Zambezi District Commssioner, Absalom Luwaile, says some media reports suggesting that Acting President, Rupiah Banda, was snubbed are unfounded.

Mr. Luwaile says the reports are misleading and meant to turn the people of Zambezi against government.

He says on the contrary the acting President was well received by senior chief Ndungu and his subjects who appreciated his presence at this year’s Likumbi Lya Mize traditional ceremony.

Mr. Luwaile told ZNBC news that the people welcomed Mr. Banda and remained with him for the rest of the time when he officiated at the ceremony.

He said proceedings at the ceremony went well and wondered at what point the acting president was snubbed.

Mr. Luwaile said the only opposition leaders who attended the ceremony arrived after Mr. Banda had finished his business in Mize and was heading for Chavuma where he was scheduled to hold a public rally.

He called on some private media institutions to be truthful and observe ethics in their coverage of campaigns ahead of presidential elections, scheduled for October 30th.

Meanwhile, Acting President Rupiah Banda has completed his North-Western province campaign tour in Solwezi with a vow not to confront his critics with insults.

Mr. Banda said he would be strong and serve the Zambian people diligently.

He said he was currently going through the same opposition as his predecessor the late President Levy Mwanawasa who was called all sorts of names.

Mr. Banda was speaking when he addressed a mammoth rally at Solwezi show grounds today.

He said his dream was to rejuvenate the spirit of the Zambian people so that the country could be more united and quickly move forward into development.

He said his party will base its campaigns on issues affecting the lives of people instead of telling them lies.

The Acting President said the Zambian people would want to see what government has promised to do.

Mr. Banda said the late President Mwanawasa, whom he described as the greatest, left behind a lot of developmental projects that includes mines in the province that need to be completed.

Mr. Banda, who also had rallies in Chavuma, Manyinga, Mufumbwe, Kasempa and Mwinilunga, stated that the province has a lot of mineral wealth that needs to be exploited for the benefit of the Zambian people.

Speaking at the same rally, Commerce Minister Felix Mutati disclosed that investors from India and China want to invest over US$ 1000 million in the country.

Mr. Mutati said other investors within Africa also intend to invest millions of dollars in the Zambian economy.

India investors intend to invest about US$600 million while some Chinese investors intend to invest about US$ 500 million in the economic of the country.

Mr. Mutati said the party should be given chance to continue with the mandate so that it could continue to deliver on its promises of job and wealth creation.

He said the party has delivered on its promises through the Lumwana and Kansanshi mine projects, adding that government now intends to open up oil blocks in the province.

He has since appealed to the people of Northwestern province to vote for Mr. Banda in the forthcoming presidential election.

And formers Works and Supply Minister, Ludwig Sondashi advised the people of Northwestern province not to make a mistake of voting for someone else other than Mr. Banda.

Dr. Sondashi, who also vied to be elected as presidential candidate under MMD recently, said Mr. Banda was the right candidate for the October 30th elections.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Mike Mulongoti said the acting President has vast experience because he served in various government portfolios.

He said Mr. Banda has exhibited maturity and integrity in running the country.

Meanwhile the province has assured the acting President of getting over 95 per cent vote in the October 30 presidential election.

MMD Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) Chairman James Katoka assured Mr. Banda that the province will deliver the vote as it did to his predecessor.

He said the people of Northwestern province were not in the habit of changing their minds once they promised.

Earlier, MMD District Chairman, Andrew Kalangwa said the district was fast growing due to the good polices of the MMD government.

ZANIS/MK/CK/EML/KSH/ENDS

Concerned residents in Ndola have advised the Post Newspaper to desist from deliberately dwelling on the MMD Presidential candidate and Acting President Rupiah Banda’s marital issues, but concentrate on issues of economic development.

Mr Joshua Mutwalo told ZANIS in Ndola in an interview today that it was unprofessional and unfair for the Post Newspaper to discredit Mr Banda simply because he was married to a person younger than himself.

Mr Mutwalo said Mrs Thandiwe’s age had nothing to do with whether her husband was capable of further developing Zambia or not.

He said it would be wrong and unfair for a newspaper to prevent anyone from becoming Zambia’s Republican President just because he is married to someone elder or younger than himself or simply because he was divorced or widowed.

Mr Mutwalo said it would be more meaningful for the Post Newspaper to bring out matters of national development, rather than stories of unexplained personal hatred.

The Post Newspaper recently came under attack from irate MMD cadres who charged that the paper was reporting negatively their party presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, former Information Minister under the Chiluba Government, Ndola based Reverend Stan Kristafor has said, of the candidates contesting the by-election, Acting President Rupiah Banda was the best placed candidate to spearhead the legacy left by late President Dr Levy Mwanawasa. He appealed to all Zambians to vote wisely in the forth-coming October 30 elections.

In a press statement made available to ZANIS Ndola this morning, Rev Kristafor urged fellow Zambians to vote wisely with all their minds and from their hearts.

He said Mr Rupiah Banda was a career diplomat who served Zambia as a good ambassador in embassies abroad and was a qualified economist and an established businessman.

He further said Mr Banda was articulate and very familiar with Government programmes, having worked as a cabinet Minister and was a parliamentarian for 10 years.

“RB is a career diplomat who served the nation as an ambassador in our embassies abroad, as well as to the United Nations, he is a qualified economist and long established businessman, and is articulate and very familiar with Government programmes having been a cabinet Minister in the past, with 10 years experience in Parliament,” he said.

The clergyman said Mr Banda was an action-oriented man who had a strong vision of developing the nation substantially aimed at improving the lifestyle of every Zambian citizen.

ENDS/PC/PK/ZANIS.

Main opposition Patriotic Front Party leader Michael Sata says his party is getting positive responses from the voters on the campaign trail.

From Zambia’s Northern Province, Sata told VOA he could win the October 30^th elections if the ruling Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) does not rig the vote.

“If there was no element of rigging, the election would be very easy. But our problem at the moment is this MMD, they can’t win an election because they have nothing to campaign on. They have nothing to show what they have done, but they are working on rigging. And now they are using students. But what we are doing is sensitization. To answer your question, the elections are not going to be free and fair because there is lots of corruption,” he said.

Sata described reports that a smaller opposition party has endorsed Rupiah Banda as a sham. He accused the ruling MMD of buying votes.

“The so-called opposition is a one-man political party who Rupiah Banda paid for their endorsement. They have not endorsed Rupiah Banda unilaterally. He gave them money,” Sata said.

Sata said he has ample evidence to show that the ruling MMD has been bribing opposition politicians and voters.

“We have plenty evidence. The other time he (Banda) was distributing mealie meal, sugar, cooking oil. There are a number of political parties who were given between $3,000 and $15,000. We have evidence, and the people who have received the money have gone public; they have gone on private media and confessed that they received the money. And the government has confirmed through the minister of information who said that they are supporting smaller political parties,” Sata said.

He accused the state-run Zambia Broadcasting Corporation of being a month piece of the ruling MMD.

“The state media in Zambia is synonymous to MMD, but at the moment we are effectively using the community radios which are spread all over the country,” Sata said.

During the last election, Sata reportedly did well in the urban areas but poorly in the rural areas. Now he said his party has embarked on a campaign to sensitize rural voters.

“I have started now a campaign for the rural areas. You see when they are rigging they steal more votes in the rural areas than in the urban areas. But when we sensitize the people in the rural areas and people who can react when they are told to go and have lunch while some people swapping boxes. But this one we are not leaving any stone unturned,” Sata said.

He appealed to the United States to assist in ensuring that the October 30^th elections are free and fair.

“Please prevail on the American government and the American people to protest. We need free and fair elections like in the United States of America. Let the best person win the election and not inducing people, forcing leaders on the throats of the people,” Sata said.

VOA

Acting President Rupiah Banda says he has only three years to make a legacy and was very eager to do so if elected into office.

Mr Banda was speaking to pupils on arrival Sunday at Kasempa Boys School football ground on his tour of Nortwestern Province.

He pledged to work hard with his colleagues in order for his legacy to be understood and continue with the programme that were started by the late Republican President Levy Mwanawasa.

” I promise to work hard and once voted into power, as an old man, I have a very short time in which to leave a legacy for myself, ” he said.

He also said the nation would require a highly educated society to manage and develop the nation.

Mr Banda as a youth , he took his studies seriously and therefore urged the pupils to be serious with education no matter the situation.

He said having come from a poor family, his father worked hard to ensure that all his children were educated adding that education was was the key to economic development.

” Those of you at an institution like Kasempa Boys boarding School have a responsibility to take the nation forward,” he said.

The Acting President was received by Kasempa District commissioner,Mr Henry Shantolo and other senior government officials.

And addressing a public rally at Freedom square, Mr Banda warned people to be careful of some candidates that would come to beg for a vote.

Mr Banda who did not name the said candidates from other political parties contesting the the October 30 Presidential by- elections but called them ‘ snakes’ urged the crowd to be careful of their poisonous bites.

” I know many others will come here to convince you people to vote for them but you should ask them where they have been all along in the civil service, ” he said.

Mr Banda further pledged to continue with the peace that exist in Zambia and that he would continue to unitr all Zambians irrespective of their tribe inclinations.

He further said once elected as president he would ensure all politics in the country are based on truth as the youth in Zambia were tired of being to by most politicians.

And MMD campaign manager Mike Mulongoti pleaded with the electorate in Kasempa to supprt Mr Banda to continue where the late President Mwanawasa had left in the province.

Mr Mulongoti said that among the four contesting candidates, only Mr Banda has sound educational credentials and hence the need for the people of Kasempa to vote for him as a man of integrity.
ZANIS/SN/ENDS/MM

The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ )Director Danny Kalale to tell the general public on change of ECZ election monitors from teachers  to school leavers.

FODEP National Secretary Derrick Elemu said the criteria used in having school leavers as elections monitor instead of teachers should be well explained.

Mr. Elemu  charged that teachers had enough time to be trained, hence had the experience unlike the school leavers engaged in the October 30th presidential polls.

He noted that there was need for ECZ to not completely do away with the Teachers but let them also be part of the monitors to help the school leavers.

He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka Sunday, that ECZ should have consulted other stakeholders when coming up with such a decision.

The Secretary pointed out the school leavers are likely to face pressure from politician and cadres during the voting day  which can make them compromise with their duties, as they have a short period of  time to be  trained.

Meanwhile Mr. Elemu has opened the one day workshop on trainer of trainers in Lusaka Sunday with call that people should not vote on sympathy but vote for a person they feel is the right one.

“The voters should not just vote for a person because they sympathize with that person, but vote for someone because they will feel is the right one.” He said

He said people should not shun the exercise but turn up in large numbers, as it is the only way there can participate in choosing a person who should led them.

He further said his organization will focus on providing voters with information that will help them understand the electoral process.

He  has also appealed to the Citizenry to participate in the forth –coming presidential elections so that leaders are not imposed on them.

And to the participating candidates to debate and campaign responsibly   avoid involving personalities in the campaign messages, if they are to market themselves so that people should vote for them.

Mr. Elemu said the workshop  participants will be equipped with knowledge which there will share with the electorates in the Communities in which  they come from.

He disclosed duty of the participant to educate other information dissemination in different communities so that information reaches everyone as it plays a major role in helping the public understand the importance of casting a vote.

The workshop has attracted participants from eight district, namely, Lusaka, Kitwe,  Livingstone, Kafue, Petauke, Chongwe, Mumbwa and Mufurila.

ZANIS/MM/ENDS/MM.

New Generation Party president Humphrey Siulapwa says his party has endorsed MMD Presidential candidate Rupiah Banda for the october 30 presidential by elections.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka,Mr. Sialupwa expressed confidenmce that Zambia under Rupiah Banda can be assured of good financial management.

Mr. Sialupwa said the Acting President is a gift from God saying every Zambia should be grateful for Mr Banda because he knows what true democracy is all about.

“We have seen what the MMD has done especially for the youths in the country. Mr Banda has promoted youth empowerment and a better manifesto than any other candidate” he said.

He urged the youths not to be involved in wrongful acts during the forthcoming polls and they should rally behind Banda because promoted youth empowerment.

Zambia is on the 30th of October set for presidential polls following the demise of Dr. Mwanawasa who died on 19th august 2008 and was put to rest on 3rd September.

Three parties have so far filled in for nominations which include the acting president Rupiah Banda for MMD, Micheal Sata for PF, and Hakainde Hichilema for UPND and Gen Godfrey Miyanda for Heritage party.

ZANIS/GP/ENDS/MM

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has adopted the Zimbabwean electoral system of displaying votes outside polling stations to clear suspicions of vote rigging.

Choma Town Clerk, Golden Banda disclosed this during a Media training workshop for Southern Province based media personnel held in the Choma Municipal Council, Council chamber Saturday.

Mr Banda who is also Choma District Electoral Officer said the move is a step in the right direction and deserves support from all participating political parties.

”This will clear suspicion of a vehicle transporting ballot papers disappearing and only re-appear after some secret ballot papers had been fetched.

“Even the closely guarding of ballot papers will now be a thing of the past because results would remain at each polling
station,” said Banda.

Meanwhile, ECZ Senior public relations officer, Ms Silvia Bwalya has called on the media and other stakeholders to expose any electoral malpractices to the law enforcement wings and the commission itself.

Ms Bwalya said Cabinet ministers abusing government transport should be reported because they are not immune to the electoral code of conduct.

She also urged the Media to clear the misconception suggesting that the nation is preparing for a presidential by-election.

Ms Bwalya stated that the nation will have Presidential election where voters will be required to vote countrywide.

She observed that a by-election would mean restricting the poll to a particular section of society.

ZANIS/HC/ENDS/MM

Today’s Scripture

Today’s Word from Joel and Victoria

A Prayer for Today

Prayer for Today: Father in heaven, thank You for making me righteous through the blood of Jesus. Remind me to pray for my leaders and those who are in authority over me so that Your righteousness will exalt this nation. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Joel Osteen ministries

The Acting President Rupiah Banda has kicked off his campaign trial in Northwestern province with a pledge of of opening up oil fields in Chavuma district.

Mr. Banda assured Chavuma residence that with the help of God, he was geared to ensure that the oil fields in the area were opened.

He disclosed that foreign investors were already in the country and were prepared to start oil explorations in the district.

He disclosed that the Energy minister Kenneth Konga was not in his entourage Saturday afternoon because he had rushed back to Lusaka to finalise paperwork with foreign investors.

He further said he was ready to continue the fight against poverty and complete Mutanda Chavuma projects started by the late President Dr Levy Mwanawasa.

Mr. Banda also said that his administration was prepared to open up new coppermines in North Western province.

He said the mines will create more jobs for the Zambians so that their lives can be improved more than they have lived so far.

He further pledged to expand schools so that more children will be provided with space.

The Acting president said he will ensure that more medicines are provided to the remote parts of the district.

He was speaking during public really at Chavuma welfare ground Saturday afternoon.

He urged the people to vote for him in the forth-coming 30th October presidential by elections.

The Acting President pledged to use the vote to save the people of Chavuma.

He said he has experience and ability to do what he says he will do for Zambia and will deliver his promises.

Mr. Banda said he was grateful and happy with thunderous welcome accorded to him by people of Chavuma.

He said having saved under the late president Mwanawasa he was told to care for Zambians.

He said he was aware of the grief and pain that the people of Chavuma went through when they heard that the president had died.

He said Zambians are going to remember him as a great son of Africa and a good leader.

He recalled how the late president called him from his retirement at his farm .

Mr. Banda said although he was old at 72 years, he was still willing to save the people of Chavuma and Zanmbia in general.

Speaking at the some function Information Minister Mike Mulongoti appealed to people of Chavuma to give Mr. Banda the some votes they gave the late president.

MMD Chairman for information Benny Tetamashimba on the said the late president had confidence when he appointed Mr. Banda as the acting president when he left for Egypt.

And district MMD chairman Warrece Liana appealed to the Acting president to continue with the developmental projects left by president Mwanawasa.

Mr. Liana said the late president promised to tile Mutanda Chavuma.

He further said the electricity traffics were too high beyond the reach the reach of citizens.

He said electricity should be extended to other parts of the district and also appealed for early farming imputes and continue the cattle restocking exercise.

He however, stated that the poverty levels were growing strong in the district.

Acting president is accompanied by Information Minister Mike Mulongoti, provincial minister Kenneth Chipungu, and local government deputy minister Benny Tetamashimba Home affairs deputy minister Grace Njapao.

He was received at the mosses Lunta grounds by the Provincial executive chairman James Katoka, former Permanent Minster Richard and provincial and senior government and part members.

The acting president also attended the Likumbi Lyamize traditional ceremony, will also hold public rallies

Tomorrow he is expected to hold similar rallies in Kabompo and Mufumbwe districts. He will also visit some copper mines in Solwezi before he return to Lusaka..

ZANIS/MK/MM/ENDS…

A meeting of all chiefs and district commissioners in Southern Province to discuss development is taking place in Choma.

The two day meeting locally known as ‘indaba’ which is also being attended by some provincial heads of department is taking place at Kozo lodge.

Opening the meeting, Saturday, Southern province minister Daniel Munkombwe said the provincial administration decided to convene the chiefs’ meeting to deliberate on development issues affecting the province.

Mr Munkombwe told the gathering that government is determined to attend to all developmental needs of all chiefdoms in the province.

He urged traditional leaders to freely deliberate and offer suggestions that will help improve the living standards of their subjects.

And Mr Munkombwe has told the chiefs that the new graders procured by government for road rehabilitations which arrived in the province will soon be deployed in various districts to begin feeder road rehabilitations before the onset of the rains.

He said with or without an election, development must be facilitated especially that road infrastructure is critical to improving the economy.

The minister also disclosed that good progress is being achieved on the reconstruction of the Bottom road in the Gwembe valley, the tarrying of the Choma-Namwala road and the Batoka-Maamba road.

And speaking earlier on, provincial Permanent Secretary Darius Hakayobe said the role of chiefs is paramount in the development process of the province.

Mr Hakayobe said government would continue delivering some development programmes through chiefs because they are non partisan.

Southern province has 41 chiefs.

ZANIS/CM/ENDS/MM