Zambia passes controversial electoral law

"The bill is at best cosmetic and aimed at hoodwinking the Zambian people that the forthcoming elections will be held under a new electoral law," read more

50 percent-plus-one Rule

Zambian government said the 50 percent-plus-one rule for winning presidency will not apply in this year's tripartite election, The Post reported Monday.

Information Minister Vernon Mwaanga was quoted as saying 'the 50 percent-plus-one is a constitutional matter. It will be dealt with under the constitutional reforms. It is not feasible to implement it this year because it is a constitutional matter.'

The current constitution allows the victor in the presidential election to be declared via a simple majority vote rather than the 50 percent-plus-one proposed by a panel appointed by President Levy Mwanawasa and backed by opposition parties.

Mwanawasa has said that the 2006 general elections will be held under the current constitution.

A hard lesson

Cold Feet star, James Nesbitt, is in Zambia reporting for ITV News on child victims of aids in Zambia. ITV News will show reports about James Nesbitt's trip at 6.30pm from Monday, 13 March 2006 to Wednesday. Full storyRead more

National Democratic Front Alliance

The alliance named National Democratic Front (NDF) is consistedof the All Peoples Congress, the Party for Unity, Democracy and Development, the Reform Party, Zambia Republican Party and the Zambia Development Congress.
A memorandum of understanding among the five political parties was signed by the leaders of the parties.
Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata who was scheduled to be part of the alliance pulled out at the last minute.
The NDF is the third opposition alliance formed this month in Zambia. On March 1 and 7 two other alliances were formed to challenge the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) in the elections late this year.

Character Over Reputation

"Political and church leaders, actors and actresses, singers,
writers, athletes, professors, engineers, doctors, lawyers and
practically everyone (although they may not be even aware of
what it truly means) are undoubtedly concerned about their
REPUTATION.

Even if we give high regards to integrity and dignity as values
taught everywhere in the world, we have been continuously
startled by news of moral downfalls. We've all heard of
government officials being persecuted, famous professional
athletes linked to drug usage, popular actors involved in
crimes, businessmen proven to have committed unethical
practices, and preachers not measuring up to what is expected
from them. Sadly, the list seems endless.

More than ever, there is a necessity for us to instill in
ourselves not just good reputation, but more importantly, good
character. Most of us are so concerned about our image - on how
others may look at us. Let me make this clear though. I am not
saying there is something wrong in assuring that we maintain a
good image. A learned person knows better not to give more
importance to reputation than his character. There is a big
distinction between the two."

Author Codi Morieta describing the importance of character over reputation.

No Need for Foreign Monitors in Peaceful Zambia

"As far as I am concerned, there is no need to bring in foreign observers to monitor this year's elections because we are sure that Zambians are capable of handling such affairs without difficulties,"

French ambassador to Zambia, Francis Saudubray emphasising that Zambians were naturally peaceful people

Bloggers Exempted From Election-law Regulations

A House of Representatives panel voted to exclude the Internet from the definition of "public communication" in the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002, taking a first step towards immunizing bloggers and other online pundits from election-law regulations that would have gagged them. It seems the House didn't buy critics' arguments that doing so would  transform the Web into one big bulk mail campaign fed by soft money. "We don't expect bloggers to check with a federal agency before they go online," said House Administration Committee Chairman Vernon Ehlers, a Michigan Republican, referring to the Federal Election Commission. "They shouldn't have to read FEC advisory opinions (or have) to worry about running afoul of federal election laws." Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, a California Democrat, agreed. "Bloggers should be treated no different from talk radio," she said. "Talk radio hosts have protections under the First Amendment. While I may disagree with their positions on the issues of the day, I will nonetheless fight for their right to speak their mind."

Source: Siliconvalley.com

Zambia's Power Vacuum

If there is anything I have learnt in my years of living away from home is the importance of family. Where I live, everything revolves around family activities. The local community with all it's ills strives to maintain family stability.

As a Zambian who believes in strong family values, it makes me so envious. And it hurts to watch our country lose the grip on family values. Family, more importantly children should come first at whatever cost.

I have met young people who have become so disillusioned with Zambian leadership. One twentysomething Zambian confided me that he would rather live illegally in a foreign country than stay in Zambia. I have no background information on this young man, but he mentioned one point that sums up my purpose for posting on this blog tonight. In his words he said " Zambia needs leaders who have the fear of God rather than leaders who worship mercedes cars."

Let's get our priorities right and fill ZAMBIA’S LEADERSHIP VACUUM with the relevant leadership.

Tories to use US internet tactics

Mr Montgomerie, a Christian Conservative, favours the use of the internet to challenge reporting in the mainstream media, especially the BBC which he regards as “target number one”, and to build up grassroots campaigns in favour of Conservative ideas, if not formally the Tory party. Some rightwing Tories have accused the BBC of a leftwing bias.

more fom source....

Zambia to pass new electoral laws before poll

Zambia to pass new electoral laws before poll: "Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa said on Friday he would introduce new laws aimed at reforming the electoral system ahead of general elections later this year.

Mwanawasa said the new electoral laws would be implemented to make this year's elections free and fair following persistent complaints from the opposition that the current system favours the ruling party."

BREAKING FROM THE PAST

Dr. Nevers Mumba has outlined AN ECONOMIC PLAN FOR REFORM AND WEALTH CREATION IN ZAMBIA
.

The topic of our Economy is timely, as it is very important to take stock of our past economic development efforts, including the mistakes and good policies of the past and assess the current economic conditions in order to put up a future strategy.

REFORMED PARTY INTERIM LEADERSHIP

REFORMED PARTY HEADQUARTERS

6 BEIT ROAD, LONGACRES

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA


INTERIM LEADERSHIP



President: Dr. Nevers S. Mumba



Deputy President: To be announced



Chairperson: Mrs. Eva Sanderson



National Secretary: Mr. Clement Micheelo



Deputy national Secretary: Mr. Cosmas Mpampi



National Treasurer: To be announced



Deputy Treasurer: Mrs. Miles Finnie



Chairman, Elections and Strategic Planning: Mr. John Ziba



Deputy Chairman, Elections: Mrs Lisa Passi



Chairman, Education: Edith Katongo



Chairperson, Womens League: Mrs. Isabel Ngambi Mumbuna



Chairperson, Youth League: Mr. Peter Mubili



Chairperson, Energy: Mr. Grier Mwanza




EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE INTERIM COMMITTEE:



Economic Advisor to the President: Mr. Trevor Simumba



Note: Other positions are yet to be filled.

DR. NEVERS MUMBA ON THE STATE OF THE NATION AND THE VISION FOR REFORM IN ZAMBIA

Dr Nevers Mumba has issued a powerful message of hope and renewal for Zambia. He has also made it clear that he has joined the Reform Party and will stand for the Presidency of the Reform Party in January 2006. Visit the Official Website to view the press statement.

New political party born in Zambia

Zambia's former vice-president Nevers Mumba has formed a political party as part of his bid to challenge President Levy Mwanawasa in next year's elections, an aide said on Monday.

"He will be a national coordinator of the newly formed Reformed Party," said John Ziba, Mumba's spokesperson, who is also interim chairperson of the new party.

Mumba was sacked from the ruling party after he announced his intention to challenge Mwanawasa at a party national convention in July this year.

"Mumba will be our presidential candidate in next year's elections," Ziba said.

Mumba, a charismatic televangelist, served as Mwanawasa's vice-president for only 14 months before he was sacked for causing a diplomatic row with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He also contested the 2001 presidential elections under the ticket of the defunct National Citizens Coalition, but lost to Mwanawasa. He then quit his opposition party and joined the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy. -- Sapa-AFP

Reform Party

Dr Nevers Mumba, has identified himself with the newly formed Reform Party. Dr Mumba said yesterday during the Radio Phoenix's Face the Media programme that the Reform Party was determined to enter the political arena and the 2006 elections as a strong force and would soon be launched in Lusaka and the Copperbelt.
Jump to Full Story

Diplomatic Passport - why was Dr. Mumba singled out?

The Mumba for President Media Campaign Team have responsded to the The Times of Zambia article about the public row over the diplomatic passport.

Under the Chiluba administration, diplomatic passports were issued to several ministers and pastors given that they were considered “Ambassadors” representing Zambia in the global arena whenever they travel abroad.

We see nothing wrong with that. What we take issue with is the way in which the Mwanawasa administration went after Dr. Mumba in regards to his possession of a diplomatic passport. Dr. Mumba informed the Ministry of Home Affairs that he would return his diplomatic passport on returning to Zambia which he has done. What was the need to blow this non-issue and make such a public hoop-la about it unless it was politically motivated?

This clearly shows that the Minister of Home Affairs was indulging in petty politics.

Mumba asked to surrender passport

The Times of Zambiareports that the Zambian government has directed former Republican vice president Nevers Mumba to immediately surrender the controversial diplomatic passport or face the wrath of the law.

Nevers Mumba Campaign To Be Launched

During a speech at the Pennsylvania Center for International Exchange and Partnership Nevers Mumba announced that he will be launching his presidential campaign:

"I intend to launch in the next few weeks my campaign and that of most Zambians to liberate ourselves from the old politics of hate and imprisonment of opponents and a lack of delivery of goods and services.

I am aware that Zambians want a consensus president and government. I am therefore of the view that the next government must be a people's government which represents the various interests of the Zambian people.

My team and I will continue to dialogue with other opposition parties before launching our campaign.

I remain committed and determined to play a role in the healing process of my nation. "

The 700 Club

The CBN 700 Club has an interesting feature on Nevers Mumba.

Mumba Calls for Committee to Pressurise Levy Over Sata Charges

FORMER vice-president Pastor Nevers Mumba has proposed the formation of a committee to lobby G8 nations to pressure President Mwanawasa to drop all charges against Patriotic Front president Michael Sata.
At a reception to honour him, co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Centre for International Exchange and Partnership (PCIEP) and the Lancaster Country Action at Eden Resort Inn, Pennsylvania on Saturday, Pastor Mumba also said tolerance of corruption and abuse of democratic values by the current administration had taken Zambia backwards. Full article....