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(NYASATIMES) Malawi politicians congratulate Sata, Rupiah concedes defeat

Malawi politicians congratulate Sata, Rupiah concedes defeat
By Thom Chiumia, Nyasa Times
September 23, 2011

Malawi political leaders on Friday extended congratulations to newly elected Zambia President Micheal Sata and outgoing president Rupiah Banda conceded electoral defeat, saying it’s time to give way to fresh ideas.

“The people of Zambia have spoken and we must all listen,” Banda told a news conference in Lusaka monitored on state-run Zambia National Broadcasting Corp.

“My generation, the generation of the independence struggle, must now give way to new ideas, ideas for the 21st century.”

Banda urged his supporters to accept the result peacefully and winners to celebrate “with a magnanimous heart.”

He appealed to Zambians to “rally behind” Sata as the new President.

His Excellency Sata: Becomes Zambia’s fifth President

“Yes, we have different ideas but we both want the same thing, a better Zambia”

Banda said he “genuinely” want Zambia to flourish.

He congratulated Sata for defeating him and becoming tZambia’s fifth President after founding President Kenneth Kaunda, Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa and Banda.

“I have no ill feeling in my heart. There is no malice in my words. I wish him well in his years as President. I pray his policies will bear fruit.”

He concluded by saying “it is time for me to say goodbye.”

Malawi leader of opposition and veteran politician John Tembo said he was delighted that an incumbent was defeated in a democratic election.

“It’s a welcome development and we in opposition particularly in Malawi Congress Party congratulate President Sata for his victory,” Tembo said on Zodiak radio.

He described Sata’s victory as a “breakthrough” in the southern African region for the advancement of democracy.

He said “right people are beginning to come up” to rule countries in the region.

Ex-Malawi president Bakili Muluzi has also s congratulated and conveyed his well wishes to newly re-elected Zambian President saying democracy in the region “continues to renew itself”.

“Accept, Your Excellency and dear brother, my wishes for your personal well-being and the prosperity of the people of Zambia, “a message from Muluzi to Sata reads.

Malawi ruling DPP also congratulated President- elect, Sata for emerging victorious in the elections.

DPP secretary general Wakuda Kamanga said the outcome of the Zambia elections is a reflection of people’s choice.

Mzuzu University political commentator Noel Mbowela said Malawi should draw serious lessons from Zambian polls.

Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika who has had strained relations with Sata flew to Lusaka on Friday to attend the presidential inauguration.

The Zambian Electoral Commission declared Sata the winner after he received 1,150,045 votes compared with Banda’s 961,796 with 95.3 percent of constituencies counted.

Sata received 43 percent of the vote also contested by many minor parties.

Labels: MICHAEL SATA, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 4:00 PM