We can’t promise to implement PF proposals, says Shikapwasha
Written by Margaret Mtonga
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 1:30:46 PM
CHIEF government spokesperson Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha yesterday said it is not possible for the MMD government to guarantee opposition Patriotic Front (PF) that they will implement whatever proposals made. Reacting to PF spokesperson Given Lubinda’s statement that they could only dialogue if they were convinced that the advice given to the MMD would be implemented, Lt Gen Shikapwasha said dialogue meant sitting down and agreeing on one common goal.
“I don’t agree with PF that we should guarantee them that whatever advice they give to the MMD should be implemented because we might not agree on their advice as a party,” he said.
“Some of the advice that they might give us may not be in our interest.”
Lt Gen Shikapwasha said the best way for the PF and the MMD was to sit down to discuss issues affecting the country.
“The best thing is for us, the two parties, to sit down and agree on a resolution,” Lt Gen Shikapwasha said. “Trust among us, the two parties, is very important as that will enable us to achieve positive results from dialogue.”
Lt Gen Shikapwasha further said the government was at the moment not in a position to promise the PF that it would implement whatever advice or proposals the opposition party would give.
The government recently called on opposition political parties to dialogue over the many challenges the country was currently facing. Among the issues lined up for possible discussion include the high prices of basic commodities in the country.
Labels: GIVEN LUBINDA, INTERPARTY DIALOGUE, PF, SHIKAPWASHA
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Bury your differences, KK urges political party leaders
Written by Gloria Siwisha
Monday, December 29, 2008 9:31:15 AM
FIRST republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda has urged political party leaders to bury their differences and start the New Year on a reconciliatory note.
In an interview yesterday, Dr Kaunda said the country was going through a very difficult time owing to the economic crisis, and that it was a time for them to unite more than ever to build the nation.
“The whole world has been shaken by the economic crisis and this is a time to unite more than ever before to build this country. Infact, 2008 has been challenging for every one because this was a time that we lost the third republican president. So not by colour, tribe or by faith should there be divisions. We are one country and should build it together. Let us not allow the forces of hatred control us,” he said.
Dr Kaunda said other countries for instance, Zimbabwe and Somalia were also going through a difficult time and that the best solution was for leaders to unite.
He advised leaders to learn from the economic crisis and devise solutions for the same together in unity.
Earlier, during the induction service for Reverend Bishop Lackson Chibuye as Bishop for Lusaka's United Church of Zambia (UCZ) presbytery, Ndola central Anglican diocese bishop Derrick Kamukwamba said that the Church should not be afraid to hold the government accountable on matters affecting society.
Bishop Kamukwamba said it was the Church’s duty to be voice of the voiceless and for the vulnerable in society.
“They should play an advocacy role, to speak for the vulnerable. But even as we hold the government accountable, let us also first be accountable,” he said.
Bishop Kamukwamba further said the Church should challenge the authorities that bring injustices in society.
Labels: INTERPARTY DIALOGUE, KENNETH KAUNDA, LACKSON CHIBUYE, POVERTY, UCZ
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Sata is a major player in Zambian politics – Mpombo
Written by Katwishi Bwalya
Monday, December 29, 2008 9:16:56 AM
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) leader Michael Sata is a major player on Zambia's political scene and should not be ignored, defence minister George Mpombo has said.
In an interview, Mpombo said it was in that vain that Sata should cooperate with the government in finding solutions to the current problems if the country was to move forward.
He said there was need for political leaders to exercise humility by talking to each other and break what he called “political brinkmanship”.
“Let Mr. Sata bring his ideas on the table for all Zambians to benefit and let Mr Hichilema bring his ideas on the table so that we can move forward as a country,” Mpombo said. “Let's rise above cacophony of political noise in order to move as a country and we need leaders who will talk to each other and break this political brinkmanship because our conduct here has a big reflection on the outside world in terms of investment for this country.”
And Mpombo said although Sata had called him all sorts of names in 2008, he never minded him because he believed in unity as a way of developing the country.
He said he understood Sata whenever he said bad things about him because he was coming from losing an election.
“You could understand Mr Sata because these elections, at least there was some smell of power in his nostrils; you could understand him from that point and it was a painful loss for Mr Sata. But he should understand that it is not the end of the world. So I urge him to show maximum maturity so that this country can move forward,” Mpombo said.
He said the painful loss that Sata had gone through in the just-ended election that saw President Rupiah Banda emerge victorious had created some problems for him.
“In the context of African politics, you could understand his agitation. But you see, to be in leadership, it is not a question of how many votes do I go in and by what margin have I lost. It is to look at a bigger picture and exercise restraints, humility and leadership. That is the only thing,” Mpombo said. “But we should break this mould of African politics where democratic results are not easily accepted. So I do understand it was a bitter and painful loss but he should pick up his pieces and forge ahead”
Mpombo also urged Sata to refrain from blame games in the new-year because they were counter-productive.
“It just sows seeds of despondency in the country, it just divides the country. So next year, we hope Mr Sata and his colleagues in the opposition, can show mature leadership in dealing with issues because Mr Sata is part and parcel of Zambia, other political parties are part and parcel of Zambia. Let them take a leaf of what happens in the US,” he said.
He said Zambia was a slice of heaven and that Sata had a role to play in preserving the peace that the country was enjoying.
In the run up to the October 30 presidential elections, Mpombo, in a slip of the tongue, asked Mpongwe residents to vote for Sata.
Mpombo was interpreting United Liberal Party president Sakwiba Sikota's speech at a rally in Mpongwe.
"Umuntu tulukufwaya niba Michael Sata, pa 30 October tuka votele ba Sata [the person we want is Michael Sata, on 30th October vote for Sata]," Mpombo said.
However, Mpombo immediately retracted his statement.
"Oh sorry, sorry umuntu tulefwaya ni ba Rupiah Banda [the person we want is Rupiah Banda]," said Mpombo as the multitude of Mpongwe residents broke into laughter.
Meanwhile, Mpombo said the year 2008 was a turbulent one for Zambia as the country faced so many challenges.
“It was a year in which we lost president Mwanawasa and it was a big blow to the country. But we have also seen major economic indicators such as the rise in investment especially in the tourism industry and the construction industry. Even here in Lusaka, the construction industry also is a vivid manifestation of the economic growth and you look at the general investment in the country and Livingstone and also the general investment in the agriculture industry has been quite enormous,” said Mpombo.
He said the biggest achievement for Zambia was that Zambians had demonstrated that they are a mature democratic nation by going through presidential elections without violence.
Labels: GEORGE MPOMBO, INTERPARTY DIALOGUE, PF, SATA
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Opposition stance cheers RB
By KASUBA MULENGA
PRESIDENT Banda has been cheered by some opposition political parties’ consent to dialogue, adding that this will be done any time. This follows Government’s invitation to the opposition to dialogue as a way of finding solutions to some of the problems the country is facing.
Mr Banda was answering questions from journalists yesterday at the Lusaka International Airport shortly after arrival from Chipata where he had gone for a three-day private visit.
“Of course, I am the one who told them that we should sit and talk. They are not telling me. So if they are accepting, there is no problem. We will do that any time…We will get in touch with them,” he said.
Mr Banda said Government had never refused to talk to the opposition over economic challenges the country was facing.
“I have already said we are agreeable, so we will talk. We will get in touch with them. Platform means sitting together around the table. If they have accepted, we will meet them any time,” he said.
Early this week, Chief Government spokesperson, Ronnie Shikapwasha, challenged opposition political parties accusing Government of having failed to address economic problems facing the country to suggest how the challenges could be overcome.
But Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata said Government should come up with proposals on how opposition political parties could help find solutions to the problems.
“We can only participate if Government brings on the table what it wants to do to get out of this problem. It is Government which must say these are our proposals, can you please assist us, and we will go back to our people,” Mr Sata said.
United Party for National Development spokesperson, Charles Kakoma, said it was Government’s responsibility to provide a platform for opposition political parties to offer solutions to the problems the country was facing.
“The solutions are there and we are ready to provide them but Government has not provided a platform for those solutions,” Mr Kakoma said.
National Democratic Focus president Ben Mwila called on Government to formally invite opposition political parties to dialogue.
“Government will do well to call for a national economic convention where people from all walks of life will come to contribute, including on how we will prepare for the real crunch because it has not yet come,” Mr Mwila said.
Meanwhile, President Banda said Government would not abolish the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) as demanded by some opposition political parties because they were the ones who called for it.
Mr Banda said those calling for the abolition of the NCC should take full responsibility and not complain about how much was being spent on the process.
He was reacting to Mr Sata’s proposal that Government abolish the NCC to enable the country to host the All Africa Games in 2011.
Mr Banda said Government had to make the bold decision of withdrawing from hosting the Games.
“We need to keep our resources and use them on what is really essential. Sport is very important, but we just do not have a big bag full of money to be able to do all that,” he said.
Labels: CHARLES KAKOMA, INTERPARTY DIALOGUE, RONNIE SHIKAPWASHA, RUPIAH BANDA
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‘I’m ready to provide platform for dialogue’
By Times Reporter
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has said he has always been ready to provide a platform for dialogue with opposition political parties and other stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting the nation.
Mr Banda said in Lusaka yesterday that he had always called for dialogue with the opposition and was happy that they now acknowledged the importance of discussing.
The president was speaking to journalists at the Lusaka International Airport after his arrival from a private visit to Chipata.
“I have always called on my colleagues on the need for us to sit and dialogue on various issues affecting our nation,” he said when asked about the latest position by opposition parties.
“It is good that our colleagues have acknowledged the importance of dialoguing and those who have accepted to meet with me I will meet them any time,” Mr Banda said.
Opposition political parties including the Patriotic Front (PF) have called on the Government to provide a platform on which they could offer solutions to the problems affecting the nation.
Others called for a national economic convention to discuss strategies to overcome the effects of the global financial crisis.
Mr Banda also said it was sad that the people who were advocating the speedy enactment of a new Constitution had now turned around and were saying it was too costly.
He said the National Constitutional Conference (NCC), which some people were today condemning, was meant to put in place a new Constitution and it was surprising that some people wanted it suspended.
On the recent withdrawal of Zambia from hosting the All-Africa Games, Mr Banda said the decision was made after consultations after the Government realised that it was likely to spend a lot of money. He, however, said sports activities would remain important in the country.
And Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, Ronnie Shikapwasha said the Government has welcomed the decision by PF leader, Michael Sata to draft proposals which would later be given to President Banda on how to reduce prices of mealie meal. Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha said the Government would always welcome suggestions from stakeholders.
Gen Shikapwasha, who was speaking in an interview, was reacting to Mr Sata who was quoted as having said that his party was drafting proposals on how to reduce the cost of production, which he said was too high.
He said the Government would use the proposals to implement the programmes for the benefit of the people and reiterated its stance to continue calling for dialogue among stakeholders or political parties as it was necessary.
Labels: INTERPARTY DIALOGUE, RUPIAH BANDA
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MDC parties ready for talks
Herald Reporter
THE two MDC parties yesterday said they were ready to engage Zanu-PF in dialogue, as that was the only way the country could overcome its current challenges. In separate interviews, the two formations said there was urgent need to engage all political stakeholders in the discussions that should bring a lasting political settlement to the country. This follows President Mugabe’s call for dialogue among all political players in the country.
Speaking after being sworn in as Head of State on Sunday, President Mugabe said: "Indeed, it is my hope that sooner rather than later, we shall, as diverse political parties, hold consultations towards such serious dialogue as will minimise our differences and enhance the area of unity and co-operation."
Secretary-general for the Arthur Mutambara-led MDC faction Welshman Ncube said there was need for an urgent meeting between political parties in the country.
"Obviously, the next step is to convene an urgent meeting among political players. It has to be as inclusive as possible.
"We have always been ready for dialogue. We have been calling for dialogue, for a political settlement,’’ he said.
He said dialogue should not be done through the media to avoid distortions, unless the contents for publication are agreed to.
"There is need for parties to stop talking through the media and maybe start by agreeing on what needs to be talked about, to draw out an agenda."
Ncube said apart from political parties, all other stakeholders with a role to play should be included in the dialogue.
Nelson Chamisa, the spokesperson for MDC-T, concurred with Ncube on the need for an urgent negotiated settlement.
"Our hope is to pursue dialogue to ensure that we have a negotiated settlement and understanding," he said.
He said MDC-T was in favour of dialogue for national healing.
Chamisa said all peace-loving Zimbabweans wanted dialogue aimed at ending the current economic, political and social challenges besetting the country.
He said the talks should be open and genuine.
"We are warm to a negotiated settlement and we believe that talking should be about genuine dialogue, not swallowing of one another," Chamisa said.
On Monday, traditional leaders welcomed dialogue between Zanu-PF and the two MDC formations, saying this was the only way the current problems could be resolved.
Chief Fortune Charumbira, the president of the Chiefs’ Council, said the traditional leaders were "very excited by President Mugabe’s statement on dialogue" and challenged opposition parties to seriously consider talks.
"As traditional leaders, we support that and we hope the opposition would be forthcoming to the call made by the President to hold talks and work together as one family," Chief Charumbira said.
Zanu Ndonga also welcomed dialogue, saying it was in the best interests of the country but pointed out that it should not be confined only to Zanu-PF and the MDC formations.
Labels: INTERPARTY DIALOGUE, MDC
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PF's stance on Chiluba
By Patriotic Citizen, Lusaka.
Saturday June 30, 2007 [04:00]
The stance taken by the Patriotic Front to defend Chiluba's Corruption is sad to say the least. The attacks by the PF members of parliament on The Post and President Mwanawasa are not only disgraceful but also cast a shadow of doubt on PF's willingness and desire to fight this cancer. The question is how then can we safely equip this party with the powerful apparatus of power and expect them to act right?
Fellow Zambians, let's be alert and guard against the 'Chiluba' in PF. Remember that Chiluba himself has told us that Sata does not mean what he says when he appears to attack anything corrupt and some other issues.
This is very true because Sata's position on Chiluba's corruption has been very confusing. He condemns it when it is politically convenient and endorses it the next day, NO clear principles.
But this is not very surprising to those who have been following Sata's speeches. In his campaign for the Republican presidency last year, he made it very clear that he would stop and shield the prosecution of the alleged plunderers, which to him was persecution.
Thank God he did not win because in a week, Zambia would have been ten years backwards. All those with eyes should open them and see the dangers of bringing back Chiluba on the political scene through Sata and his PF. Never again shall this country be plundered!
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=28467
Electoral malpractices
By Concerned citizen
Saturday June 30, 2007 [04:00]
Voting in national and local government elections and referendum is both a duty and a right for each and every Zambian citizen, and which should never be dubiously influenced by those who seek to be voted to public office.
The incidence of electoral malpractices (which recently led to the nullification of election results for Kapoche, Nalolo and Sinjembela constituencies) is, therefore, worrisome.
Apart from denying voters the opportunity to cast their votes on the basis of a candidate's competence and credibility, electoral malpractices can result in costly by-elections if they lead to a nullification of election results by a court of law.
There is, therefore, a need for legislators to seriously consider the prospect of introducing stringent sanctions, in the new Republican constitution, against political parties and their candidates that engage in electoral fraud resulting in nullification of election results.
Specifically, there is a need to expand Article 169 of the draft constitution prepared by the Willa Mung'omba Constitution Review Commission by adding a clause or paragraph that would ban any member of parliament who would cause a vacancy due to a nullification of his or her election following an election petition from contesting any election for the duration of the term he or she would have served in Parliament.
And if a member of Parliament who is found to have engaged in electoral malpractices belongs to a political party, the party should also be banned from fielding a candidate in the constituency involved for the term its member would have served.
We need to institute stringent sanctions against those who flout their fellow citizens' right to choose leaders in an atmosphere that is characterised by free and fair elections. It is high time we sent a strong message to those who seek to be elected to public offices that intimidation, election-rigging, vote-buying, character assassination, and other forms of electoral malpractice will not be tolerated in our electoral system.
http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=28468
Inter-party dialogue
By Bright Mbale, UNZA
Saturday June 30, 2007 [04:00]
The inter-party dialogue is a representative of all the people in the nation with different political affiliations.
Knowing that one’s political leader is among the group discussing the issues of the Constitution brings confidence in oneself that the dialogue will be fruitful in bringing a new constitution for the people.
However, with the current procession, venom poison can be smelt from the tunnel. Katele Kalumba can’t chair such a delicate group with different political parties.
Katele Kalumba’s competence is questionable if we reflect on his actions in this nation. His interest in this matter cannot be guaranteed.
This is a national matter and needs a person with a sober character and one with the ability to bring dialogue from different political parties who have different beliefs and goals.
As suggested by the PF leader in The Post, we can have a neutral person from the Church to chair the inter-party dialogue.
With the person from the Church, every Zambian will be confident and rest assured that their views on the national Constitution will not be treated with other interests like favouritism or superiority which might defeat the very purpose of this ZCID.
The pulling out of the PF from this ZCID has already stirred some confusion in the whole country.
Political parties should quickly look into the matter before the very efforts of what they are trying to bring forth result in a disaster.
Labels: CHILUBA, ELECTIONS, INTERPARTY DIALOGUE, PF, SATA
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