The United States Government has hailed Zambia’s January 20 Presidential election as a model of democracy in Africa and an affirmation of the country’s entrenched culture of free and fair elections.
Speaking when she paid a courtesy call on President Edgar Lungu on the margins of the AU Summit, USA Under-Secretary for African Affairs, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the people and government of Zambia have something to be proud of in the manner the country conducts elections.
“Your elections are a model and for us elections are top on the agenda of cooperation with partners. We are therefore pleased the Zambian elections in which you were elected President were smooth, free, transparent and fair,” Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield said.
“People voted and waited for results and they celebrated your victory. We will continue to support Zambia and the Electoral Commission because Zambia is a model of how to conduct elections and how to manage democracy.”
She said the US was confident to state that that they found the election to have been conducted in a free and fair environment. The United States was happy that Zambia continues to be an outstanding and shining example of a budding democracy other countries on the continent should emulate.
She said: “You campaigned in peace and President Lungu won in peace which is an amazing thing that continues to make Zambia a unique African democracy. There is a lot to learn from Zambia’s ability to rise above differences and exercise democratic practices to the fullest.”
President Lungu applauded the excellent relations between Zambia and the U.S and looked forward to closer cooperation.
The Head of State reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening the existing cordial bilateral relations and assured the US that Zambia will uphold the shared values of democracy and free market enterprise.
The President expressed profound gratitude to the American Government for their observation efforts and for donating USD 400,000 towards Zambia’s electoral process ahead of the January 20 polls.
“I wish to re-affirm Zambia’s commitment to upholding values and principles of democracy, good governance and the rule of law. My government will in that regard deliver a people-driven constitution to the Zambian People,” he said.
“The mandate bestowed on me by the Zambian people would be used to serve the peoples interests.”
He sated that poverty reduction through economic diversification, job creation, and prudent economic and social policies will be part of his priority areas.
God bless EL…….
God bless EL for robbing elections?? For starting off with NO vision, and then rob and echo “Me too” promises?
Do you even comprehend what you are implying??
To appreciate the encouragements from the government of the United States regarding our democracy, I will post an extract of the congratulatory message I wrote for President Lungu after winning the election:
“Congratulations sir!
This was an elongated marathon; you crossed the finishing line first, bearing the mantle handed down to you by our beloved late president Mr. M. C. Sata (RIP).
I have always boasted among friends that when it comes to democracy, Zambia has only one competitor: the United States of America—we’re on our 6th President in a true democracy.
And I appreciate the support and encouragements from our global family.”
Thank you America! You’re our democratic mentor.
God bless you all.
Some people think that when the vote is so close, it means that they have been cheated. It is possible for someone to win by just ONE vote. So, what should happen is that HH should swallow his pride, concede defeat but still be hopeful that he may win next time (IF HIS PARTY picks him again). He has moved the vote from 18% to 46%. He should take heart.
So now HH should know that he is downgraded, Not even International Criminal Court Of Justice can solve his complaints, maybe just himself and Dr Canicious Banda.
@Saviour Katewa-Aibmaz is Zambia
It seems you and the USA have very fast forgotten that Lungu got voted at Mulungushi by threatening violence and scaring away other contestants. That’s scarcely something to sing about, or is it?
@Wantanshi,
I will answer you only by posting another extract from the same congratulatory message I wrote for President Lungu after winning the election:
“It wasn’t easy: so many stumbling blocks—mostly deliberately designed to frustrate you Your Excellency.
However, like I wrote in my previous comments: that was training in readiness for the huge responsibilities that lies ahead.”
There were those who benefited from the hindrances that President Lungu faced before and after the nominations; they are the only ones pretending not to know what was going on.
But the Lord is faithful; His Excellency Mr. E. C. Lungu is the president of the Republic of Zambia.
FREE, FARE, AND DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS. THAT IS WHAT TRULY HAPPENED IN ZAMBIA. NOT WHAT OTHERS ARE SEEING- BEING ROBBED OF BALLOT PAPERS.
Cactus, Are you saying that every president should come with new ideas all the time and not continue with positive ones?
What are you really saying?
HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE
PF NO WONDER GUYS YOU DONT THINK.
LET ME TELL YOU THE FACTS.
ALL COUNTRIES WANT TO DO TRADE SO IF AMERICAN GOVT SAY CRAP TO THE GOVT AT HAND WILL BE DIFFICULT TO TRADE.
LOOK AT ZIM ,KEEP SAYING MUGABE THIS MUGABE THAT THEY STILL TRADE WITH ZIM.
DONT BE CHEATED .MWIMYE NA MAPINDO MULENYA NE FISUSHI ATI US GOVT SAYS WAS FREE AND FAIR DEEP DOWN THEY KNOW THAT IT WAS CRAP CRAP.
EVEN IF MULIOKELA WON THE ELECTIONS ALL THESE COUNTRIES WILL BE PRASING HIM SO DONT BE CHEATED .
MILES SOON WILL 2016 PRESIDENT ,HH OR WYNTER AND EVERYONE WILL BE PRAISING THEM .
$400,000 paid to who? how was it used because our Treasury paid for ballot papers. ECZ have their own money to pay their workers. Where the observers paid?
And then some lunatics in the name of Bantu botatwe/Barotse independence and Mweemba 7777 wants to secede when the world is becoming one global village. Sata left development in all parts of Zambia and yet others call him names,eg, Kitwe-Chingola, Feira road, Chalimbana and Palabana Universities, L400, Link 8000, Pave2000, Shangombo general hospital, Kalabo- Mongu road, etc and yet people accuse Sata of developing Muchinga when the whole country is developing
Sata was a shameless dog who almost destroyed our country. EL is a bit different and am sure he is going to do a don’t kubeba on most of you thought your tribe was superior to others. Satas tribal stupidity was becoming a threat to our national unity. Let EL demonstrate true leadership by undoing what Sata did. Sata was a chimbwi no plan. Why wasting so much money building new university structures in the provinces. Why didn’t he just upgrade the existing teachers colleges in all provincial capitals into universities to serve money.
I hope HH heard about this cos to them it’s stolen votes. So HH has no where to cry to including Maureen Mwanawasa who said Zambia is a failed state.
and some cretin called (HH) wants to discredit the ECZ, who does he think he is this miscreant? this raascal?
The USA Under-Secretary for African Affairs, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield is just exposing her ignoranceabout the realities on the ground. Does she know the rigging that took place in these elections? She should have just kept quite!
@C. Kasonde. How does a person with a Bemba name attack Bembas? Don’t underestimate people’s intelligence. Obviously this is based on intelligence reports from the CIA. Just ask Snowdon who will tell you how extensive the CIA intelligence network is.
The congratulations Surprisingly took very long did you have someone else in mind other than ours? madam America.
Iwe Chinyama, the fact that it took, in your words “foreever” for the US to make this statement confirms the fact that they have taken time to review the results and have reached the undeniable conclusion that HH’s protestations stem from bu under 5 being taken to the clinic (elections) and losing again for the 3rd time. Marlons famous words from the “Waterfront” ring a true and resounding bell
“I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let’s face it. It was you, Charley”
Great to hear that finally the USA has praised Zambia for the free and fair elections. Yes this election was the first to be free , faire and transparent. Well done Zambia.
Peace and Prosperity to Mother Zambia,
The USA Under-Secretary for African Affairs, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield is just exposing her ignorance. Does she know the rigging that took place in these elections? She should have just kept quite!
I suppose you mean “quiet” and not “quite”. Unless you have substantial evidence for your point, I suggest you yourself should keep quiet and just let Edgar rule.
Thank you Uncle Sam. You did’nt have to mention it but anyway, it’s just a fact.
Now, it’s on you to practise what you preach and to stop dictating to us how to live our lives because we already know what’s good for us. We refuse to sell out our tradition and culture for dollars and dimes.
Zambians are peaceful by nature. At times this peaceful nature is evidently abused Politicians. Absence of violence on Election Day is not proof of absence of rigging in a voting process. Zambia deserves better than what it got from these elections.
You don’t start off with NO vision, and then rob and echo “Me too” promises from your opponent and hope to be taken seriously by any well meaning Zambian. It does not compute, sorry.
Cry baby, as usual oozing hate,EL your drunkard beat you square and clean
For your infor even LPM used to copy what ever he could hear from MCS and implement it, eg Sata says wen we come into Govt we’ii create more universities, convernt some colleges like Mulungushi int university, mwanawasa picked it and did it. Sata said we will ceate more hospitals ans reduce onjention at UTH, Levy did it. So jst shut up and move on , its ovwe
@Ted, @jo
I know when one talks about the necessity of a ‘vision driven leadership’ coupled with ‘effective Planning and Execution’ for our Country, it’s all above your heads and too much for you to comprehend. I don’t expect you to.
My comments resonate with well meaning free Zambians.
Ba Cactus – Even Obama who made a lot of promises about his “vision” during his campaign, abandoned the “vision” when he came into power. Promises are very different from reality. Between HH and EL, EL was more real. He will achieve more because he did not promise you heaven on earth. He knows what real life is and what is achievable in a given time frame. Promising free education, free fertilizer, free this in a 20 months mandate is not just unrealistic, but plain damn.
@9.4 Adviser,
LOL… I am sure you meant this as a joke. Suffice to say your jaw dropping comment about Obama and the Democrats in US politics clearly suggests that you have never lived and worked in US even though your flag is showing US. I have.
In case you are serious, understand this very carefully:- Your own fellow party members would be the first ones to give you a vote of no confidence at a party congress if you did what you are erroneously saying Obama did. Then the Republicans, along with the rest of the American citizens would finish you off and use you as a toilet floor mop.LOL.
I hope for your sake you are joking.
Well, I appreciate the commendations coming from credible democracies such as America.
Of course all Zambian except one, and those who were convinced by that one, believed in the credibility of ECZ.
Zambians appreciated the election handling not necessarily because they like those who manage the ECZ, but because they liked their plain honesty and integrity; their process, which was so clear that even those who find everything in the world difficult to understand, would find the 2015 ECZ election process the only thing they could understand under the sun. One must be very artistic to create problem out of such a plain, transparent and clear process.
ECZ blames ZNBC for the wrong figures transmitted.ZNBC refutes the allegations and points to ECZ as the source of the figures!
ZAMBIANS DOESN’T THIS RAISE MORE SUSPICIONS?
WHERE WERE THE WRONG FIGURES COMING FROM?
I KNOW IT MAKES NO SENSE BECAUSE OF THE TRIBAL POLITICS AT PLAY IN ZAMBIA.
SATA LEFT PROJECTS RUNNING….PAVE ZAMBIA 2000,LINK ZAMBIA 8000 ETC.I DONT LIKE SOME ACCUSATIONS THAT SATA WAS ONLY DEVELOPING MUCHINGA……………..SATA WILL RISE TO THE DEAD AND WIPE YOU IF YOU DONT UPHOLD HIS LEGACY……………KIKIKIKI
Which model for Africa? Does this woman know how Botswana conducts her elections? Her views are just part of the grand scheme to manipulate Africans. Even something nonsensical as long as it is said or done by the USA, the poor souls of Africa will agree with loud acclaim! What a shame! How can what happened here be a model for Africa? It is these same Americans who caused trouble for Congo when they were involved in the assassination of Patrice Emery Lumumba. Up to now DRC has not seen any peace!
It has come to our attention that people who peddle hate speech against HH are all Bembas.
But my question to you Bembas is, why do you hate Tongas so much that you are now rooting their shops in Lusaka and Copperbelt?
I curse our fore fathers who requested us to mix with a Monkey Tree Dweler Tribe whose main instinct is that of insults and stealing.
History favours Tongas and Lozis, and according to history, Lusaka belongs to Tongas and not to Monkeys in the Maize Fields, while Copperbelt belongs to Lozis. And thick monkey forests like Muchinga, Norhern and Luapula Provinces belong to Monkeys.
So be careful you F00lS not to provoke the Tongas. Stop hate speech against HH and the Tonga People you foreigners full of insults.
I REST MY CASE. GOD BE WITH YOU.
May God Bless you, Compatriot.
May the Love and Peace that comes from Our Father in Heaven Fall upon thee.
May you get Deliverance, to break you free from your captors
We pray and pronounce Deliverance upon Thee; we ask it, in The Name Of Jesus Christ through whom ALL things are possible.
Now if you @ Twaambo will it, you are set Free
AMEN
Now go in Peace @Twaambo and sin no more
Just as a Revelation to @Twaabo. Did you know that Forests are environmentally good for the earth, because they protect the Soil and the Leaves of the trees AND clean the air that we breath?
Everything on this earth is interdependent. So the Monkey Forests protect the very air that you breath and stops your Region turning into a Desert.
Imagine that UH! Your Neighbour is your Keeper!
You are complaining about being insulted yet there you go insulting the Bemba! Looks like you miserably fail to think
All these praises come as a result of ‘people of sound’ reasoning observing the Leadership of His Excellency President Edgar Lungu. HH please concede and join decent Zambians.
God’s Blessings Revealed. ‘All good things come to him who is much blessed, so that he IN TURN blesses ALL his people.’ We have come to receive all these praises and observations on our True Zambian Nature because of our conduct.
WELL DONE ZAMBIA, GIVE YOURSELF, A PAT ON THE BACK. You chose well.
GOD BLESS OUR PRESIDENT, PROTECT HIM AND GUIDE HIM
GOD BLESS ALL ZAMBIANS
GOD BLESS AMERICA
PEACE, LOVE AND
SHALOM TO THE WORLD
Infact yo SP is already becoming a desert and yo are running to other provinces including Luapula and Northern, they have not chased away. If it were you would you have received them. Rumour has it that you deny non tongas plots. Anyway judge yourselves but know that God will judge u
When Zambia experiences a drought the effects are more pronounced in North Western Rhodesia especially in Southern Province than in Luapula and Northern Provinces. At one time the reservoir at Itezhitezhi Dam almost dried up which led to reduced power generation resulting in some load shedding. It was even suggested that Zambia should consider constructing a canal from Luapula River to Kafue River. The Congo River of which the Luapula river is a tributary can generate 40,000 MW at one site. Zambia has an installed capacity of about 2,000 MW.
The following bembas BBC,Chief Analyzer,Kudo and JO their hate for tongas have reached dangerous levels.
@Senior engineer
Even during drought we manage to power even unproductive N/eastern Rhodesia by the way power source is not only itezhi-itezhi but kafue,Kariba,Victoria plenty they can’t dry out especially with reduction in users after you leave.i can safely say we own Zesco.
This is not a political issue but an engineering issue which cannot be debated. All those power stations you have mentioned are in the Zambezi basin which is drought prone unlike the Luapula river which is part of the Congo basin. The Itezhitezhi reservoir serves the water requirement of Kafue gorge. It is only now that a power station is being constructed. In fact Lake Kariba experienced a 10 year drought that led to a Lozi man to construct his house on its shores which was later submerged when normal rainfall resumed. The suggestion to connect the water rich Congo basin to the drought prone Zambezi basin was made by Simon Zukas, a renowned Zambian Engineer.
In very dry years the Zambian part of the Victoria Falls looks very dry compared to the Zimbabwean side because most of the water is used for power generation at Victoria Power Station.
@9.1-Ted, @9.2- jo
I know when one talks about the necessity of a ‘vision driven leadership’ coupled with ‘effective Planning and Execution’ for our Country, it’s all above your heads and too much for you to comprehend. I don’t expect you to.
My comments resonate with well meaning free Zambians.
Thank you US there’s no way those Bemba guys would have voted for our man if they were not convinced he is a wise man. It was democracy at its best. Even their fattest man GBM could not steal a wise man’s votes. Democracy was meant for easterners
Forgive her Lord for she does not know that pf cheated to be declared winner.
The U.S is happy and surprised that there wasn’t a lot more violence during the election.
This US Representative must have been an electoral official in Florida during the 2000 elections where Bush lost the popular vote but was sworn in.
@Twaambo
How dare you say Copper-belt belongs to Lozis? Are u nuts or what?