit the ring together with bantamweight Douglas Banda, welterweight Gilbert Choombe including big teenage middleweight prospect Ben Muziyo who lost 11-9 in a quarterfinal contest to Namibian Kasuto Mujamdja on Sunday.

Zambia’s other eliminated boxers are flyweight Chester Simpungwe, Christopher Katanga and Martin Chibela.

Medal hopes for Zambia now hinge on the track where Rachel Nachula is competing in the women’s 400 meters and Prince Mumba in the men’s 800 meters.

Karate, Badminton and Chess too are still in the hunt for honors although the latter team lost their second game to South Africa after beating Ghana in game one.

Meanwhile in the netball, Zambia lost their second game this time to Kenya who beat them 46-38.

This is after losing to 61-31 to Uganda in game one a couple of days ago.

Zambia Police Summons William Banda

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MMD member William Banda(R)
MMD member William Banda(R)

MMD Lusaka Province Chairman William Banda has been summoned by police over the violence experienced in Chongwe last weekend.

Lusaka Division commanding Officer Mhlakeni Zulu says police have summoned Mr Banda over allegations that he played a part in the Chongwe violence.

Mr Zulu told journalists Thursday morning at his office this that Mr Banda is expected at the Central Police on Friday for a warn and caution statement.

Mr Zulu has urged members of the public to be patient with police as they investigate the matter.

He has called for peace ahead of the September 20 general elections, further warning that police will not tolerate violence.

And Police in Luanshya have detained a twenty-five-year old youth for allegedly assaulting a member of the Patriotic Front PF.

The youth assaulted the PF members after he allegedly stoned a vehicle of an independent parliamentary candidate during campaigns for the September 20 General Election.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer Martin Malama has named the arrested youth as Chrispin Sabili a supporter of an independent parliamentary candidate in Roan Constituency.

Dr. Malama has told ZNBC News in Kitwe that the young man was arrested Wednesday night when he allegedly assaulted twenty-nine-year old Brian Mulenga a PF cadre, who sustained a swollen upper lip.

The Copperbelt Police Chief explained on Thursday that the political difference between the two youths happened when the PF cadre allegedly stoned a vehicle for an independent candidate, Dennis Mwamba who was campaigning in Roan Constituency.

Dr. Malama says the PF cadre, a driver by occupation, later lodged a complaint to police about the alleged assault.

He says police are investigating the circumstances of the incident while the suspect is in custody.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mwamba the independent parliamentary candidate has also lodged a complaint to police that some unknown people broke the right rear windscreen of his vehicle.

Dr. Malama says a complaint of malicious damage has been received from the independent candidate though no arrest has been made yet over the broken vehicle.

ZNBC

Opinion poll correct, but elections were not held yesterday-Sata

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Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata
Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata

Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata has described the opinion poll held by the Center for Policy Dialogue(CDP) as very right, but noted that elections were not held on the day the opinion poll was conducted.

Speaking to QFM on on the opinion polls that predicated that President Rupiah Banda would win by 41 %, Mr Sata retorted that despite the poll predication, fortunately the elections were no held yesterday.

And Mr Sata says President Rupiah Banda cannot remove Chieftainess Nkomeshya from her throne.

Commenting on President Rupiah Banda’s threats against the Chieftainess on Saturday when he addressed a rally in Chongwe, Mr Sata says Zambia under president Banda is drifting back to the federation days were chiefs who opposed federation were suspended or dethroned.

Mr Sata tells QFM in an interview that Chiefs in the country should wake and be counted following President Banda’s threats to Chieftainess Nkomeshya.

He says the chiefs should speak out like Chief Nalubamba has done, stating that touching one chief means touching all traditional leaders.

QFM

Stop attacking PF,Lubinda tells HH

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File: Old Friends-UPND-PF pact co-spokespersons Given Lubinda (r) and Charles Kakoma (l) exchange notes during a press briefing where they hard a hard time trying to justify why the pact is not about to crumble in Lusaka

Kabwata Patriotic Front aspiring candidate Given Lubinda has appealed to United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema to stop attacking the Patriotic Front in his campaign messages.

Mr. Lubinda says Mr. Hichilema should not be bitter with the Patriotic Front for his failures as he decided to leave the pact on his own.

Speaking recently, Mr.Lubinda says it is unfortunate that Mr. Hichilema has resorted to insulting the PF as he is now regretting having pulled out of the pact.

He has however wished the UPND leader the best in his campaigns stating that electorates would feel pity and give him some votes.

Mr. Lubinda has since advised the UPND to mind its own business in its campaigns rather than attacking the Patriotic Front

QFM

Chilembi Hails Chipolopolo Win

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Former Chipolopolo defender Laughter Chilembi says Zambia deserves credit for beating Comoros 2-1 in Sunday’s 2012 Africa Cup qualifier despite laboring for the victory in Moroni.

Switzerland-based striker Emmanuel Mayuka came off the bench to score a late winner to send Zambia back to the top of Group C with 12 points in five matches.

Chilembi said it is not easy to win away matches adding that Comoros gave Zambia a tough encounter.

“I think it is a good result for the national team, congratulations to the Chipolopolo Boys for the job well done although the game was
tough,” he said.

“I respect the current national squad and I expected Zambia to beat Comoros by at least three or four goals although it was away,”
Chilembi added.

The former Nchanga Rangers and Power Dynamos hard-tackler expressed confidence that Zambia can beat Libya in next month’s decisive Group C game of the Gabon/Equatorial Guinea Nations Cup qualifying campaign.

He said:” I always have confidence in the national team whether we are playing Libya or even teams like Ghana; they (Chipolopolo) will do well.

Continuity or Change

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Continuity or change?-An unidentified man walks past gabbage and flooded houses in Chawama

By Gray Soko

The revolutions that have swept North Africa ( Tunisia, Egypt and Libya) and the Middle East ( Yemen, Bahrain , Syria and you may add Israel) will for a long time to come be subject of serious political reflection. Some people have suggested that even the best intelligence agencies in the world were taken aback by the intensity of the people’s resolve for change.

One thing which is clear is that human beings have an inherent desire for freedom from oppression, deprivation or poverty. There comes a time when man can no longer sit on the fence, living in a state of denial and realizes that average, mediocre life is beneath his dignity. Having realized this, he is willing to confront and change his situation.

Change always involves taking a risk and often the impulse to change gets muted by the “safety” or “predictability” of the status quo. The person then becomes afraid to want more and fight for more. Don’t rock the boat, the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know are the common cliché’ for inaction. The fact however remains that you can only change or correct what you are willing to confront. This must be the dilemma facing some of us. We really desire a better and prosperous life but settle for less through compliance and acceptance of limitations imposed by others instead of being innovative.

We should not perpetually look for people to blame for our continued underdevelopment at the personal, community or national level. We should not fear change but embrace it for without change there can only be stagnation. Politicians should not instill fear that change will necessarily bring instability or chaos but emphasize the positive things that reasoned change will bring about. Change does not have to be initiated by the opposition either, all well meaning politicians with a passion for the country should embrace change.

Radical transformation is necessary, we cannot hope to build a modern country on the inherited colonial framework ( a shambles of local government, bloated civil service structure, dysfunctional rail/road transport network, urban/rural dichotomy etc ) which is not working for us. We should not be perpetually exhausting resources without corresponding productivity and prosperity.

Do we expect continuity with the status quo or change for a better Zambia after 20 September ?

Corruption: Who Oversees The Zambian Government?

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Who is watching them?

By G.Mtonga
In Zambia corruption is a problem and worst of all we have no system to hold elected officials accountable for the rape of our country. Our system and our constitution do not give the general public a glimpse into the nature of our government or the institution that govern us!!

How does ZRA work with the Ministry Of Finance? How do we decide and who decides how money is allocated ? How do our pension schemes work? Why does it take a long time for a person’s family to get their money from pension schemes? How does the Ministry Of Education pay teachers; and what role does the government have with the military? How much does the president of Zambia make in a year? How much do ministers make in a year?Do our politicians have businesses other than their political careers? Where do politicians get the money they use for campaigns?

The above is a small paragraph of the many questions that can’t readily be answered by the Zambian people; the general public is as oblivious to the function of the Zambian government as a hunted animal is to its hunter!! The masses do not even know what their politicians are supposed to do for them, few people can walk into the office of a Member of Parliament from their constituency and demand answers!!! Politicians will continue to treat Zambia like their pocket book until the Zambian people advance structural elements that will reduce corruption and gain accountability:and it starts with our Media!![pullquote]The separation of power in Zambia is as separate as conjoined twins[/pullquote]

Corruption is a disease whose remedy is merely the punishment resulting from commiting the crime! If we set up legal as well as financial consequence for corruption, we can deter official members from committing these crimes against their nations; corruption is in gravity and destruction to a nation the same as committing TREASON!! Corruption can be addressed both as a legal matter and an administrative issue; by creating a “ Watch Dog” and at the same time creating aggressive laws with zero tolerance that will address corruption by government employees and government officials!!

Our media outlets should commit to journalistic integrity and report fragrant violations of power with the expediency and tenacity of other media outlets in the world. In New York City, The New York Times reported on John Edwards the man who was a contender for the presidency of the United States as having affairs and using state resources to coverup his affairs; the law was applied and he is facing trial in the court system and all his hopes of becoming president went down the drain.Even failure to pay taxes or report income from investments is enough to get an elected official in hot water as was the case for Congressman Charles Rangle ( D-NY)

Zambians however will say ” But Nimuzambia.. Infintu tafyakachinje!!”–“Its Zambia Things Will Never Change!” Things can change if we ourselves stop participating in a system riddled with nepotism, unethical practices, and mistreatment of government workers!! Government employees will steal because our government does not treat them right!! Our administrative system offers more incentives to steal than to work and young graduates are getting into the system with hopes of changing it but find that it is far much more logical and beneficial to participate in the corrupt system than to go against its massive machinery! Corruption then starts from the grassroots and goes all the way to our ministers and govt officials; ALL AT THE EXPENSE OF THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE AND THE FUTURE OF THE NATION!

We can address corruption by creating an independent watchdog to watch and audit the “The Zambian government” and the politicians that campaign to be effective leaders. Who exactly can ask the government to show their books; other than themselves? The separation of power in Zambia is as separate as conjoined twins; it is virtually non-existent!! If we created a watchdog we can audit budgetary issues, perform audits of ministries, and provide dialogue on a state level as to where money from donors goes in addition to the money earned by the Zambia Revenue Authority ( ZRA) through taxation. We can have one member of all the political parties registered in Zambia on the board of the organization and it should have its own separate budget to retain its independence!! All ministries would be subject to audits and the Office of the President would also be subject to financial and administrative audits! The organization would be given power to disclose the finances of each member of government who is “paid through our tax money” and the information can be published for the Zambian people to readily have access to it!! This of course is an ideal case!!

Of course its easy for me to write about what to do and how to solve corruption! However, we can practice what we preach! Why don’t all the Media Outlets, who are already entrenched in Zambia’s media networks form this organization?If media outlets led the fight against corruption by using their footprints in unison to address corruption we would move forward!!

The point is that something is being done!! Most companies fail because of mismanagement; rarely is it a result of liquidity problems, or aggressive competition by their competitors!!! They fail because the management was as intelligent as a frog trying to eat an animal 10times its size!!! Zambia is failing because of mismanagement; which obviously is the perfect breeding ground for corruption!! The Zambian government needs entities to oversee its practices and its governance; not just the international community but established organizations that are on the ground in Zambia. Transparency, Accountability and Communication; these government virtues will allow our political system to slowly clean its system of corrupt men and women who are getting rich while the average Zambian suffers in his/ her own country!!

Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata has rubbished rumours that he collapsed

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Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata
Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata

Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata has rubbished rumours that he collapsed while on his Western Province campaign trail saying he was aware that this was part of the scheme that the MMD has packaged to mislead voters as the country heads to presidential and general elections in the next 13 days.

Mr. Sata told a packed rally in Kaoma yesterday that this was mere propaganda hatched by the MMD who have created a team of State Security agents to mount a smear campaign to discredit him.

The PF is also in possession of information from highly placed OP contacts that the MMD has planned to unleash extensive publicity just before elections announcing that Mr. Sata has died.

[PF Press Release]

Gen Miyanda tells RB to apologize to Chieftainess Nkomeshya

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Brig. Gen Miyanda (C)

Heritage Party president Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda has condemned president Rupiah Banda for threatening Chieftainess Nkomeshya with dethronement.

General Miyanda has since advised president Rupiah Banda to apologize to the Chieftainess for his misconduct.

In a statement released to QFM today, General Miyanda has since urged traditional leaders not to be intimidated by what he describes as President Banda’s empty threats.

He says there is no law in Zambia that gives the President any authority over chiefs, and has since challenged President Banda to a public debate over the matter.

He adds that such threats by president Banda are the reasons why he has been saying that some of presidential candidates will not make any new changes in the country’s governance system but instead will take the country back into the past to the one party system of threats, intimidation, favoritism and detentions without trial.

General Miyanda says president Banda’s warning to Chieftainess Nkomeshya exposed his deep disrespect for the traditional leader.

He has since encouraged Chieftainess Nkomeshya to soldier on, describing her as a rare example among traditional authorities in the country.

General Miyanda adds that the Chieftainess has been resisting the taking over of traditional land by president Banda’s government to give to dubious foreign investors as if it is his personal property.

QFM

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