Cellular signals: Dismay over possibility of internet blackout during Zambia’s August general election

By Peter Fabricius, Daily Maverick • 2nd August 2021

Cellular providers MTN and Airtel cannot promise that they won’t shut down services during the Zambian elections.

Zambia’s main opposition party is disappointed that the country’s two biggest cellular companies – MTN and Airtel – cannot guarantee that they will not shut down internet access over the 12 August general election.

Opposition parties and civil society widely expect President Edgar Lungu’s government to black out the internet and social media to prevent independent reporting, and monitoring of the results. Opposition parties say a blackout could frustrate their efforts to send final campaign messages, to inform their supporters of where and how to vote, and to report incidents of violence, intimidation and electoral irregularities on social media.

Governments also often block cellphone signals to stop opposition supporters from rallying in protest if they suspect the results have been rigged.

MTN told DM168 that the group and its subsidiaries, including MTN Zambia, respected digital human rights, including “the right to communicate, to share information freely and responsibly, and to enjoy privacy and security regarding their data and their use of digital communications”.

MTN said if the Zambian government ordered it to shut down its services during the elections, the company would have to consider the order in light of its digital human rights policy. But MTN did not say that it would not shut down its services or censor them. And the company confirmed that it had shut down in four other African countries recently during unrest.

“In all cases, restricting access to the internet is a last resort,” an MTN spokesperson said.

Lungu is facing a major challenge from Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) who came close to beating him in the 2015 and 2016 presidential elections. UPND Secretary-General Batuke Imenda told DM168: “We are disappointed that MTN and Airtel, as Zambia’s two biggest telecommunications providers, will not guarantee to protect internet access ahead of the general election on 12 August and stand up against any attempts by the government to infringe [on] the digital rights of citizens.

“Combined access to data and internet connectivity is an essential requirement for a free, fair and credible election. There is a distinct possibility that the government will instruct Zambia’s telecommunications companies to shut down the internet in an attempt to subvert the democratic will of the people. Any throttling of the internet, blocking of social media/instant messaging platforms and internet shutdowns will compromise the freedom and fairness of the election.

“Further, shutting down the internet is a violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens being contrary to Article (20) of the Constitution of Zambia. The tactics to shut down the internet is dictatorial and a serious indictment on freedom of expression.

“These tactics deny voters access to information about the election, including where and how to vote. Importantly, the government of Zambia is also aimed at preventing election monitors [including observation missions] from communicating and carrying out independent monitoring of the voting and counting process.

“We call upon both MTN and Airtel to take a clear stance in support of human rights and democracy by declaring their opposition to any instruction to throttle or shut down the internet and block access to social media and instant-messaging platforms.

“They should furthermore indicate publicly what steps they will be taking to engage with government to pre-empt any unlawful instruction.”

In response to questions about how it would respond if the Zambian government instructed it to black out signal over the election period, MTN said: “MTN Group believes that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life and our priority is always to provide customers with full access to our network.” MTN endorsed the United Nations (UN) stance “that the rights held by people offline must also be protected online”.

“Our response to digital human rights is underpinned by a sound group-wide policy and due diligence framework. In all cases, restricting access to the internet is a last resort. Should MTN Zambia receive an instruction to shut down the internet, we would first have to check the terms of our licence and ensure that we comply with our licence conditions.” MTN would review the directive against the group’s digital human rights policy and due diligence framework, guided by the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights framework.

MTN was engaging with stakeholders, including industry players and regulatory authorities, to assess the likelihood of a potential request for an internet shutdown, to identify “potential mitigations” and “manage any potential situation as effectively as possible.”

“As part of our due diligence framework, MTN works to limit the scope, extent, or duration of any human rights impacts.”

DM168 asked MTN if it would comply with a request by the Zambian authorities to censor text messages to remove the names of opposition candidates, as cellular companies did during the recent Tanzanian elections. MTN said it was “politically impartial in all its operations and does not subscribe to any political party, movement, or affiliation” but would evaluate such a request from either governmental or non-governmental bodies to see if the requests were legal. “Even as a major player in many markets, we cannot presume that we can influence these events upfront,” MTN said, adding that it recognised it had a role of “advocating globally for respect of digital human rights”.

Asked if it would consider pulling out of Zambia if asked to shut or censor its transmission, the company said it would do “a robust risk assessment before any decision is taken to exit a market”, taking into account numerous factors, including human rights and stakeholders’ perspectives.

“Many of the markets in which MTN operates have the lowest mobile penetration rates globally. Investing in these markets allows MTN to provide vital communications services, ensuring people have access to basic and emergency services and a means of sharing information and staying connected.

“MTN’s presence enables people to realise their basic human rights. Notwithstanding, the risk of human rights incidents in our countries of operation exists. Such risks are a factor of doing business in these markets and these are not strictly limited to MTN.”

DM168 asked MTN for examples where it had shut down or censored communications for governments and why this was done.

“In 2020, MTN received three major requests by authorities, legally permitted by applicable laws or by virtue of a court order, obliging MTN to block or suspend internet or social media services or websites.

“These were in Sudan, Guinea-Conakry and Nigeria, and these incidents took place during times of political or social unrest.

“As an example, in June 2020, Sudan experienced a month-long near-total internet shutdown due to unrest in the country. MTN Sudan followed the Group’s due diligence process, which included understanding the options available before making any decision to comply or reject the requests to shut down services. The process also considered the safety and security risks to employees, customers, and operations. MTN Sudan was commended by its customers for being one of the last operators to shut down and one of the first to reinstate services.

“In late June 2021, during social unrest in Eswatini, MTN Eswatini received a directive from the communications regulator to shut down access to social media and online messaging platforms. After extensive engagements with all relevant stakeholders, MTN resumed the provision of full internet services nine days after complying with the directive.” DM168

This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper which is available for R25 at Pick n Pay, Exclusive Books and airport bookstores. For your nearest stockist, please click here.

Credit: Daily Maverick

By Kalapashi

First and foremost I must say that the killing of the two PF cadres, Danny Chingangu and Teddy, in Kanyama two days ago is regrettable and is something that should never happen in a democracy and a peace loving country like ours.

To the issue at hand.
The immediate allegation is that the dual were murdered by UPND cadres who have since been arrested and detained.

But does such a killer fit the profile of a UPND cadre, let alone a UPND female cadre? UPND cadres are ordinarily afraid of their PF counterparts and rarely walk around in their party regalia expect where ‘safety of numbers’, grants security.

So how possible is it that these three young people, among them a female, in their mid twenties, wearing UPND regalia, at night, deep in Kanyama, walked bravery to a PF camp and located their victims and started hucking them until they died? Where were the other PF cadres? Did the victims cry for help?

And this incident happened out of nowhere without there being a political event in Kanyama specifically near the said PF camp?

On the other hand it is just too difficult not to think that this could have been a doing of PF cadres. After all this is not the first time such could have happened.

In 2012 Menyani Zulu a PF cadre was killed during a by-election in Chongwe. Initially blame was put on the UPND resulting in some UPND members being arrested and detained by police. But the final report showed that Zulu was killed by his fellow PF cadres during a fight for campaign ration money.

In 2013 during another by-election, in Livingstone, another PF cadre, Harrison Chanda, was brutally murdered. Again the accusing finger initially pointed at the UPND.

Senior UPND leaders in that campaign were rounded up among them party leader Hakainde Hichilema, Mazabuka MP Gary Nkombo and former Livingstone mayor Aggrey Njekwa. Hichilema was accused of inciting violence while Nkombo and Njekwa were charged with murder.

But investigation revealed that the real killer was a PF member Henry Lungu. The investigation report stated that Chanda and Lungu differed over campaign funds, again.

We could go on listing such similar happenings.

The volcano that is the PF civil war never quite dies, it only simmers down and erupts from time to time. Recently this PF volcano erupted following the beating of Innocent Kalimanshi at the party secretariat during the Kambwili return ceremony. Since then rival groups, mostly in Chiwama, have been at war, threatening each other on social media platforms, fighting bloody street battles where innocent passers-by have been caught up and eventually culminated in the breaking and burning down of the PF offices in Chawama.

The recent arresting and detation of Innocent Kalimanshi by the DEC on allegations of being in possession of cannabis did not help matters. Black Apple, Kalimanshi’s number 2 in the gang, ama Americans, immediately recorded a video where he accused rival groups at Intercity, lead by Eddie Gowa, and another at ‘Kamugodi’ in Chibolya. Black Apple also threatened the DEC director general and accused him of working with ama Americans’ rival gangs, induced by corruption. In that video Black Apple just fell short of declaring war on Intercity and Kamugodi, both based in Kanyama constituency.

In view of all this, could it be possible that the war that had been ragging among Chawama PF gangs has just crossed the Great North road into Kanyama?

There is another angle.

It’s a well noted pattern that the PF default to violence whenever they feel their backs against the wall in an election. They do this to induce fear and at the same time heap the blame on their opponents. This was the case in both the 2015 and 2016 elections and was heightened in bye-elections from Chongwe, to Livingstone, to Mulobezi, to Sesheke, to Kaoma.

It’s not a secret that the PF have found the 2021 campaign season a very tough one occasioned by a melting economy, increasing lawlessness and unrelenting corruption. They have failed to find a song with the kind of influence that ‘dununa reverse’ had in 2016. Similarly, the public has rejected their tribal message with key opinion influencers openily condemning the divisive rhetoric.

Could it therefore be a mere coincidence that PF spin doctors have been building a narrative, in the past few days, of the UPND being a violent party and, boom, two people are killed in Kanyama?

By Venus N Msyani, Concerned citizen

As the August 12 election approaches help Zambia leave no stone unturned. It has come to light that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has not done enough job on educating people on 50%+1 vote clause.

Some Zambians still don’t understand why others say Hakainde Hichilema lost to president Edgar Lungu by 13 000 votes in the 2016 general election and ignoring them is a threat to post August 12 election peace.

To make the matter worse, even the president himself seem not to believe that he won by that number.

Various comments on the article Simple math favors opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, which also appeared under the headline The real battle is between the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Ruling Patriotic Front (PF) on Lusaka Times lead to this conclusion. And also, a post on Zambian Eye news.

“I stopped reading at “In the 2016 general election Hakainde lost again but managed to cut the margin to half. He lost by only about 13 000 votes.” This is clearly Under 5 thinking at it’s why Under 5 supporters will cry. Over 100, 000 is now 13 000? Anyway, let me just end here.” Someone with a pseudonym Kawasaki commented.

Another comment by another pseudonym Wondering: I thought HH lost by a margin of about 100,000 votes in 2016? I stand to be corrected? Where has the 13,000 come from?
“I won by 100 000 in 2016 and this time around I will win by 500 000 votes.” Zambian Eye News quotes president Edgar Lungu.

Talking about it. 6,698,372 registered to vote in 2016 and 3, 695,710 cast their votes. The Patriotic Front (PF) received 1,860,877 votes while United Party for National Development (UPND) received 1,760,347 and the rest went to miscellaneous parties.

Under the 50%+1 clause, one needs to cross the line, which is 50% of the votes in order to win the Zambian presidency. Hence, what matters under the 50%+1vote clause is the percentage above the line.

It is true the vote difference in 2016 was a little bit above a hundred thousand but what made Lungu a winner was +0.35%. Otherwise, the election was headed for a rerun.

Edgar Lungu won by about 13 000 votes, which is a total vote cast (3,695,7100) times 0.35/100. In short, 13000 votes are votes that helped Lungu meet the 50%+1 clause.

Sounds simple but not to be taken for granted. Anyone with a better understanding or explanation should not hesitate to share. No stone should be left unturned to avoid post-election confusion.

By Ulande Nkomesha,

UPND chairperson for elections Gary Nkombo says the country needs explanation as to why unknown cargo was transported together with ballot papers.

During the arrival of the last consignment of ballot papers, unknown cargo was seen being offloaded from the Emirates flight which was assigned to transport ballot papers. Upon opening the unknown cargo, it was discovered that some of it were batteries and mobile phones, while other boxes could not be opened.

Speaking to journalists, Saturday, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) acting chief elections officer Royd Katongo said the Commission was also waiting for an explanation from Emirates.

“I think that matter has been addressed from the time we were beginning the verification, the Commission talked to that. The Chairperson had guided as to how we will proceed as ECZ. The brief summary is that even us as the Commission we are an interested party in this matter. Emirates are looking into the matter, they are investigating the matter, they are the ones who carried the cargo. As a Commission we are also waiting for Emirates to come back to us as [to] what had transpired,” said Katongo.

Speaking during a press briefing, Sunday, Nkombo said ECZ owed the Zambian people an explanation on the matter.

“The ECZ owes this country an explanation and this time we are writing a letter to Emirates, the airline that brought the ballot papers, for them to explain how cargo that was not on the manifest could find itself in the boxes where the ballot papers are. Where did these phones come from? Who is the consigner? Who is the consignee? What is the purpose of these particular gadgets that came without a document trail? What are they for? Could it be true and I hate to be an advocate of doom, what we heard is that they intend to do what the Ugandans did to shut the internet on the day of the elections so that the election’s management of results is tempered with. We would like to send a warning to ECZ, those phones must be displayed by all interested parties and quarantined very far away from this election process,” Nkombo said.

Nkombo said the gadgets that were transported together with the ballot papers should be burnt in full view of the public.

“These are the things that bring consternation in a nation, these are the things that bring anxiety in a country. Judge Chulu, this is basically on you bwana, whose phones are those? What are they for? How come there is no explanation about these phones? Remember you can fool people sometimes but you can never fool people every time. Every dog has its own day. You have manipulated the country for far too long. The things are now coming back around, the chickens are now coming to roost,” Nkombo said.

“We demand an explanation from the ECZ, tell us who those gadgets are for and we demand that they must be displayed in a public place and be burnt. They must be burnt! We are not going to an election which has already been decided. We are informed that there are also welding machines in there, did they go for a business trip? Zambians wake up! ECZ is using you. You must explain to us Judge Chulu, Nshindano, if those things are yours for domestic use, why did you consign them with public materials? This is what causes consternation. We are not going to take this with our arms folded, we want answers, we want to give us answers tomorrow. We cannot sleep on a matter such as this one. You are putting this country in harm’s way.”

Meanwhile UPND national youth spokesperson Gilbert Liswaniso accused the Zambia police of not thoroughly investigating the violence that happened in Kanyama on Friday that left two PF supporters dead.

“I want to make it very clear that among the two people who died the day before yesterday, Danny Chingangu is our member. Danny Chingangu has been our member, our vice security chairman for Chinika Ward. The PF they know, the police know. Two weeks ago, Chingangu was arrested at City Market. The records are there and he was given a case of malicious conduct. Yesterday, madam Charity Katanga was quick to say things which are not there. What happened in Kanyama the day before yesterday, it was not the UPND that went to the PF camp, our two members went to the market to go and buy relish so that they could take to the campaign centre. Then they were followed by eight or nine PF youths,” said Liswaniso.

“When they reached near our campaign centre that is how our members were beaten. The good part of it is that the community came together and protected our members. When they were defeated, they went back again to recruit people to go and attack back. In that process our member was killed. Even the police who took those bodies are aware of what happened. Yesterday Charity Katanga was quick to arrest our members than investigating the matter.- News Diggers!

By Kapya Kaoma

Prof. Nkandu Luo’s execrable claim that Hakainde Hichilema is paid by the African Liberal Network to allow same-sex marriage, and revoke the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation once in power made me wonder if being PF turns public intellectuals into Political Fools. Prof. Luo’s claims are ridiculously insane except for the outlandish harm it may cause to the already demonized gay community.

The homosexualization of HH was expected, but coming from Prof. Luo is simply jaw-dropping. In Trumpian style, and with her mouth covered in a mask, she openly buried her reputation in Kasempa among pastors–ignoring the ninth commandment–“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). The Zambian Constitution does not allow same-sex marriage, and the declaration is enshrined in the Constitution. HH couldn’t allow same-sex marriage or remove the declaration without amending the Constitution. Only a fool can be duped by such a fib

Prof. Luo’s goal is to use the public disgust attached to homosexuality to enchant Christian fundamentalists into voting for the PF. History is not starved of the truth– gays have not stolen from us, her party has; gays haven’t killed or terrorized innocent Zambians for supporting the opposition, PF cadres have; gays haven’t watched our children die from curable illnesses while their own are flown to South Africa and Europe to be treated by gay doctors, Luo’s cadres have been the beneficiaries. So why sacrifice gays for corruption brought about by the Lungu administration?

Prof. Luo is highly concerned about homosexuals. Yet Zambians care more about the quality of their life than a gay person, a drunk, or sex worker roaming the streets. They want a president who fires and prosecute corrupt ministers more than the one who sniffs for “sinful” homosexuals in every hotel or guest room on taxpayers funds. Zambians want a president who treats them as human beings, who promises to protect their human rights, create jobs, and ensure that every Zambian has access to safe drinking water, sanitation and of course basic living standards. This is the Lungu she should be selling to voters!

Prof. Luo wholly knows. Hakainde Hichilema is just as homophobic as Lungu and his association with the African Liberal Network doesn’t change it. Even if he supported gay rights, he wouldn’t be alone. Many Zambians have links to gay affirming organizations–FIFA, English Premier League, World Vision, World Health Organization, Bread for the World, the World Council of Churches, the World Bank, the IMF, the European Union, the UK, the U. S., the United Nations, and African Union Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights Commission–the list is endless. Like HH, both Lungu and herself have personal dealings with some of these organizations.

On June 30, 2016, the United Nation Human Rights Council adopted the resolution to decriminalize homosexuality and protect gay persons. Two years earlier, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights called for the decriminalization of homosexuality and the protection of gay persons in Africa. Since then, Angola, Mozambique and Botswana have decriminalized homosexuality, and Namibia is to follow. South Africa is the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Is Prof. Luo suggesting that Zambians should vote out the PF for associating with all these institutions and nations?

The Trumpian bigotry expressed by Luo betrays the very title ‘professor’–she is an embarrassment to the academy! The HH team should be cognizant of her game–it is time to empty the kitchen sink. The PF loves the gay whoopla and it works–it ignites Zambians into blaming their misery on homosexuals as opposed to those in power. But life is not short on factuality; homosexuality does not put food on our table–it is a private matter. Even if gays are headed to hell, like drunkards, it is none of Luo’s or her pastors’ business.

What mournful dirge should I sing for the once respectable Prof. Luo has stooped to the level of Mwila, Kambwili and GBM? Poor young women in shame now dwell, for once a political model, her integrity and dignity in Kasempa lost! She goes down in history as a liar in a mask!

Notably despicable is also for men and women of the cloth to continue shouting the “Christian nation” mantra in exchange for brown envelopes filled with blood money–the funds that would have saved many lives had it been spent on health care. Pastors must be prophetic enough to speak truth to power. But who can when pastors compete for the President’s wallet shouting, “give me a brown envelope, and I will give you a prophecy?

Thus says the Lord. Homosexuals are behind Zambia’s economic, political and ethnic woes. Alebwelelapo! Amen!”

Kwacha Appreciation attributed To External Debt Defaults – Kanyama.

Lusaka – 1st August, 2021.

[ZBT] Former ZNBC Director General and leading Economist Chibamba Kanyama has disclosed that what is helping the Kwacha to appreciate is the fact that Zambia is currently not servicing any of her [US dollar denominated] external debt, which is resulting in the economy accumulating some reserves.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Kanyama said the major reason why the local currency is in the position it is right now apart from the [improved] copper revenue, is the fact that Zambia is not servicing external debt.

He said it is currently difficult to state or know whether the current appreciation of the Kwacha will last or not because it is not based on fundamentals but on defaulting on debt repayments.

“The major reason the Kwacha is where it is now apart from the copper revenue, is that we are not servicing external debts. We have been defaulting on external debt since last year. Imagine if we were paying as we were supposed to be paying this debt, we would not have a big reserve right now. We would not have the dollars because it could have been going to the creditors now because we are not paying them we have accumulated enough dollars,” Kanyama said.

He said, “all we have done as a country is to postpone a problem to the future but one thing you should remember is that people we are defaulting to do not mind much because they are charging us interest on interests.”

Kanyama explained that the fund holders and creditors were currently charging penalties on the interest and not on the principle. He revealed that currently the penalties for defaulting are standing at over US$1 billion.

“They are charging on interest alone not the principle amount, it is the penalty on default not the interest repayment on the principle but penalties for defaulting are now over US$1billion. So they are actually happy because they know that we won’t default for a long term, so the longer we take to pay them the more debt we accumulate and the more money they will make out of us,” Kanyama revealed.

He said, “For us, we are saying at least here, it’s okay, we need to survive because of the things happening around so let us not pay them so that we can use the money to prop-up the Kwacha.”

Kanyama said this is why it is difficult to know whether this kwacha position will last or not because the money being used to strengthen and increase supply in the market is not ours but money owed to the creditors.

“So instead of getting the dollars from the market, we are holding on to the reserves we are having from copper and so on, to pump into the market instead so that the kwacha is stable. But, there will come a time when we will have to pay back, and it will be bigger than what we should have been paying because we have been defaulting,” he added.

The Kwacha has poster over five percent gain in the last two weeks against major convertible currencies such as the US dollar. It has even breached the 1US$ per K18 range with Kasumbalesa (a forex hotspot) bureau de change rates trading at US$1 to K18.1 to K18.4 range. Bank rates in the capital Lusaka are still trading in the K19 per dollar range.

©Eagle One Zambia 2021, Inc.
Journalism for social change

BIZWELL MUTALE CASTIGATES UPND FOR THE GRUESOME MURDER OF PF MEMBERS
…….says they have resorted to violence because they don’t stand a chance to win elections
Lusaka…Sunday, August 1, 2021(Smart Eagles)
Ruling Patriotic Front Member of the National Mobilization Committee Mr Bizwell Mutale has castigated the opposition UPND Leader for being silent over the death of two members of the ruling party.

Danny Kasongo and Teddy, both members of the ruling party were yesterday killed in Kanyama by UPND thugs.
Speaking when he visited the family of the late Kasongo today, Mr Mutale said after donating 10 bags of meali meal that the late was killed by the said thugs for simply belonging to the ruling party.

He explained that unlike the opposition UPND, members of the ruling party have been peaceful following the signing on the peace accord ahead of the polls.
Mr Mutale said the opposition party has resorted to violence because they are aware that they are losing the elections.

“The death of Danny was not an accident. It was total murder. They knew that he was a PF member and they went and murdered him based on that….We are concerned as a party, we are concerned as a country,” he said.

“PF did not retaliate, not even throwing a stone because we want to adhere to the peace accord that was signed at Mulungushi. To date, our opposition leader (Hakainde Hichilema) has failed to denounce violence, even in this kind of the tragedy.”

He mentioned that His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu uses every opportunity to denounce violence, something that Mr Hichilema fails to do.

“President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has been using every platform to denounce violence, something Hichilema is failing to do. This is terrorism,” he said.

“The opposition have no chance in this country to win the election. President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has maintained peace and he is winning this election. The blood for those that have died at the hands of the UPND have given us direction.”

Meanwhile, Mutale has encourage the family to be strong adding that the party is with them.
“We are with you and we are not leaving you alone. You are part of the big family, the PF,” he said.

“What has happened won’t just go down like this. When one goes down we all go down and we stand together. Touch one of us you touch all of us. This is the country that is One Zambia One Nation. Blood will not spill for one to take power in this country.”

And Gift Kasonde, the immediate elder brother to the deceased said Danny was not just a member of the ruling party but also a bread winner.

He however called on government to handle the ‘painful’ murder case diligently.
Mr Kasonde added that government and the party should intervene to ensure that dependants for the deceased continue receiving the necessary help.

He also commended the ruling party for the love and care they have showed.
#SmartEagles2021

HA! ANTONIO MWANZA SO, IT WAS A PF PROJECT TO KILL TWO?

When you hear of a major incident occurring and Antonio Mwanza and Ntewewe show up.
Then, you know, PF is involved. Previously before Tayali fell from grace, we could have heard his voice as well.Remember when the PF gassed us, when they burnt our markets and when they killed two people at Police HQs, all these characters came up with accusations and today the rest is history.

Most recently Chisokone market was set ablaze and we heard the usual suspects running to the scene and made all sort of pledges to the marketeers being an election season. Your guess as to who burnt the market is as good as mine.To solve any big crime, the first thing we do is, find the motive.Those that listened to the most publicized PF media Director’s comments would have no problem in noticing what the motive was for the two kills in Kanyama. At the same time PF has shielded the machet and gun fight that took place last week in the presence of PF SG Mwila in Chawama between PF intercity vs Chawama camp.

According to police and intelligence sources three PF are suspected to have been killed during the infight and who knows may those the bodies they later dumped in Kanyama.

Antonio even went on to give a profile of suspects. Uh! All from the PF Secretariat.
Last week on this platform we published a story of PF stockpiling slushers, pick handles, machetes,guns etc. We pleaded with Kakoma Kanganja to close those camps and help protect his own officers who will be deployed in polling stations against an attack aimed at rigging elections for PF. Antonio Mwanza has outlined this in his comments tbank God.

In our other article, we pleaded with Lungu to appoint Antonio Mwanza as inspector General of Police. People thought that was comedy. It was all because, Mwanza is making job of the Police IG very difficult. Today Kanganja has two murders to solve but, to achieve that objective he first needs to prove Antonio Mwanza is a liar. Can Kanganja do that? Your guess is as good as mine. Antonio Mwanza my question is, is it worthy it to kill people in Kanyama just for elections?

PF is desperate to clean it’s image at all cost. If it means killing to achieve that, they will do it without any second thought just like we have consistently warned about that. Even the way systems have been drafted by the so called stakeholders you can tell that PF is involved. When did ECZ ever warn any thing to do with PF violence in an election? Remember how Lawrence Banda, Mapenzi Chibulo and Obed Bwalya Kasongo were killed. Did we here ECZ and Edgar Chagwa Lungu saying anything? Not at all.

Those that listened to statements by ECZ, Police, PF media Director etc would have established the motive for those kills. Antonio has even given a profile for the suspects. Profiling suspects in murders, requires the involvement of highly trained profilers. But, Antonio did it with easy at PF Secretariat.
Even before investigation, ECZ has already started sounding like the violence was perpetrated against the dead. Where as the two purported PF members were just bystanders.
Police on the other hand, has conveniently nabbed suspects who are not only in UPND regalia but, have confessed to be members of the UPND.Since when has police started reporting preliminary inquiries to the public? Yes, what you are thinking about is true.

The police is telling us that a person has murdered two people. A day later, police go to where it happened and look for suspects and conveniently find them still dressed in UPND regalia, anyway.According to the clue provided by Mwanza, here is what we expect from this investigation:

1. An independent investigation be instituted. I support prosecution led investigation
2. Get fingerprints for those dead two and the suspects.
3. Take the finger prints to the finger print database bureau for analysis.
4. Finger prints will have a match to released prisoners on death row mark my words
5. Tell the nation when those prisoners were released and under whose order if not Edgar Lungu

Just that, this case will be solved. Can this be done, considering that groups that should do a good job have started playing to gallery.
The motive for the killing is to have UPND punished and divert public attention from an illegal contraband brought in by ECZ on chartered planes. He/she who stands to benefit from the two motives is our prime suspect, as simple as that, case closed.

Sikaile C Sikaile
Good Governance and Human Rights Activist for Zambia and Amnesty International

By Sara Imutowana Yeta II
THE ARMY COMMANDER’S STATEMENT MAY LEAD TO GENOCIDE AGAINST TONGAS AND LAND HIM AT THE HAGUE

When you are a leader especially of an institution such as the Zambia Army designed to protect people’s lives, and defend the Constitution and the Republic, you need to show the ability to speak coherently so that your statements are not susceptible to misinterpretation.

You can never be a good leader or Army Commander if you lack clearness or lucidity in one’s communication.

The fact that General Sikazwe’s statement made whilst in Kasama has been censured by his fellow Generals, Junior officers and the civilian population shows that his statement is ridden with ambiguity therefore unfortunate and dangerous to have come from the Army Commander.

If we happen to experience violence during elections that will overwhelm the police we all know to be partisan, then the Army comes in to support the police as General Sikazwe stated, it means that the Army will carry out a partisan operation making his statement partisan and dangerous.

Otherwise, how can a blatantly partisan police work together with the Army that is non-partisan? Will that not be a recipe for war unless the Army is also partisan or the Army will stop the police from being partisan which cannot happen easily because the police is infiltrated by cadres?

If the Army will support the partisan police and many people are injured or killed, General Sikazwe should be indicted in the International Court of Justice for using the Army or State institution which is mandated to protect Zambia in a partisan manner to cause anarchy and undermine the democratic processes of electing leaders.

This is one of the problems in General Sikazwe’s statement that has divided the Army and citizens.

So, if General Sikazwe was intelligent and wise, he would have made a clarification on his statement about supporting the police that is known to be partisan.

As Zambians, we are the owners of any Zambia Army equipment and if the Army acts on partisan lines to undermine democracy and injure or kill people, General Sikazwe must be taken to the Hague like any other criminal.

If Army Generals from powerful countries can be held accountable for abusing State institutions, what about General Sikazwe from a third world country?

What is also worrying is that General Sikazwe has been accused of campaigning for the sitting regime in barracks to retain the sitting regime in order to keep his job.

To make the matter complex, General Sikazwe is “Bemba”, and it is not known how much he subscribes to Chishimba Kambwili’s vitriolic tribalism against Tongas he views as synonymous to UPND supporters and sympathisers sanctioned by Lungu the Commander-in Chief the person General Sikazwe reports to.

Besides, General Sikazwe is a nephew to Freedom Sikazwe, former Presidential Affairs Minister, who is Lungu’s trustee.

All these issues considered, is it possible for General Sikazwe to be professional in supporting the partisan police not to think of tribalism being fanned by his PF tribesmates against Tongas or his own job or interest of his uncle Freedom Sikazwe and his associates?

As things stand, nothing is known about General Sikazwe’s stance on tribalism and ability to understand that his work requires him to transcend partisan interests apart from his ambiguous statement.

Going by Kambwili’s tribal sentiments against UPND as a party for Tongas, killing UPND supporters and sympathisers by the partisan police supported by the Army will be tantamount to genocide against Tongas which seems is what PF Bemba tribalists have been fanning for many years.

Therefore, the international community should closely follow what is unfolding in Zambia because General Sikazwe’s statement coupled with the tribal narrative of his PF tribesmates that has deeply injured many citizens especially Tongas may be a match stick for genocide against Tongas who according to Kambwili are all UPND supporters and sympathisers.

Logically, it means that Tongas are contesting for leadership against the current regime therefore any action by the partisan police on Tongas supported by the Army is nothing but genocide.

Unless General Sikazwe clarifies what he meant by saying that the Army is on standby with a plan to support the police we all know to be partisan, the international community should take keen interest in what the Army Commander said and what is happening in Zambia as this may be a well-planned strategy to finally commit genocide against Tongas that PF Bemba tribalists have been openly fueling unbatted for years by using the Army Commander from their region.

HH ADVISED TO STOP PHYSICAL CAMPAIGNS AS HIS ENEMIES MAY HARM HIM

1st August 2021

UPND President Hakainde Hichilema, needs now to down his campaigns and rest, as we enter August and remaining with only 10 days before voting, in order to manage the associated risks that come in the last days of election campaign period, Central Province Election Analyst and Observer , Mr. Crawford Mukando, has said.

Mr. Crawford Mukando, who is also Governance Activist, has observed that, following the recent turn of events, were our leader President Hakainde Hichilema, has twice been facing Flight delays, detentions, police confrontations and intimidation’s, I appeal to the National Chairman and Secretary to engage the UPND Leader, to consider staying out this period of atleast 5 days, as we draw closer to 12th August 2021.

“ I have a very strong feeling that, President Hakainde Hichilema’ s life could be in great danger. Because all the options have been tried by the state and still, there is always a way out for the UPND Leader. You know sometimes, it’s important to be assertive and have an anticipation insight, by always thinking ahead of the curve. To be foretold, is to be forewarned. President Hichilema has been facing a lot of blockades by state police and unusual takeoff delays at Airports, for local flights. This has happened twice in a row, thus; the first trip was when he was going to Solwezi and the second was the Chipata trip. Not a good sign at all. For now you need a rest for a few days Mr President”.

However the UPND National campaign team, need to put the Presidential Running Mate, Madam Mutale Nalumango, to manage the remaining Rallies. President HH can come and mop the Votes, in the last Three (3) to Four (4) days, but for now stay put Sir. Let’s protect the life of Mr Hakainde Hichilema, we need him on 12 August 2021, emphasised Mr Mukando.

What we also need to do now, is to manage the robust task this week, to ensure that only vigilant and aggressive POLLING AGENTS , are recruited, trained and placed in the respective constituencies and totaling centers, to protect the UPND vote, said Mr Mukando
Mr Mukando states that this business of putting friends and relatives as polling agents, should not be tolerated and be the basis for recruitment of polling agents. This is a very crucial Election and we need serious people to work as Polling Agents and foot soldiers. I for one would rather have a polling agent, who is vigilant and aggressive and protects the UPND vote, than hiring a friend or relative, whose fundamental interest is just “Food and a K500 fee”, that comes as a social benefit after working on that day.

I can only wish and encourage all UPND candidates the very best of their luck, as we enter the crucial last 10 days, before the big day. Ours is just to come and cast a VOTE for you, await counting, results and collation at Mulungushi, then inauguration of our incoming Seventh Republican President – Mr Hakainde Hichilema, Mr Mukando concluded.

Credit: Serenje Radio 89.5 FM

JACK Kalala says the conduct of Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja and Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Michael David Muma is unbecoming and unprofessional.

The former special assistant to president Levy Mwanawasa said it was clear that government institutions were being used to prevent opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema from campaigning.

“Zambia is scheduled to hold general elections on 12th August 2021. All political parties are supposed to meet the electorate to tell them their plans for the nation to help the voters to make an informed decision but the PF is using government institutions to restrict the main opposition party, UPND, from campaigning. Zambia Police (ZP), Zambia Air Force and the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) are being used to frustrate the UPND campaigns by stopping the leader, HH, from going out as his opponent President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL) and his running mate Professor Nkandu Luo are doing,” Kalala said.

“What is happening is like having two boxers in the ring with one having his hands tied with a rope behind his back while the other has all his hands free. Would that be a fair fight? Not at all! As national institutions, the Zambia Police and Zambia Air Force should stay away from partisan politics. Their role and focus should be to ensure that security and stability prevail in the country. They should ensure that every citizen is protected and his rights are also protected.”

He said Parliament was dissolved 90 days before the elections to allow parties to campaign.

“This is done to create a status of equality among political parties participating in the elections. There is no party in power during the campaign period so that the ground is leveled for all political players,” Kalala said. “ZAF, ZP, ECZ and others are national institutions that are there to serve the nation and the people of Zambia with impartiality and to protect their rights, their lives and properties.”

He said the people working for government institutions were paid by the treasury and not by the party in power.

Kalala said the contributors to the national treasury were all the citizens of Zambia regardless of their political affiliation, tribe or skin colour.

“National public institutions are there to serve and protect the nation and the Constitution. The people who have the honour and privilege to serve in these institutions are not expected to have partisan attitudes in discharging their official duties. They are not supposed to exhibit partisan alignment in the execution of their duties,” he said.

Kalala said it was “absolutely wrong” for Kanganja, Lt Gen Muma and ECZ chairperson justice Esau Chulu to be seen to favour PF and President Edgar Lungu, and to discriminate against any opposition leader.

He insisted that the trio’s work attitude was to be fair and just referees and linesmen in enforcing the rules of the game.

“They should ensure that all the players abide by the rules of the game. They should be professional and impartial in the execution of their duties. By taking sides as they are doing now, they are failing in their duties and risking national security,” he said. “They are making citizens to lose confidence in the public institutions that they are administering, which is not good for the security and stability of our nation.”

Kalala said Zambia’s men and women in uniform should remain apolitical and focus on their noble duty to serve the nation with honour and integrity as they have always done.

“They should emulate their colleagues in the USA. When president Donald Trump was defeated, he attempted to seek the intervention of the service chiefs to maintain him in power following his defeat. They categorically and firmly refused to do an illegal thing. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Alexander Milley, stated that their loyalty was to the Constitution of the United States of America and not to any individual or political party,” he recalled.

He added that political parties come and go but security institutions would always be there to serve the nation and protect citizens.

Kalala urged security institutions to refuse to be used as pawns by PF leaders.

“They should be there for the nation and its citizens. All Zambians are equal. Zambia is not an animal farm where some Zambians should be considered to be more superior to others. Let each political party play their game according to the standard rules and regulations as by law established,” he said. “The role of choosing who should be leader of Zambia is the duty of citizens. No institution should interfere by influencing how people should vote. Zambia is a democracy where citizens are the only ones who are mandated to elect leaders of their choice. This process should be free of any interference from anywhere and by any one.”

Kalala said the will of the people should be respected and Lt Gen Muma and other heads of security institutions should not interfere in the on-going electoral process as doing so would be going outside their mandates to protect the nation, preserve peace and stability, and to maintain law and order.

“Their duty is to serve Zambia in protecting its territorial integrity and national sovereignty, the people of Zambia and their properties,” said Kalala.

Chief Simamba of Siavonga District has castigated those who took part in the privatization exercise in the late 90’s.

Speaking when the PF Presidential running mate Professor Nkandu Luo paid a courtesy call on him at his palace Chief Simamba said a few unpatriotic Zambians enriched themselves and left a lot of Zambians in misery

He said the architects of privatization did not study to see whether it was workable or not.

“There is no way you can sell national assets to foreigners. A lot of Zambians were left in misery because the privatization exercise was badly implemented. They did not study whether the exercise was workable or not,” Chief Simamba said.

“It’s only Zambians who can develop this country and we need to make Zambia a better place. Let’s work as a team and develop Zambia,” he said.

And the traditional leader called on Zambians to put politics aside and focus on development. He said politics cannot exist without development. Chief Simamba said as a traditional leader he has put development as a top priority because he wants to see an improvement in the lives of his people.

“Southern province is a province for all the 73 tribes and every Zambian is free to come and settle and invest here. As Zambians let’s put politics aside and focus on development. Politics will not exist without development and development is my first priority,” Chief Simamba said.

“A lot of development has taken place here in Siavonga. We had no electricity but this time we have and companies are coming up. I want to leave a legacy and make a difference in my chiefdom hence my desire to work with the Government of the day,” the traditional leader said.
PF Presidential running mate Professor Nkandu Luo

And PF Presidential running mate Professor Nkandu Luo said the major focus of the Patriotic Front is to develop Zambia. Professor Luo said Zambians should continue with the PF because it is the only party with a tested leadership, adding voting for the opposition party will take the country backward.

“We have laid a strong foundation in infrastructure development in agriculture, energy and people are seeing the fruits. We have a tested Government in place and it is time for our wealth to be enjoyed by Zambians. We will continue deliver,” Professor Luo said.

“Change in the early 90’s was not premised on research.Voting for UPND will take the country backwards because all national assets will be in the hands of foreigners. We can only develop if the assets are in the hands of Zambians, otherwise we will always remain spectators,” She said.

” Let’s not experiment with leadership, our friends, the UPND got 100 vehicles from their funders in exchange for national assets should they win the elections, ” Professor Luo said.

United Party for National Development(UPND) Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso has advised the Patriotic Front to stop abusing the Inspector General of Police on the democratic change of government people want.

And Mr Liswaniso has continued to implore the UPND youths to continue mobilising the party and protect votes together with the citizens.

At a mobilisation meeting held in Matero, Friday, he said it is unfair that the police has continued to distract the UPND presidential alliance candidate Hakainde Hichilema’s national wide face mask distribution.

“PF SG Davies Mwila and Edgar Lungu stop abusing your colleague the IG, teargassing innocent citizens and distracting HH’s national wide distribution of face masks are unfair.

Here in Matero the police should know that people want change.

They swiftly came to listen to us the government in waiting on building and reuniting Zambia but it is too late they decided years back to support HH and UPND .

Let all political parties continue interacting with the people”A straight talking Liswaniso said.

The UPND National Youth Chairman has predicted more teargassing on innocent citizens by the police but encouraged them not to be afraid.

“Do not be afraid to safeguard change, Police is using maximum force to discourage you know that PF is under pressure and using them not to listen to the UPND alliance message of peace, unity and economic turn around as such remain calm” he said.

And Mr Liswaniso has urged all Zambians to turn up in large numbers on 12 th August 2021 to vote for Hakainde Hichilema and all the UPND alliance candidates.

“Limbani, be strong and remain united with peace as always guided by our peaceful president Hakainde Hichilema.

The UPND alliance is peaceful and as such we shall continue to maintain peace”Mr Liswaniso said.

*UPND Alliance Media Team*

By Kapya Kaoma.

Ignore the Opinion polls, the campaign songs, TV and Radio Ads, the social media posts and the big crowds. August 12, 2021, is all that matters! We will surely wake up to jubilant songs for some, and tears for others. For the Presidential results, we will wait for days to know the winner. As votes roll in, team HH and Lungu will be waiting to celebrate. Yet 50+1 may spoil the party for both. No wonder HH and Lungu dread August 12.

Is it going to add to HH’s list of historic losses in Zambian history? Will it be the day when he will cry like a kid wondering what just happened? Will it be the day when he will finally retire from politics? Or will August 12 finally rewrite his autobiography by becoming the seventh President of Zambia and grant him a burial site at Embassy Park? Or will it be the day when he will put his tail between his legs, pick up the phone, and call M’membe, Kalaba, Mumba and others and beg for their hand?

As for Lungu, is this the day when he will dance and thank his ancestors for giving him another term in office? Is this the day he will thank his cronies, GBM, Kambwili and Nawakwi and many others for their inglorious ethnic and unethical stoloniferous lies about HH? Or will August 12 send him parking from Plot 1, and probably land him and his minions in jail for the many crimes committed against Zambians? Will he cringe before HH as if to the Pope, reverently begging for a pardon? Will he cry like Rupiah Banda, knowing it’s over and swallow his pride, and fear HH’s vindictive wrath? Or will it be the day when he will ask his imps to take sacks of U.S. dollars to M’membe, Kalaba, Mumba and others and ask them to unite against HH? After all politics is a good game, today’s enemies are tomorrow’s buddies.

These scenarios are possible despite the myth presented by Opinion polls. In cases where the Constitution demands 50+1, and a big number of candidates are running, Opinion Polls are hard to interpret. A candidate may lead in a Poll, but she or he may not win the elections. Lungu may lead HH 45 to 40, but that won’t make him President unless he meets 50+1 of the total vote cast on election day. Pollsters must add this element to the interpretation of Opinion Polls–our Constitution demands a 50+1 threshold for one to become president. Hence we may not have a winner following the August 12, elections.

Besides, the 2021 landscape is totally different from the 2016 scenario, where we had only HH and Lungu as illustrious candidates. The closest one would compare it to is 2001–we have some candidates who may flummox this election one way or the other. Unlike FDD Edith Nawakwi in 2016, it will be a mistake for the PF or the UPND to think M’membe, Kalaba and others would get 0% of the total vote. Assuming that all smaller players get 11% (on a conservative end) and we add 1% of spoiled ballots, HH and Lungu have 88% of the vote to split. It implies that one has to get 38% while the other has to get 50% to win in the first round.

PF thinks it would win by 70%–leaving HH at 18%. With the economy biting, such a margin only exists on Mars. No wonder Professor Lou is desperately lying about HH’s position on homosexuality–he is just as Homophobic as Lungu. But the UPND should not take it lightly. It is a psychological game–a propaganda tool that aims to push the UPND into believing that the election will be decided in the first round. It is this game that cost the UPND the 2016 election. Rather the UPND should go into this election ready for the RE-RUN–it must run the marathon as opposed to a sprint to Plot 1! All presidential votes must be carefully monitored, counted and protected if HH has a long short on the Presidency. If UPND goes only for the HH vote, the PF is more likely to steal some votes from smaller parties in its strongholds. Such parties won’t have reasons to contest the results–thus giving the PF the path to 50+1. Even then, it would be hard for the UPND to petition the election results on behalf of other candidates if they are not parties to the lawsuit–another reason HH should start building bridges before August 12.

M’membe, Kalaba, and others are not bystanders in this race. These candidates are aware that they won’t win this election, but they will be spoilers–that is they will make it hard for either Lungu or HH to get 50 + 1. If the adage that politics has no permanent enemies, but common interests stands, these candidates are not wasting their time. The question is, to whom are they going to sell their souls?

This is a billion dollar question giving HH and Lungu sleepless nights!

Suspicion arose during the receipt of the final batch of ballot papers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport when some private cargo was offloaded from the same Emirates Sky Cargo aircraft carrying the last batch of ballot papers.

Representatives from political parties such as People’s Alliance for Change, Leadership Movement, and United Party for National Party among others, demanded that the private luggage be opened so as to check what was inside.

Few minutes later, Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) officers authorized the opening of the private cargo in the full view of political party stakeholders, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) officials, journalists and the Zambia police.

It was then discovered that the private cargo contained phone accessories, batteries and motors among other gadgets.

Leadership Movement Media Director Tatila Tatila, who spoke on behalf of the seemingly unhappy stakeholders from political parties, charged that their desire was to have the private consignment be in the custody of ECZ until after August 12, 2021.

“As stakeholders, we remain resolute to know how and why private cargo was packed together with election materials and who authorized the undertaking. We also ask the ECZ to keep the private batch until after voting, that is our wish,” Mr. Tatila stated.

On the other hand, a Clearing Agent for the private cargo in question, Yoram Chanda, clarified that the consignment contained phone accessories and all querries pertaining to how they were found on the plane carrying ballots should be directed to the airliner.

And when asked by Journalist to comment on the matter, ECZ Senior Public Relations Officer Sylvia Bwalya emphasized that what was important was that all stakeholders witnessed the arrival of the final consignment.

On the private cargo, Ms. Bwalya explained that the commission will take up the issue with the airliner to ascertain how the private luggage was found on the plane that was chartered by ECZ to carry election materials.

With election materials for all the 156 constituencies arriving in the country, stakeholders remain optimistic to be part of the verification process tomorrow and then wait for the actual day of voting on August 12, 2021.

Meanwhile, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Senior Public Relations Officer Sylvia Bwalya has announced that all the ballot papers for the 156 constituencies are now in the country.

Ms. Bwalya declared the commission’s readiness to conduct the poll on August 12, adding that tomorrow Saturday, July 31, all stakeholders are invited to the verification exercise.

She pointed out that all eligible electorates should be ready to cast their votes on the day of elections while observing five golden rules aimed at curbing the further spread of the pandemic.

The ECZ Senior Public Relations Officer hailed all the stakeholders that have worked tirelessly with the commission from the printing process to the storage of ballot papers at Chongwe’s Silverest area.

“This is the final batch of the ballot papers containing papers for 47 constituencies and we now have ballots for 156 constituencies. We would like to thank stakeholders that have been with us in Dubai during the printing, receiving and storage of ballots, we are so sure that we will be together tomorrow during the verification process,” she emphasized.

By MacDonald Chipenzi

SPECIAL VOTE: A FACILITY FOR THOSE VOTERS WHO WILL BE AWAY ON ELECTION DAY FROM THEIR VOTING STATIONS.

There has been fears that those monitors, agents and journalists who will be deployed away from their voting stations will be disenfranchised ie they will not vote.

However, the good news is that Section 48(1) provides that *the Commission may allow a person to apply for a special vote if that person cannot vote at a polling station in the polling district in which the person is registered as a voter due to that person’s—
(a) physical infirmity or disability;
(b) pregnancy;
(c) absence from that polling district while serving as an election officer in the election concerned; or
(d) while on duty as a member of the security services in connection with the election.

But one may argue that the list above is exhaustive as it enlists those allowed to access this facility among them disabled, pregnant women, security men and women and electoral officers.

It does not cover the journalists, monitors, agents, local observers and the sick, especially with the levels of comprehension of some recruited electroal officers as experienced during the ongoing accreditation process.

Apart from the sick, the monitors, local observers, political parties/candidates agents and journalists by virtue of them being accredited to undertake electoral duties may be considered as electoral officers and therefore entitled to access this facility.

Further, subsection 2 of section 48 guides that the *Commission shall prescribe the procedure and conditions under which a voter who is unable to vote in the polling district in which that voter is registered may apply for a special
vote*

This subsection is even more encompassing of all as long as they are registered voters but unable to be at the polling stations they are supposed to vote from to apply for the special vote facility.

But how does this facility works and who does one vote for?

It depends the circumstances e.g. if the applicant is within the same ward but monitoring at a different polling station, the applicant will be allowed to vote for all levels I.e. Presidential, parliamentary, district and ward candidates.

If same constituency but away from the polling station and ward the applicant is registered from, the applicant will be allowed to vote for the president, parliamentary and district council chairperson/ mayor but not councilor

If it is another district and or province where the applicant is deployed, the applicant will only be allowed to vote for the president not for other positions.

Therefore, agents, monitors, local observers and journalists, do not disenfranchise yourselves during this election but grab the opportunity and apply for the special vote.

Hope i have guided well

I submit

Chipenzi

UPND ARE A GROUP OF DUNDERHEADS SAYS BOWMAN LUSAMBO

And Lusambo has lashed out at Patricia Scotland for not speaking out against the UPND leadership for allegedly perpetuating political violence, derogatorilysaying beisala ifinwa (she should not shut her mouth) towards opposition violence.

Meanwhile, Lusambo said he is far better than opposition UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema, in terms of leadership standing as he has been elected as member of parliament and served as minister, but Hichilema was just an ordinary person who has never been elected to any public office.

Speaking during a paid for special political programme on Radio Phoenix on Wednesday, Lusambo, who is former Lusaka Province minister, charged that the UPND members are just dander heads that have continued to criticise and politicise the Patriotic Front development agenda.

He said the PF government, under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu, has delivered development to all parts of the country; stressing that this is the fact that the UPND leadership has failed to appreciate.

The Kabushi Patriotic Front candidate in the August 12 general said instead of criticicising and politicising anything that the current government is doing, the UPND members should appreciate what President Edgar Lungu and the PF have done since 2015.

“The PF has built health facilities dotted across the country. And these health posts and hospitals are well stocked with drugs…we have medicines in these health facilities and well qualified health workers.

So those that are saying that we do not have enough health workers in clinics and hospitals are just UPND members that are failing to appreciate what the PF, under the able leadership of His Excellency President Edgar Lungu, has done in terms of delivering development across the country,” said Lusambo during a radio programme monitored by Daily Revelation.

“The problem we have in Zambia currently is that we are dealing with UPND members who want just want to argue for the sake of arguing. UPND are a group of dander heads. Luchi, ako akachituma phone ni ka UPND. These are just UPND who just want to politicise the issue of not having drugs in health centres. I challenge that person to take me and show me any health facility that has not medicines.”

Lusambo said President Edgar Lungu has invested heavily in the health, education and agriculture sectors.

“If there are some sectors which President Lungu has prioritised, it’s the health sector. President Edgar Lungu has invested heavily in the health sector, in the education sector and the agriculture sector,” Lusambo claimed.

And Lusambo has lashed out at Patricia Scotland for not speaking out against the UPND leadership for allegedly perpetuating political violence.

He accused the UPND of fanning violence ahead of the August polls.

“The UPND members are the ones engaging in political violence. And ba [Patricia] Scotland should not keep quiet over this issue. Ba Scotland should speak out…ba Scotland beisala ifinwa. Let the international community speak out on political violence being perpetuated by the UPND leadership,” said Lusambo.

Meanwhile, Lusambo has said Hichilema “is just an ordinary person who has not even been an elected leader.”

“Me I am far much better than Hakainde Hichilema. Unlike HH, me as Bowman Lusambo, I have was elected by the people of Kabushi constituency in 2016.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• It is squarely in America’s national interests and strengthens our national security when democracy and human rights are protected and reinforced worldwide.(U.S Secretary of State Anthony Blinken)
• Zambia was one of the fastest eroding democracies in the world. The country registered a remarkably rapid decline in the quality of democracy since the last election in 2016. (“Varieties of Democracy Project”, the most respected assessor of democracies in the world based at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.).
• The democratic principles we have come to know have been violated left, right and centre so that instead of going forward and consolidating our still fragile democracy, we are retrogressing and not so slowly! Our country is now all, except in designation, a dictatorship and if it is not yet, then we are not far from it. (Former ZCCB President Arch-Bishop Tresphore Mpundu).
• Zambia is “Partly free” with a score of 52/100. The government regularly invokes the law to restrict freedom of expression and ban peaceful demonstrations and meetings, while the opposition faces onerous legal and practical obstacles in their operations. (Freedom House, an international NGO that monitors political and civil liberties – 2021 Report)
• We are disheartened to see the country moving backwards by using the same exclusion political strategies that the colonialists used such as the POA, restriction in the use of the public media, use of violence and arbitrary arrest to scare political opponents and members of the public (Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).
• A good number of our partners in the private sector have been threatened with closure if they continue supporting our newspaper with advertisements. President Lungu should not think Zambians are foolish. The damage he has caused to the media in Zambia will never be forgotten. He has closed more media houses than any president in the country’s history. (News Diggers Newspaper Editorial )

U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has recently written ( 16 July 2021) to all embassies in the World including Zambia, to make the promotion of Democracy and Human rights as their number one priority in their work above everything else. This is according to an exclusive report by Politico, the credible U.S news organization based on a confidential cable it was able to obtain. This is a flashing red light for Zambian politicians on both sides of the aisle as the country heads for elections in three weeks and thereafter. They ignore this at their own peril.

“Secretary of State Antony Blinken is telling U.S. diplomats to make the promotion of human rights and democracy a priority, even in countries with abusive governments that happen to be U.S. allies,” The paper reported. “Blinken lists several priorities for U.S. diplomatic activity going forward, including:  giving citizens the means to combat surveillance techniques while promoting their access to information; cracking down on corruption; and preventing abuses by security forces overseas, including those that the United States helps arm.”
The World has seen the erosion of democracy and human rights in the past five years as autocratic leaders have been emboldened by the former President Trump’s administration and China. The Biden administration in its bid to fight Chinese influence around the world, which has been getting an edge, has pressed the reset button. The honey moon seems to be coming to an end for regimes around the world who had unfettered dictatorial behaviour and were having a field day abusing their citizens and reversing democratic practices without any consequence.

There are two major differences between the new Biden administration directive to those of previous US administrations. The first distinction is that the Biden administration is going to apply the condemnation and punishment indiscriminately. The new policy will not distinguish between friend and foe, when it comes to calling out governments for human rights problems or anti-democratic activity as was in the past.

“The United States has a track record of being less vocal about human rights abuses when they occur in countries that are considered U.S. allies or partners. Whereas in the past the US would castigate Iran, a foe, for some abuses, while ignoring similar abuses in Saudi Arabia, a friend,” Politico reported. “And while Blinken includes some cautious caveats about how to deal with abusive allies, the message overall is a break from the strategy of former President Donald Trump’s administration, which largely avoided criticizing the rights records of governments, such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, whose cooperation the U.S. needed on various fronts.”

The second major difference in the cable is that US will openly admit its own human rights challenges but with a caveat that it is not defensive about it but has always tried to improve on them and there is overwhelming evidence. Blinken has clearly told diplomats that it’s fine to admit U.S. flaws when promoting rights.

In promoting human rights and democracy abroad, U.S. diplomats should make “clear that we ask no more of other countries than we ask of ourselves,” Blinken states. “That means we acknowledge our imperfections. We don’t sweep them under the rug. We confront them openly and transparently,” Politico reported. It might be “painful, even ugly,” but Blinken argues that such honesty “helps disarm critics and skeptics who would use our imperfect record at home to undercut our global leadership on these issues.”

The need to admit by the US, is in general targeted at disarming Russia and China, who when attacked for human rights abuses in the past, have hit back and pointed to American struggles on racial and other areas. They have accused the US of hypocrisy and lacking credibility in promoting human rights.

Politico quoted Blinken to have told U S Ambassadors in the cable that: “Standing up for democracy and human rights everywhere is not in tension with America’s national interests nor with our national security. It is squarely in America’s national interests and strengthens our national security when democracy and human rights are protected and reinforced worldwide.”

In terms of the basic modus operandi, Blinken has directed U.S. diplomats to take a number of steps, including engaging regularly with human rights defenders and civil society representatives in the countries where they are posted, especially those “where democracy and/or human rights have been under threat.”

As for the consequences for the offenders, the cable states that the criteria for the selection of the tools to be used, will depend on how effective the punishment will be in changing behaviour. State Department employees have been directed to look at ways to use everything at the US disposal from U.S. military aid to visa bans to shape the behaviour of rights abusers. The following are the expected tools that the US has in its tool box that may be used: visa travel bans, economic sanctions, freezing of aid provided through USAID, influencing the IMF funding for those who want them and reporting human rights abusers to International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity.

In the light of the above explicit directive by the Biden administration to its diplomats, many Zambian local analysts and observers are of the view that Zambia is one of the countries in Africa which is on the U.S radar for three main reasons. Firstly, the country has badly backslidden on its democratic credentials and its democracy is seriously under threat. Secondly, there is unprecedented upsurge in corruption in Zambia, and thirdly, the Chinese influence in Zambia is among the highest if not the highest in Africa. It follows that Zambia ticks almost all the boxes for the United States’ objectives in the cable. As part of its competition with China, the US is passing Strategic Competition Act in which Africa does feature as priority area. In addition, the Biden administration is resetting its African policy.

The assertion that democracy in Zambia has deteriorated in past ten years, cannot be disputed by any independently and objective minded person. The evidence is overwhelming. It is beyond question because both local, international and other credible independent organisations have attested to this. The pillars and fundamental values of a democracy are: the rule of law, separation of powers, independent judiciary, and freedom of the press, free and fair elections and the protection of human rights. These ideals are indispensable for a democracy to work. During the ten years (2011-2021), Zambia’s democratic credentials have deteriorated in almost all the above measures according to government critics’ allegations.

The complainants about deterioration in democracy and human rights have been very diverse. They include the general citizenry, Opposition Parties, the Church mother bodies, media owners, western diplomats, academics and Non-government organisations such as Amnesty International, Southern African Human Rights Defenders Network, Chapter One Foundation, Zambia Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa Pan-African Lawyers Union, SADC Lawyers Association Advancing Rights in Southern Africa Programme and Freedom House.

Zambia has had a thriving private press since the introduction of multiparty democracy in 1991.However, there appears to be sufficient evidence that this pillar of democracy is under serious threat and the space for journalists to practice their profession has been shrinking in the last ten years. The PF administration has been the most vicious administration in curtailing press freedom since Zambia returned to democracy.

According to the News diggers paper, many media houses have fallen victim of the government regulators in terms of closure or suspension of licences or threats of revocation of licences. They include the following: The Post, Copperbelt TV, Muvi TV, Itezhi- Radio, Komboni Radio, Jive FM, Ngoma Radio, Mwinilunga Radio, Valley FM, Luangina Radio, Kwenje Radio, Vision Macha, Karima FM, Young Generation, Live FM. Ama FM, Pan African Radio, Comet 10, Lutanda Radio and Prime TV.

The government’s high headedness with media has sent shivers and intimidated journalist from reporting freely, reducing them to heavy self-censorship. There is generally fear by the majority of journalists in the media fraternity.

One of the first institutions to warn about the deterioration in Zambian democracy was the powerful Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) in April, 2017. The head of the Catholic Church then, Bishop Tresphore Mpundu was concerned about the deterioration of Zambian democracy.

“The democratic principles we have come to know have been violated left, right and centre so that instead of going forward and consolidating our still fragile democracy, we are retrogressing and not so slowly! The political party in power is in the driving seat of the political game on the political field. We therefore demand from the government of the day to put in place concrete measures to reverse this worrying and dangerous trend. Our country is now all, except in designation, a dictatorship and if it is not yet, then we are not far from it. Our political leaders in the ruling party often issue intimidating statements that frighten people and make us fear for the immediate and future. This must be stopped and reversed henceforth,” the Archbishop wrote.

In March, 2021, which is four years later following Bishop Mpundu’s statement – who had since retired – the Catholics teamed up with their Protestants colleagues to advice the government to take the necessary steps to stop the shrinking democratic space in the country. The leaders of three Church mother bodies namely the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) wrote government and their followers.

“The civic and political space that Zambians possess under the constitution is a hard-won product of anti-colonial struggle, and has been key to the progress made since then towards overcoming poverty and exclusion in our country. We are disheartened to see the country moving backwards by using the same exclusion political strategies that the colonialists used such as the POA, restriction in the use of the public media, use of violence and arbitrary arrest to scare political opponents and members of the public. In addition to this, media platform restriction has now extended to social media as government has taken to parliament the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill of 2021. We are aware that this has passed the third reading and is awaiting the assent of the President,” they complained.

On the International stage, one of the international organisations responsible for monitoring political and civil liberties worldwide, is Freedom House. It carried out a study and classified Zambia in 2021 as “Partly free” with a score of 52/100 (0 being the least free and 100 mostly free). The study concluded the following: “The government regularly invokes the law to restrict freedom of expression and ban peaceful demonstrations and meetings, while opposition faces onerous legal and practical obstacles in their operations”.

The other independent and internationally renowned organisations that analyses the status of democracies around the world is the “Varieties of Democracy Project” which is based at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. This is believed by many experts around the world as one of the most trusted sources of information on indicators of democratic progress or regression. In its 2020 report, it noted that Zambia was one of the fastest eroding democracies in the world. The country registered a remarkably rapid decline in the quality of democracy since the last election in 2016 according to Nicole Beardsworth of University of Warwick.

We should all agree that we are going in the wrong direction in many ways – democracy and human rights is just one area. The economy is another. It is important for novices and rookies in international affairs, and those who do not read and follow the intricacies of what is happening in the geo-political and economic eco-system to wake up. It would be an act of folly for current and future leadership and their supporters to have a knee jerk reaction and defence to the disclosures of the article. It will be suicidal to dismiss this new aggressive and focused US foreign policy on democracy and human rights as inconsequential .We should not dare the U.S on the basis that Zambia has a good relationship with China and Zambia is a sovereign state. China is of no use in geo-political issues as Zimbabwe found out with Mugabe’s ill fated   “going east” strategy. The argument of sovereignty is also hollow when you are so heavily indebted, you are cap in hand begging for IMF bailout and your budget for the health other social services are heavily dependent on donor aid.

As Zambians, we should realize that the United States and the West are still a very powerful block – China is an emerging power, no doubt, but it is not just yet there – that can punish a country and bring down a country’s economy because they still control the international financial system with the dollar being the reserve currency. We just need to press a reset button to revert and go back to our – 2011 democratic governance system which made it possible for the PF to go into power in the first place. We have changed a winning game of democracy and respect for human rights. The Zambian economy since independence has always done well under a democratic dispensation.

The writer is a Chartered Accountant by profession. He is an independent, non-partisan finance and economic commentator/analyst and a Patriot.

THE TEACHING COUNCIL OF ZAMBIA

Media & Communications Unit Press Release Statement for Immediate release

TCZ INTRODUCES A TEACHER LOAN SCHEME

Date: 30th July, 2021

The Teaching Council of Zambia (TCZ) has introduced the Teacher Loan Scheme (TLS) to teachers country wide. The purpose of this Teacher Loan Scheme is to help teachers access affordable loans at low interest rates. The scheme targets registered and licensed teachers in both the public and private sector in all provinces and districts country wide. However, phase one targets selected districts in all provinces, while phase two will cover the rest of the districts.

Orientation with responsible offices has began and information for the same can be accessed from the TCZ offices in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Livingstone and Kasama offices, as well as from the district focal point persons at DEBS offices in all the districts. Information can also be accessed online using our website www.tcz.ac.zm.

It is imperative for teachers to know that loans will be disbursed based on the requirements being adequately met.

The Teaching Council of Zambia is mandated to regulate teachers, their practice and professional conduct and accredit all colleges of education. in order to fulfil its mandate, the Council has with great pleasure embarked on a scheme of goodwill that will add value to teacher’s lives.

Caution shall be exercised during the implementation process of this loan scheme so that no teacher do not slides into any debt trap. The TCZ then further wishes to appreciate Government and its stakeholders for addressing teachers indebtedness through the debt swap initiative. The TCZ loan scheme, therefore, is an option to support teachers financially without affecting their take home income.

Issued for Registrar

Dr Ebby Mubanga (PhD) TEACHING COUNCIL OF ZAMBIA +260968121687/ +260978517145/+260973596711 TCZ Regional Offices

Southern – +260/979724391 Northern – +260/212261424/ +260977846681

C/belt – +260/212274110

Email: tcz@info.org.zm TCZ Verification: www.tcz.ac.zm/certificate TOC7 wehscite www.tcz.ac.zm

By Kalapashi

Around Thursday 22nd July, the Kwacha began to appreciate significantly against the US dollar. By Friday 23rd the dollar was trading at around K20 from K22. 5 only a few hours before. With the increased hype around this appreciation, it wasnt long until opposing political camps started claiming credit with both the PF and UPND claiming that the appreciation of the Kwacha was indicative of their party winnig the upcoming general elections.

Ministry of finance and BOZ both issued statements claiming that the appreciation was due to ‘sound economic policies and improved investor confidence’.

But what really happened?

A review showed that the initial appreciation of the local currency was caused by off investors who sort to participate in the BOZ bond auction of Friday 23rd August. These off-shore investors off loaded about $90 million onto the local market to buy Kwacha to invest in the govt bonds. This resulted in an immediate appreciation of the local currency. BOZ holds bond auctions every month, in line with their mandate, for fiscal and balance of payments support.

The appreciation resulted in sentiment or panic selling as other market players acted to reduce their dollar balances. Consequently, by close of market on Friday, the dollar was trading at around K19. 5. Through out the weekend of 24th & 25th, the Kwacha continued appreciating to trade as low as K18. 5/dollar at the bureaux.

On Monday 26th, with the larger banking FX market having resumed, the Kwacha continued to appreciate, trending towards K17/dollar. However, by mid day the momentum in the appreciation began to slow down. BOZ immediately moved in and started off loading dollars, from the international reserves, onto the market to continue buoying the Kwacha (maybe to please the politicians but also to align with their, and MOF’s, earlier statements on the appreciation).

But BOZ can only use the international reserves to an extent as the reserves are meant to support imports and cannot be allowed to go below a certain level. In this regard, it remains to be seen whether the Kwacha can continue appreciating given a weak supply of dollars on the local market and skeptical sentiment around economic performance.

THE COUNTRY SHOULD NOT DISINTEGRATE BECAUSE ONE PERSON WANTS TO BE PRESIDENT – CHIEF CHIKANTA

… as President Lungu warns perpetrators of political violence saying Zambia has been known to be a peaceful nation.

Choma -Thursday, July 29, 2021 (Smart Eagles)

Chief Chikanta of the Tonga speaking people in Dundumwezi, says every political leader has the responsibility to restrain their cadres from engaging in political violence during and after elections.

Speaking when President Lungu paid a courtesy call on him and chief Mapanza in Choma, Chief chikanta said the country should not disintegrate because one person wants to be President.

The traditional leader said the country must remain peaceful even after the August 12 General elections.

“We will surely take that responsibility of maintaining peace seriously, the country can not disintegrate because one person wants to be President whether you or the opposition.

The country must remain peaceful, elections are just one day thereafter, we remain Zambians,” Chief Chikanta said.

“So we must not destroy the country by engaging in political violence, everybody must take account of their actions. Its people who make choices,” He said.

And Chief Chikanta said President Lungu is free to visit any part of Southern province because claims by some opposition parties that it’s their stronghold does not hold.

“When in Lusaka people deceive you that Southern province is UPND stronghold, but you can see how people are happy to see you outside as the Head of State. If it was not for the pandemic you would have seen a lot of people who want to see you. Issues of strongholds does not hold, we want to see you more in rural areas. Let’s play our roles responsibly otherwise you are welcome to any part of Southern province,” Chief Chikanta said.

And speaking earlier President Lungu said he was happy with a warm welcome accorded to him by the people of Southern province.

“Your Royal Highnesses, I can see alot of joy outside and it reflects the love of our people. Sir, this country has been a peaceful country, one Zambia one Nation, so mostly my prayer is talk to these people, these two political groups who are fighting, who are killing each other, destroying properties, it is not worthy dying for President Lungu or Hakainde Hichilema, you will lose your life,” President Lungu said.

“Destroying properties should not be tolerated. Those who are known call them and talk to them and tell them what you are doing is wrong because you have an important role to play in maintaining law and order, security and development, so dont underestimate your role to maintain peace,” The Head of State said.

Meanwhile, Chief Mapanza said he was happy with the developmental agenda embarked on by President Lungu and the PF Government.

“We are behind you because of your development in this country we are so happy. Continue your journey and we want you to continue governing even after August 12,” Chief Mapanza said.

The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has described the successful printing of ballot papers by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as an important factor which is key to good governance and quality of an election.

CCMG Steering Committee Chairperson Emmanuel Chikoya told journalists in Dubai today that the quality of ballot papers printed by Al Ghurair Printing Factory was impressive.

Father Chikoya said CCMG is happy that it was part of the team which monitored the whole ballot paper printing process up to now when they are being transported to Zambia from the United Arab Emirate country.

He said ECZ’s decision to invite various stakeholders to monitor and witness the printing process in Dubai demonstrates commitment by the electoral body to be transparent in handling the electoral process.

He noted that Al Ghurair Printing Factory has the capacity, equipment and professionalism hence it managed to undertake the task without undue challenges.

Fr. Chikoya has since commended the commission and the printer for executing this part of the electoral process and expressed optimism that the elections will equally be managed well.

And Non-Governmental Organization Coordination Council (NGOCC) Executive Director, Engwase Mwale said it was happy that the organisation was able to represent the women’s movement in observing the printing process as elections are an important dispensation of democracy and practice of human rights.

She said the process was transparent, inclusive and participatory, and was gratifying that the printing company had met its objectives of having produced the ballot papers on time and are now being delivered.

Ms. Mwale however pointed out that Zambians should ensure that they exercise their constitutional right by turning up in numbers to cast their vote on August 12, 2021.

“Voting is exercising that important civil and political right to ensure that we bring on board a team of women and men that will lead Zambia in the next five years. So, it is up to us fellow Zambians and more so for the women to use the opportunity to have their voices heard,” Ms. Mwale said.

And Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy National Chairperson Davies Chama, commended the process saying despite the delay in commencing the printing, the company managed to beat the deadline of completing the job.

Mr. Chama said as far as the PF was concerned, the company was credible as it demonstrated through completing the printing of the ballot papers on time and the dispatching of the same, which is underway.

But United Party for National Development (UPND) representative Richard Njolomba stated that despite the printer having been transparent and professional, it did not mean that the elections will be held in a free and fair environment.

Mr. Njolomba said the opposition party and its alliance members still viewed the elections process as a different ballgame but indicated that they were happy with the printing and distribution process, describing it as credible.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) said the dispatch of ballot papers is on schedule and progressing well.

ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Patrick Nshindano, said the first flight yesterday successfully delivered ballot papers for 40 constituencies to Zambia adding that two flights were heading to Zambia today to deliver another consignment of the papers.

Mr. Nshindano said of the two flights, one is carrying 90 pallets for 38 constituencies and the other one, 91 pallets for the 31 constituencies respectively.

He said the last flight will carry 89 pallets for 47 constituencies tomorrow.

Mr. Nshindano revealed that the commission has since distributed a pallet loading checklist and serial numbers which contain the different election materials in the ballot boxes.

He said it was important to check the serial numbers for respective constituencies and pallet boxes that have been loaded.

He said this is the first step in the verification process before distributing them to districts and polling stations.

Mr. Nshindano has since urged the stakeholders to ensure that they share the information on the importance of cross-checking serial numbers and lists with their colleagues that are receiving the ballot papers at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka.

He has meanwhile thanked the stakeholders for their continued collaboration with the commission in ensuring that the electoral process is credible.

MY BROTHER HH IS NOT FIT TO BE PRESIDENT

…..I would advise him to focus on business and let those who are patriotic lead the country, says Dr Canisius Banda

Lusaka… Thursday, July 29, 2021(Smart Eagles)

Member of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) Dr Canisius Banda says leader of the opposition UPND Hakainde Hichilema is not fit to be President because he is unpatriotic.

Speaking when he featured on Radio Christian Voice “Zambia Decides” program today, Dr Banda said Mr Hichilema proved that he is unpatriotic when he undervalued the mines during the privatization.

He said Mr Hichilema would privatize the entire country if voted into power.

“When MMD came into power the companies were sold, undervalued. HH was at the center of it. The process was badly done. He was part of the team, he should have done it based on patriotism…….He (Hichilema) doesn’t qualify to manage the state affairs because he mishandled vital national assets,” he said.

“I would advise my brother Hakainde to just focus on business and let those who are patriotic rule the country. He will flourish in business but he can’t rule the country.”

Meanwhile, Dr Banda reiterated that there is no need to change government because His Excellency, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is changing the face of the country through his developmental projects.

He mentioned that the Head of State has transformed the agriculture sector among others.

The former UPND Vice President reiterated Zambia is one of the leading grain exporters in Africa.

Dr Banda maintained that the President has also transformed the lives of the youths and women through various empowerment programs.

He however argued that empowerment program is not only targeting a few individuals.

“There is no reason to change government. The empowerment program is not only targeting a few individuals. Sustainability is there and when they say it’s not targeting communities I don’t understand because these cooperatives are in communities. Over 100, 000 youths have benefited,” he said.

And Dr Banda mentioned that the country is no longer in electricity crisis following the launch of the Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station.

He added that the President is focusing on developing the country without leaving anyone behind as proven by the development he has taken to Dundumwezi, the area that didn’t give the Head of State votes.