Thursday, April 28, 2005
Sweden Examines Opposition Petition
SWEDEN is consulting fellow donors on the petition by five opposition political parties asking the donor community to pressure Government over alleged electoral malpractices ahead of the 2006 elections. More from source....
Friday, April 22, 2005
"Fear and Loathing" Among the MMD NEC
Let's us not overlook the underlying issue, which is graft within the ruling party. In the US lots of Republicans are in a sweat over the widening ethics investigation into the dealings of Washington rainmaker Jack Abramoff
BusinessWeek Online reports "Lawmakers' fears were stoked several weeks ago, when reports surfaced that Abramoff might have information that could -- emphasis on could -- make trouble for some Republicans."
Leadership challenges are part and parcel of any democracy. Simply standing against the current president does not constitute disloyalty.
'To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.' - Theodore Roosevelt
It is not disruptive nor is it 'biting the hand that feeds you' to challenge the incubent President through a voting system. Expelling of Dr. Mumba from the MMD NEC is simply a desperate act by a rattled leader. This approach won't cut it in the absence of a full disclosure of the facts.
Our leaders will only be truly world statesmen once they learn to face up to challenges without fear of losing. Politicians who are fearful of new challenges are dogged by shoddy old fashioned habits.
I hope Zambians mature beyond personal politics and embrace issue-driven politics instead. We have enough information before us to draw our own conclusions.
BusinessWeek Online reports "Lawmakers' fears were stoked several weeks ago, when reports surfaced that Abramoff might have information that could -- emphasis on could -- make trouble for some Republicans."
Leadership challenges are part and parcel of any democracy. Simply standing against the current president does not constitute disloyalty.
'To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.' - Theodore Roosevelt
It is not disruptive nor is it 'biting the hand that feeds you' to challenge the incubent President through a voting system. Expelling of Dr. Mumba from the MMD NEC is simply a desperate act by a rattled leader. This approach won't cut it in the absence of a full disclosure of the facts.
Our leaders will only be truly world statesmen once they learn to face up to challenges without fear of losing. Politicians who are fearful of new challenges are dogged by shoddy old fashioned habits.
I hope Zambians mature beyond personal politics and embrace issue-driven politics instead. We have enough information before us to draw our own conclusions.
DR. MUMBA EXPELLED FROM MMD NEC
"BREAKING NEWS"
We regret to inform you that the MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) has expelled Dr. Nevers Mumba from the MMD NEC and has postponed the MMD Convention.
This is a sad day for democracy in Zambia and should be protested in the strongest terms by all Zambians regardless of Party affiliation. We call on the international community to immediately investigate the circumstances leading to Dr. Mumba's expulsion from the MMD NEC. Donor communities and nations need to pay attention to what is happening in Zambia.
We have been warning for some time of the increasing threats against Dr. Mumba's candidacy leading to his suspension from the MMD NEC. Dr. Mumba has dismissed the charges against him and the strongest of actions has been taken against him by expelling him from the MMD NEC. We believe this action shows that the current MMD leadership will stop at nothing to hinder democracy in Zambia.
Dr. Mumba had firm evidence of electoral corruption and presented this to the MMD Leadership. In response, the MMD Leadership has expelled him from the NEC. This is corruption at its best.
Zambia is a free and democratic nation. The action taken against Dr. Mumba violates democratic principles and values and should not be allowed to stand. The people of Zambia will not stand for this.
Mumba for President Campaign Team
We regret to inform you that the MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) has expelled Dr. Nevers Mumba from the MMD NEC and has postponed the MMD Convention.
This is a sad day for democracy in Zambia and should be protested in the strongest terms by all Zambians regardless of Party affiliation. We call on the international community to immediately investigate the circumstances leading to Dr. Mumba's expulsion from the MMD NEC. Donor communities and nations need to pay attention to what is happening in Zambia.
We have been warning for some time of the increasing threats against Dr. Mumba's candidacy leading to his suspension from the MMD NEC. Dr. Mumba has dismissed the charges against him and the strongest of actions has been taken against him by expelling him from the MMD NEC. We believe this action shows that the current MMD leadership will stop at nothing to hinder democracy in Zambia.
Dr. Mumba had firm evidence of electoral corruption and presented this to the MMD Leadership. In response, the MMD Leadership has expelled him from the NEC. This is corruption at its best.
Zambia is a free and democratic nation. The action taken against Dr. Mumba violates democratic principles and values and should not be allowed to stand. The people of Zambia will not stand for this.
Mumba for President Campaign Team
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Mumba Dismisses Charges Against Him
MMD PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Pastor Nevers Mumba has dismissed charges against him and demanded better and further particulars of the offences he
is alleged to have committed. Read more....
is alleged to have committed. Read more....
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Mumba is headed for landslide victory
PASTOR Mumba is heading for a landslide victory at the MMD convention, his spokesperson John Ziba has declared. But mines minister Kaunda Lembalemba has said Pastor Mumba would fall heavily at the MMD convention.Read on.....
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
I'm in Full Gear With My Campaign - Mumba
"MMD presidential aspirant Pastor Nevers Mumba yesterday said he was in full gear with his campaign ahead of the party's national convention.
Pastor Mumba said his suspension from the MMD's national executive committee would not slow down his campaigns and that he was focusing on winning the party presidency." Link to story
Pastor Mumba said his suspension from the MMD's national executive committee would not slow down his campaigns and that he was focusing on winning the party presidency." Link to story
Campaign material destroyed
Unknown people in Mazabuka have pulled down and destroyed campaign materials for suspended MMD Presidential aspirant Dr. Nevers Mumba. Link to story:
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Debt Relief, at what price?
CNN.com reports
"Mumba had been given 10 days to prove his allegations against Mwanawasa or face unspecified 'sanctions."
What is this all about? Surely, we all know that Zambia is a very poor country. The reason we are rallying behind Dr Mumba is simply because we know that there no such thing as a free lunch. If all the nice people at the World Bank and the IMF are doubtful about our gratitude we shall remind them of how weary and tired we are about overburdening the international community with issues we can take care of on our own.
While the whole world is prepared to assist Zambians at this moment of great need, let's keep in mind that we, as Zambians, will payback by ensuring that we have the right calibre of leadership in place inorder to prevent the shameful, degrading and humiliating experience of relying on other people's sweat.
It will be a great day when the sympathetic and kind people everywhere acknowledged that their generosity is highly appreciated. The best way we can prove this as Zambians is by placing the right kind of leadership in position.
"Mumba had been given 10 days to prove his allegations against Mwanawasa or face unspecified 'sanctions."
What is this all about? Surely, we all know that Zambia is a very poor country. The reason we are rallying behind Dr Mumba is simply because we know that there no such thing as a free lunch. If all the nice people at the World Bank and the IMF are doubtful about our gratitude we shall remind them of how weary and tired we are about overburdening the international community with issues we can take care of on our own.
While the whole world is prepared to assist Zambians at this moment of great need, let's keep in mind that we, as Zambians, will payback by ensuring that we have the right calibre of leadership in place inorder to prevent the shameful, degrading and humiliating experience of relying on other people's sweat.
It will be a great day when the sympathetic and kind people everywhere acknowledged that their generosity is highly appreciated. The best way we can prove this as Zambians is by placing the right kind of leadership in position.
Mumba Suspension by MMD NEC Reeks of Foul Play
Dr. Mumba's suspension from the MMD NEC sends a very dangerous signal: do not challenge the status quo or you will be targeted. It also raises suspicions of what is really going on and why.
It is clear that the premise under which the MMD NEC has suspended Dr. Mumba is flawed and raises a lot of suspicions. Why? Dr. Mumba clearly followed MMD Party protocol when he submitted his letter on the allegations of corruption to the Party Secretary, Vernon Mwaanga. Someone in the MMD Secratariat has leaked the letter to the press. How can we determine this without much investigation? Read carefully the text of the article in The Post (April 8) regarding his suspension: "And when reached for comment, Pastor Mumba said he could not discuss in the media the contents of his letter because doing that would be against the party's procedure. He said if he had a complaint, procedure entailed that he complain through the national secretary. 'The national secretary has not replied, so I cannot say anything on that,' Pastor Mumba said. 'It is only when the national secretary responds that I will know whether or not I will be at liberty to discuss that issue.'
Key words: And when reached for comment. Dr. Mumba was approached by The Post about his letter meaning The Post had access to that letter prior to approaching Dr. Mumba for comment. So how did the MMD Party NEC come to the conclusion that Dr. Mumba leaked the letter to the Press? What proof do you have that it was Dr. Mumba who leaked the letter on which basis you have taken this action to suspend him from the NEC? We hold the MMD Party Leadership accountable to provide a truthful answer to this question.
The real issue now is who in Mr. Mwaanga's office leaked that letter to The Post? That is where the breach of confidentially has taken place. We call upon the MMD Party Secretary to launch a thorough investigation and identify who in his office leaked the letter to the press. Secondly, we demand that the suspension order be immediately rescinded. Dr. Mumba’s letter, which is now public due to the leak, contained highly confidential issues which he submitted, as per Party rules, to the MMD Party Secretary. How the letter was leaked to the press demands a thorough investigation and the truth revealed.
Our suspicions of the MMD’s attempts to squash and silence Dr. Mumba through threats and intimidation to force him to withdraw his candidacy has been confirmed by this latest action. The people of Zambia demand answers to the following questions:
1) Did the MMD Party President, Mr. Mwanawasa know about the leak and did he play a part in authorizing the leak to the press of his opponent’s CONFIDENTIAL letter to Party Secretary? In other words, what did the President know and when did he know about it?
2) When Dr. Mumba was dismissed in October 2004, he sent Mr. Mwanawasa a CONFIDENTIAL letter. Mr. Mwanawasa read that letter that was sent to him in CONFIDENCE to the press. As an attorney, Mr. Mwanawasa surely understands the issue of confidentiality. Then why did he deliberately read Dr. Mumba’s letter (that he sent to him in confidence) to the press? Mr. Mwanawasa also exposed confidential correspondence he had with former Vice-President Enoch Kavindele prior to his dismissal. Is there any reason to doubt that we have before us a repeat performance whereby another confidential letter from Dr. Mumba to the party leadership has been leaked to the press deliberately? The last time, it was the Party President. Who did it this time?
3) It is apparent to us that Dr. Mumba’s popularity has grown since his announcement. He demonstrated leadership and courage in coming out boldly to state to the nation that the current MMD Party President cannot win the 2006 elections. He laid before the nation why he was running for President (www.neversforpresident.com). He stated what many within the party have known for a long time but were afraid to state publicly: Mr. Mwanawasa was not a winning candidate for the MMD in 2006. Dr. Mumba exercised his democratic right to contest for a vacant position within the MMD Party. Is this yet another attempt to squash his candidacy at the Convention?
4) Is this latest suspension action by the MMD NEC a prelude to Dr. Mumba’s expulsion from the MMD party just before the May 4th. Convention in Kabwe?
We have noted that the suspension does not prevent him from contesting for any position in the Party. However, we are forced to conclude that his suspension from the National Executive Committee of the MMD is a sign of desperation by the party leadership to try to protect the incumbent at all cost. In so doing, those responsible for taking this action have violated all democratic values and principles. The people at the grassroots in Zambia will not stand for this.
We call on all MMD Party officials to immediately investigate the allegations brought out by Dr. Mumba of electoral corruption within the Party, thoroughly investigate and identify who leaked to the press Dr. Mumba’s confidential letter to the MMD Party Secretary, and immediately rescind the suspension order and continue Dr. Mumba’s membership in the NEC. Anything less would only increase the cloud of suspicion of foul play that now hangs over the MMD Party and the trust of the Zambian people in the ruling party would be lost.
And if the allegations of electoral corruption at the Presidential level prove to be true, the people of Zambia deserve to know about it NOW, not after the MMD convention in Kabwe on May 4th.
The world is watching.
Joshua Ngoma and Victor Chanda
Mumba for President Campaign Team
It is clear that the premise under which the MMD NEC has suspended Dr. Mumba is flawed and raises a lot of suspicions. Why? Dr. Mumba clearly followed MMD Party protocol when he submitted his letter on the allegations of corruption to the Party Secretary, Vernon Mwaanga. Someone in the MMD Secratariat has leaked the letter to the press. How can we determine this without much investigation? Read carefully the text of the article in The Post (April 8) regarding his suspension: "And when reached for comment, Pastor Mumba said he could not discuss in the media the contents of his letter because doing that would be against the party's procedure. He said if he had a complaint, procedure entailed that he complain through the national secretary. 'The national secretary has not replied, so I cannot say anything on that,' Pastor Mumba said. 'It is only when the national secretary responds that I will know whether or not I will be at liberty to discuss that issue.'
Key words: And when reached for comment. Dr. Mumba was approached by The Post about his letter meaning The Post had access to that letter prior to approaching Dr. Mumba for comment. So how did the MMD Party NEC come to the conclusion that Dr. Mumba leaked the letter to the Press? What proof do you have that it was Dr. Mumba who leaked the letter on which basis you have taken this action to suspend him from the NEC? We hold the MMD Party Leadership accountable to provide a truthful answer to this question.
The real issue now is who in Mr. Mwaanga's office leaked that letter to The Post? That is where the breach of confidentially has taken place. We call upon the MMD Party Secretary to launch a thorough investigation and identify who in his office leaked the letter to the press. Secondly, we demand that the suspension order be immediately rescinded. Dr. Mumba’s letter, which is now public due to the leak, contained highly confidential issues which he submitted, as per Party rules, to the MMD Party Secretary. How the letter was leaked to the press demands a thorough investigation and the truth revealed.
Our suspicions of the MMD’s attempts to squash and silence Dr. Mumba through threats and intimidation to force him to withdraw his candidacy has been confirmed by this latest action. The people of Zambia demand answers to the following questions:
1) Did the MMD Party President, Mr. Mwanawasa know about the leak and did he play a part in authorizing the leak to the press of his opponent’s CONFIDENTIAL letter to Party Secretary? In other words, what did the President know and when did he know about it?
2) When Dr. Mumba was dismissed in October 2004, he sent Mr. Mwanawasa a CONFIDENTIAL letter. Mr. Mwanawasa read that letter that was sent to him in CONFIDENCE to the press. As an attorney, Mr. Mwanawasa surely understands the issue of confidentiality. Then why did he deliberately read Dr. Mumba’s letter (that he sent to him in confidence) to the press? Mr. Mwanawasa also exposed confidential correspondence he had with former Vice-President Enoch Kavindele prior to his dismissal. Is there any reason to doubt that we have before us a repeat performance whereby another confidential letter from Dr. Mumba to the party leadership has been leaked to the press deliberately? The last time, it was the Party President. Who did it this time?
3) It is apparent to us that Dr. Mumba’s popularity has grown since his announcement. He demonstrated leadership and courage in coming out boldly to state to the nation that the current MMD Party President cannot win the 2006 elections. He laid before the nation why he was running for President (www.neversforpresident.com). He stated what many within the party have known for a long time but were afraid to state publicly: Mr. Mwanawasa was not a winning candidate for the MMD in 2006. Dr. Mumba exercised his democratic right to contest for a vacant position within the MMD Party. Is this yet another attempt to squash his candidacy at the Convention?
4) Is this latest suspension action by the MMD NEC a prelude to Dr. Mumba’s expulsion from the MMD party just before the May 4th. Convention in Kabwe?
We have noted that the suspension does not prevent him from contesting for any position in the Party. However, we are forced to conclude that his suspension from the National Executive Committee of the MMD is a sign of desperation by the party leadership to try to protect the incumbent at all cost. In so doing, those responsible for taking this action have violated all democratic values and principles. The people at the grassroots in Zambia will not stand for this.
We call on all MMD Party officials to immediately investigate the allegations brought out by Dr. Mumba of electoral corruption within the Party, thoroughly investigate and identify who leaked to the press Dr. Mumba’s confidential letter to the MMD Party Secretary, and immediately rescind the suspension order and continue Dr. Mumba’s membership in the NEC. Anything less would only increase the cloud of suspicion of foul play that now hangs over the MMD Party and the trust of the Zambian people in the ruling party would be lost.
And if the allegations of electoral corruption at the Presidential level prove to be true, the people of Zambia deserve to know about it NOW, not after the MMD convention in Kabwe on May 4th.
The world is watching.
Joshua Ngoma and Victor Chanda
Mumba for President Campaign Team
Dr. Mumba's suspension - Comments
This latest move by the MMD NEC confirms that they have systematically worked to silence him. If corruption is being investigated in the MMD, shouldn't it begin at the top? We are reminded of the old adage, 'The fish rots from the head.'
There must be a national and international outcry about what is being done to Dr. Mumba in a democratice Zambia. How is he, as a candidate aspiring for national office, supposed to campaign when he is being suspended on baseless charges just three weeks before the MMD Convention? His popularity, especially among the grassroots, has continued to grow since his announcement. The MMD now faces the real possibility that Mr. Mwanawasa could be defeated at the Convention. This move on their part to suspend Dr. Mumba is wrong when several MMD leaders are on record as having made statements to the press. If those MMD officials can speak to the press expressing threats to Dr. Mumba, why is Dr. Mumba being singled out to be suspended for speaking to the media?
Dr. Mumba launched his campaign by stating that this was a test of democracy in Zambia. The MMD party is not living up to its claims to be a democratic party. And that is very troubling for a ruling party. The people of Zambia are tired of this kind of leadership. It is time for a change.
Josh Ngoma and Victor Chanda
Mumba for President Campaign Media Team
There must be a national and international outcry about what is being done to Dr. Mumba in a democratice Zambia. How is he, as a candidate aspiring for national office, supposed to campaign when he is being suspended on baseless charges just three weeks before the MMD Convention? His popularity, especially among the grassroots, has continued to grow since his announcement. The MMD now faces the real possibility that Mr. Mwanawasa could be defeated at the Convention. This move on their part to suspend Dr. Mumba is wrong when several MMD leaders are on record as having made statements to the press. If those MMD officials can speak to the press expressing threats to Dr. Mumba, why is Dr. Mumba being singled out to be suspended for speaking to the media?
Dr. Mumba launched his campaign by stating that this was a test of democracy in Zambia. The MMD party is not living up to its claims to be a democratic party. And that is very troubling for a ruling party. The people of Zambia are tired of this kind of leadership. It is time for a change.
Josh Ngoma and Victor Chanda
Mumba for President Campaign Media Team
Nevers Explains His Suspension
'Presidential aspirant Pastor Nevers Mumba yesterday claimed that his suspension from the ruling party's national executive committee (NEC) was meant to divert attention from the electoral corruption charges he raised against President Levy Mwanawasa.'
Read more....
Read more....
Saturday, April 09, 2005
San Francisco may regulate blogging
And we will die on the blogging barricades to defend ... what? Oh. Never mind. The headline that buzzed through the Net this week was 'San Francisco may regulate blogging,' and across the blogosphere there were outraged howls of pain as knees jerked, slamming into desks. It took a little while (and a few people actually reading the proposed ordinance) for a fuller picture to emerge, that picture revealing an electioneering law intended to add transparency to political sponsorship. Far from specifically targeting blogs, the law would require anyone promulgating a political message through any medium that reaches 500 or more people and spends more than $1,000 in that effort needs to say so, clearly and publicly. Still worth a good, if less hysterical, debate.
Source: Siliconvalley.com
Source: Siliconvalley.com
The growing influence of blogs
The report, Trust MEdia: How Real People Are Finally Being Heard (22-page PDF available for download from both firms' websites) says that in a very short time, the blogging phenomenon has drastically altered the business landscape and challenged traditional beliefs about the control of messaging by corporations, the media, the government, marketers and company stakeholders.
Media coverage of Africa
Media coverage of Africa is biased and weighted heavily with negative undertones. At the recent African Presidential Roundtable 2005 held in Johannesburg, 11 former African heads of state taking part expressed this concern:
'We mustn't condone bad reporting in America which brings the bad image (on Africa). Please report correctly,' he asked journalists.
Kenneth Kaunda, the former Zambian president, laid the blame for Zimbabwe's current problems, especially those relating to land, at Britain's doorstep. 'Mugabe gave them (Britain) 10 years to put things right. They didn't. It is the British government which must be blamed, especially the present one,' he said.
I have followed western (UK, US) media's coverage of Africa for a while now. This biased approach has always been apparent to me. It's all you can expect from people who have nothing much to report on. On one hand Africans should be more responsible in deliverying well sourced information that provide a true picture of what's going on in Africa.
The lack of information flow produces a vacuum that is so easily exploited by people with vested interest in Africa.
'We mustn't condone bad reporting in America which brings the bad image (on Africa). Please report correctly,' he asked journalists.
Kenneth Kaunda, the former Zambian president, laid the blame for Zimbabwe's current problems, especially those relating to land, at Britain's doorstep. 'Mugabe gave them (Britain) 10 years to put things right. They didn't. It is the British government which must be blamed, especially the present one,' he said.
I have followed western (UK, US) media's coverage of Africa for a while now. This biased approach has always been apparent to me. It's all you can expect from people who have nothing much to report on. On one hand Africans should be more responsible in deliverying well sourced information that provide a true picture of what's going on in Africa.
The lack of information flow produces a vacuum that is so easily exploited by people with vested interest in Africa.
Constructive Criticism
'To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.' - Theodore Roosevelt
Friday, April 08, 2005
Nevers Accuses Levy of Electoral Corruption
"MMD presidential aspirant Pastor Nevers Mumba has accused President Levy Mwanawasa of electoral corruption and has asked the MMD's national executive committee to probe the accusation.
In a letter dated April 4, 2005 to MMD national secretary Vernon Mwaanga, Pastor Mumba stated that his committee had received disturbing reports of blatant corruption of members, especially in Northern, Luapula and Copperbelt provinces."Read More...
In a letter dated April 4, 2005 to MMD national secretary Vernon Mwaanga, Pastor Mumba stated that his committee had received disturbing reports of blatant corruption of members, especially in Northern, Luapula and Copperbelt provinces."Read More...
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
MMD Tribunal Completes South Sittings
The Times of Zambia reports: "THE MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) tribunal appointed to investigate alleged malpractices by some candidates aspiring for various positions in the party has completed sitting in Southern Province"
Mumba sure of defeating Levy
FORMER vice-president Nevers Mumba yesterday expressed confidence that he would defeat President Mwanawasa in the elections for the position of party president at the forthcoming MMD convention in May. Read more
Friday, April 01, 2005
MMD NEC’S “FINAL WARNING”
MMD NEC’S “FINAL WARNING” TO DR. MUMBA A BLOW TO DEMOCRACY IN ZAMBIA
Is the MMD a democratic party? Their latest attempt to silence the candidacy of Dr. Mumba for the party presidency would seem to indicate not.
The article in the April 1 edition of The Post states that the MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) yesterday gave a FINAL WARNING to former vice-president and MMD president aspirant Pastor (Dr.) Nevers Mumba against conducting his campaigns in a provocative manner.
We find the nature of latest round of threats from MMD Party Leaders directed at Dr. Mumba to be very troubling. The words, “final warning” in and of themselves sound very ominous and we call on all Zambians, both at home and abroad, to take note of the dramatic underlying tone of this warning from the MMD NEC. We are particularly concerned by the ominous tone of this “final warning” to Dr. Mumba since it is comes on the verge of a nation-wide tour that Dr. Mumba is about to embark on to take his message of hope and renewal directly to the people of Zambia.
It is obvious to us that the MMD Party leadership is clearly seeking to intimidate not only Dr. Mumba but anyone who may know in their heart of hearts that he is a strong and viable candidate versus Mr. Levy Mwanawasa and would like to support him. It is a sad day for democracy in Zambia when Party Leaders threaten and intimidate candidates from seeking office by resorting to threats to viable candidates. You cannot fool the Zambian people. It is obvious that your threats to Dr. Mumba are also meant to threaten the people of Zambia.
The MMD NEC’s “final warning” to Dr. Mumba is alarming for several reasons:
1) Dr. Mumba is a bonafide member of the MMD who is exercising his democratic right to contest for the presidency of the MMD Party. He is an honorable member of the party who has served not only his party but his nation with honor as the former Vice-President of Zambia. To be issued a “final warning” by the MMD party leaders reveals clearly that the MMD Party claim to support democratic ideals is suspect.
2) Why is Dr. Mumba being referred to as an “outsider?” Is this how the ruling party in Zambia treats members? Aren’t members entitled to all the rights and privileges of the party? This nonsense of referring to Dr. Mumba as an “outsider” should cease immediately. Otherwise, every member of the MMD Party needs to rethink their membership in that party. Who wants to belong to a party that publicly refers to aspiring leaders in their party as “outsiders” and “visitors” who have no right to speak to the issues in the party?
3) The 1,333 delegates to the MMD Convention at Mulungushi Rock in Kabwe in May should ask themselves very seriously whether they can be proud to be MMD Party Members when their leadership is intimidating and threatening one of their own? If they are doing this to Dr. Mumba today, is it not possible that they will do the same thing tomorrow to any one of the 1,333 delegates?
4) To be given a “final warning” is tantamount to an ultimatum. So we are forced to ask the ones who issued this “final warning,” what constitutes a violation of your “final warning?”
Zambia is facing tremendous challenges as a nation. Since independence in 1964, Zambia has gone from being a breadbasket to being a basket case. Zambia is crying out for visionary leaders who can lead the nation out of this valley of hopelessness and despair.
The current President had five years to bring about change to Zambia. What has been done to revive our economy? What has been done to improve education? What has been done to improve our infrastructure? What has been done to make Zambia a respectable member of the international community? What has been done to eliminate corruption?
The current MMD leadership continues to display a pattern of intimidation and scare tactics. Dr. Mumba will not be intimidated nor allow these scare tactics to hinder or block his quest for the presidency of the MMD Party and the national presidency because he believes that we as a nation can do better. He is clearly the candidate who brings hope and vision to the table.
To the 1,333 delegates to the MMD Convention, you hold in your hands the ability to make or break Zambia’s chance to change for the better. It can only happen if the right leader is in place. We call on the 1,333 delegates to the MMD Convention to take your voting privilege at the convention seriously. You will be voting individually, not as a block. You will be voting by secret ballot and need not be intimidated or pressured into voting for someone you do not want to vote for. You have the most precious privilege in a democratic country and that is the right to exercise your vote as an individual.
We ask each of the 1,333 delegates to truly search your hearts and ask yourself who is the better candidate who can lead Zambia? Let us not forget that Zambia is at a crossroads. Zambia needs a leader who has the vision, the vigor, the trust and the ability to represent Zambia with pride in the international community. Zambia needs a leader who can restore hope to the Zambian people.
The MMD Party Leaders who have issued Dr. Mumba this “final warning” need to tell the people of Zambia why this “final warning” was necessary. They owe the Zambian people an explanation as to why they are treating Dr. Mumba with disrespect when he has served honorably as the former vice-president of the nation.
The issuance of a “final warning” by the MMD NEC to Dr. Mumba has raised the pattern of threats and intimidation toward Dr. Mumba to a new level. We have noted that the level of attacks against him has been steadily increasing over the recent days. We call on all MMD Party officials to cease these tactics of fear and intimidation toward Dr. Mumba. These tactics violate democratic values and principles.
We call on the current president of the MMD Party, Mr. Mwanawasa himself, to retract the “final warning” issued by his party. We cannot begin to imagine what is being said to Dr, Mumba behind closed doors. We can only conclude that Mr. Mwanawasa himself is approving the threats, scare tactics, and intimidation against Dr. Mumba and will be held personally responsible for whatever consequences may result for any violation of this “final warning” to Dr. Mumba, whatever that may be.
The world is watching.
Josh Ngoma
Mumba for President Campaign MediaTeam
Is the MMD a democratic party? Their latest attempt to silence the candidacy of Dr. Mumba for the party presidency would seem to indicate not.
The article in the April 1 edition of The Post states that the MMD National Executive Committee (NEC) yesterday gave a FINAL WARNING to former vice-president and MMD president aspirant Pastor (Dr.) Nevers Mumba against conducting his campaigns in a provocative manner.
We find the nature of latest round of threats from MMD Party Leaders directed at Dr. Mumba to be very troubling. The words, “final warning” in and of themselves sound very ominous and we call on all Zambians, both at home and abroad, to take note of the dramatic underlying tone of this warning from the MMD NEC. We are particularly concerned by the ominous tone of this “final warning” to Dr. Mumba since it is comes on the verge of a nation-wide tour that Dr. Mumba is about to embark on to take his message of hope and renewal directly to the people of Zambia.
It is obvious to us that the MMD Party leadership is clearly seeking to intimidate not only Dr. Mumba but anyone who may know in their heart of hearts that he is a strong and viable candidate versus Mr. Levy Mwanawasa and would like to support him. It is a sad day for democracy in Zambia when Party Leaders threaten and intimidate candidates from seeking office by resorting to threats to viable candidates. You cannot fool the Zambian people. It is obvious that your threats to Dr. Mumba are also meant to threaten the people of Zambia.
The MMD NEC’s “final warning” to Dr. Mumba is alarming for several reasons:
1) Dr. Mumba is a bonafide member of the MMD who is exercising his democratic right to contest for the presidency of the MMD Party. He is an honorable member of the party who has served not only his party but his nation with honor as the former Vice-President of Zambia. To be issued a “final warning” by the MMD party leaders reveals clearly that the MMD Party claim to support democratic ideals is suspect.
2) Why is Dr. Mumba being referred to as an “outsider?” Is this how the ruling party in Zambia treats members? Aren’t members entitled to all the rights and privileges of the party? This nonsense of referring to Dr. Mumba as an “outsider” should cease immediately. Otherwise, every member of the MMD Party needs to rethink their membership in that party. Who wants to belong to a party that publicly refers to aspiring leaders in their party as “outsiders” and “visitors” who have no right to speak to the issues in the party?
3) The 1,333 delegates to the MMD Convention at Mulungushi Rock in Kabwe in May should ask themselves very seriously whether they can be proud to be MMD Party Members when their leadership is intimidating and threatening one of their own? If they are doing this to Dr. Mumba today, is it not possible that they will do the same thing tomorrow to any one of the 1,333 delegates?
4) To be given a “final warning” is tantamount to an ultimatum. So we are forced to ask the ones who issued this “final warning,” what constitutes a violation of your “final warning?”
Zambia is facing tremendous challenges as a nation. Since independence in 1964, Zambia has gone from being a breadbasket to being a basket case. Zambia is crying out for visionary leaders who can lead the nation out of this valley of hopelessness and despair.
The current President had five years to bring about change to Zambia. What has been done to revive our economy? What has been done to improve education? What has been done to improve our infrastructure? What has been done to make Zambia a respectable member of the international community? What has been done to eliminate corruption?
The current MMD leadership continues to display a pattern of intimidation and scare tactics. Dr. Mumba will not be intimidated nor allow these scare tactics to hinder or block his quest for the presidency of the MMD Party and the national presidency because he believes that we as a nation can do better. He is clearly the candidate who brings hope and vision to the table.
To the 1,333 delegates to the MMD Convention, you hold in your hands the ability to make or break Zambia’s chance to change for the better. It can only happen if the right leader is in place. We call on the 1,333 delegates to the MMD Convention to take your voting privilege at the convention seriously. You will be voting individually, not as a block. You will be voting by secret ballot and need not be intimidated or pressured into voting for someone you do not want to vote for. You have the most precious privilege in a democratic country and that is the right to exercise your vote as an individual.
We ask each of the 1,333 delegates to truly search your hearts and ask yourself who is the better candidate who can lead Zambia? Let us not forget that Zambia is at a crossroads. Zambia needs a leader who has the vision, the vigor, the trust and the ability to represent Zambia with pride in the international community. Zambia needs a leader who can restore hope to the Zambian people.
The MMD Party Leaders who have issued Dr. Mumba this “final warning” need to tell the people of Zambia why this “final warning” was necessary. They owe the Zambian people an explanation as to why they are treating Dr. Mumba with disrespect when he has served honorably as the former vice-president of the nation.
The issuance of a “final warning” by the MMD NEC to Dr. Mumba has raised the pattern of threats and intimidation toward Dr. Mumba to a new level. We have noted that the level of attacks against him has been steadily increasing over the recent days. We call on all MMD Party officials to cease these tactics of fear and intimidation toward Dr. Mumba. These tactics violate democratic values and principles.
We call on the current president of the MMD Party, Mr. Mwanawasa himself, to retract the “final warning” issued by his party. We cannot begin to imagine what is being said to Dr, Mumba behind closed doors. We can only conclude that Mr. Mwanawasa himself is approving the threats, scare tactics, and intimidation against Dr. Mumba and will be held personally responsible for whatever consequences may result for any violation of this “final warning” to Dr. Mumba, whatever that may be.
The world is watching.
Josh Ngoma
Mumba for President Campaign MediaTeam
MMD NEC Warns Mumba Against Provocative Campaign
The Zambia Post Online reveals the MMD NEC's hostile attitude to Never Mumba's Campaign. Zambian politicians need to wise up. There was a time when you could intimidate and bully your way into power, and no one would notice.
The modern battles are fought with the whole world watching, and if the Zambian politicians do not want to be reduced to political pariahs of the world they better listen up.
This is not a divisive campaign, but rather, an open and fair way of tabling issues that matter to all Zambians. Take for instance;
"Sources within the NEC disclosed that Luapula Province MMD chairman Kennedy Sakeni had been the first to reprimand pastor Mumba and warned him that Luapula Province was a no-go zone for him."
I'm afraid to disappoint Kennedy Sakeni, he does not own Luapula province, the quicker he realises this the better for all Zambians. We are in a democracy and free to move as we wish. Kennedy Sakeni is old hat, move over.
"In an interview on Wednesday, Mwaanga wondered why pastor Mumba had resorted to using the press to air his concerns on party matters instead of following the right party channels."
Oh! forgive me for being ignorant, Mwaanga is not using the press to express his insecurity about Nevers Mumba's campaign. Really, how rich of him?
Mwaanga adds on...
'As a senior member of the party, I don't expect him to be informing the party through the press. If he has made those discoveries, why didn't he inform us or why didn't he wait for the national executive committee (NEC) meeting which will be held tomorrow (yesterday) at 10:00 hours?' Mwaanga said.
'Yes we must campaign, but we should do it in a disciplined way. If we don't do this, we are going to introduce anarchy in the party.'
Mwaanga should note that Nevers Mumba will not go to the press, websites or bloggers if the senior party members were listening. You cannot silence a credible voice purely because it challenges your old fashioned manners.
At last there is some sense, I think. We wanted democracy and, let's face it, unless we can cope with the responsibilities that comes with it we are toast. Shutting up people will not do.
Listen up everyone! We are watching you, the whole world is watching you...
Don't do anything stupid!!!!
The modern battles are fought with the whole world watching, and if the Zambian politicians do not want to be reduced to political pariahs of the world they better listen up.
This is not a divisive campaign, but rather, an open and fair way of tabling issues that matter to all Zambians. Take for instance;
"Sources within the NEC disclosed that Luapula Province MMD chairman Kennedy Sakeni had been the first to reprimand pastor Mumba and warned him that Luapula Province was a no-go zone for him."
I'm afraid to disappoint Kennedy Sakeni, he does not own Luapula province, the quicker he realises this the better for all Zambians. We are in a democracy and free to move as we wish. Kennedy Sakeni is old hat, move over.
"In an interview on Wednesday, Mwaanga wondered why pastor Mumba had resorted to using the press to air his concerns on party matters instead of following the right party channels."
Oh! forgive me for being ignorant, Mwaanga is not using the press to express his insecurity about Nevers Mumba's campaign. Really, how rich of him?
Mwaanga adds on...
'As a senior member of the party, I don't expect him to be informing the party through the press. If he has made those discoveries, why didn't he inform us or why didn't he wait for the national executive committee (NEC) meeting which will be held tomorrow (yesterday) at 10:00 hours?' Mwaanga said.
'Yes we must campaign, but we should do it in a disciplined way. If we don't do this, we are going to introduce anarchy in the party.'
Mwaanga should note that Nevers Mumba will not go to the press, websites or bloggers if the senior party members were listening. You cannot silence a credible voice purely because it challenges your old fashioned manners.
At last there is some sense, I think. We wanted democracy and, let's face it, unless we can cope with the responsibilities that comes with it we are toast. Shutting up people will not do.
Listen up everyone! We are watching you, the whole world is watching you...
Don't do anything stupid!!!!
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