Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Why Luapula Province Matters to the MMD

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Chief Mwata Kazembe hoisted on a traditional hammock leaves his palace to grace the Umutomboko ceremony

By Elias Munshya Wa Munshya

The recent visit of President Rupiah Banda to Mwata Kazembe of Luapula Province and to some districts in Luapula Province has highlighted just what is at stake politically for Luapula Province.

First, Luapula matters to the MMD due to the presence of PF rebel MPs. Totaling ten, they enhance the chances of MMD performing better in 2011 should they defect enmasse to the MMD. The MMD may try and convince Luapulans, that by expelling these MPs from PF, PF was by the nature of its act anti-Luapula. No other province at the moment promises such opportunity for the ruling party.

Secondly, Luapula matters, due to the fact that most political players sympathetic to the MMD, have a protracted and steady political history within Luapula Province and the MMD. These include Katele, Mwila, Kasongo, Machungwa, Chitika, and Chiluba himself. The long history and political stability of these figures will help boost MMD’s chances of a few more votes from Luapula. Besides this team may give a tough time to PF should they all decide to campaign for MMD and Banda.

Thirdly, Luapula matters due to the residual influence that FJT Chiluba has. After the demise of Mwanawasa the public’s opinion of Chiluba has somehow rebounded. Rupiah’s government has managed to rewrite the script concerning Chiluba’s prosecution and they have with some success managed to convince some Zambians that Chiluba was unfairly prosecuted. This script has undoubtedly angered some diplomats, various media houses and several NGOs but it has definitely managed to boost Chiluba’s political image among some Zambians. Sata and some PF members are dismissing FJT as politically insignificant. However, in spite of his questionable morality arising from his prosecution, FJT still has political clout which Banda is trying to maximize on. As such, under this new script, Luapulans are most likely to listen to Luapulan Chiluba again.

Fourthly, Luapula matters due to the influence of Mwata Kazembe. It has been observed that Kazembe, even if he is not a paramount chief, does exert a lot of influence among Bemba speaking peoples. For example, compared to other Bemba speaking senior chieftainships, the Kazembeship has been more stable and that stability has proved effective as a conduit of political influence. And so it matters who the Mwata supports for presidency. Kazembe has placed himself in a way that he could easily influence politics among his Lunda people in particular but beyond that to all Bemba speaking peoples.

Fifthly, Governor Moise Katumbi’s presence with Rupiah Banda in Mwansabombwe shows the significance of Katanga in the next elections. While Congo DR in general and Katanga province in particular share with Zambia a very long border, Luapula Province is second only to the Copperbelt in terms of cultural exchange with Katanga. This has been compounded by Katumbi who is Bemba, and who regards himself as a subject of Mwata Kazembe. Besides when Mwanawasa was declaring Katumbi as persona non grata, Kazembe quickly defended Katumbi calling him his nephew. It is rather significant that Katumbi was latter exonerated of all charges by Mwanawasa and was called back into Zambia to restart his businesses. It still is to be observed how much political influence Katumbi will have over Zambia. As for border regions, it is a historical fact, that people in border towns are more likely to vote for the ruling party candidates more than they would for the opposition and Luapula becomes significant in this regard.

Rupiah Banda’s moves for Luapula Province may actually pay off. Once he gets the rebel MPs on his side that will at least break the momentum in the PF, raise lots of questions within the Luapulan electorate about the PF and exploit some sympathy votes from some supporters of Frederick Chiluba for the MMD. If it is Luapula he is targeting, Rupiah is headed the right direction.

72 COMMENTS

  1. The result then is Zambians get more poorer. I have never seen a coutry full of i d i o t s like Zambia. Happy to sit back and watch their country just like that. Yet when you ring them up, they are always saying ifintu nafibipa. They are always asking for money.

  2. Is it true that when you post on LT you PC/Laptop ilashala with a virus which makes LT mods to start looking at everything you are doing?

  3. #2 yaba VINABWELA MO CHEDWA VA CHIZUNGU, and you believed that story? Only when you install a program on your PC can you have spyware?In any case just install a firewall and an anti virus, all banks here in South Africa give it for free and it helps you make sure you know what is collecting data on your PC..am sure there in the UK you have even sophisticted systems

    Anyway back to the topic, very well written piece of analysis, but I must let people know that the pedical road passes through DR Congo is is vital to Luapula Province and tarring it needs corparation from Congo DR , hence Moise’s presense. It is not political as a lot of people are suggesting. Also all provinces are crucial to us in MMD especially Lusaka and Copperbelt. We are going to win these.

    l-) l-) l-) l-) l-)

  4. Elias don’t lie to yourself, Chiluba worthy nonthing to luapula people as well as the reble MPs, some of them they don’t even want them from their constituence e.g chongo last time was through coz of sata berg for him. I know all these coz am from there am just imagine as you Elias it’s not just chiluba and reble mps they don’t want it’s the MMD as they voted againest them twice beside RB himself has done nonthing for luapula, so under what circumstance will he voted.

  5. #3 forget about Lusaka and CB even Vj your chief bootliker knows about and I know you read the paper and I court, MMD is not dead as people may think it’s popular in the rural areas it mighty not be popular in Lusaka and the CB, so stop dreaming men not even luapula

  6. #6 Well what can I say? It is good to be an underdog in LSK and CB, but trust me we are working hard in these provinces. With the recent events, people in these metros have realised that they put Kaponyas in charge of their cities and their cities have gone back 10 years. So if you are from the PACT, we welcome your attitude of takking voters in these two metros for granted. We are glad for you to treat us as underdogs. But we are working hard, watch the economic development that the cetral government is bring to these two Provinces and let the people judge in 2011. It is no open secret that the oppositions have failed to run our two provinces, always giving execuses of lack of funds from central government. U need funds from Govt to ublock drainage system???

  7. #7 What kind of development? A development of corruption yes, development of awarding yourself with billions yes, development of 80% unemployment yes, development of bad roads yes, etc the list goes on. If you have failled in 20 years you been in power can you do it 5years I don’t think so, the Bemba say; fyabula muli butimpe mukukombelesha emo fingamoneka? The only thing I can say is good lucky MMD but I don’t think so ( kalulu tachiluka efibinga fibili)

  8. #7 You are very deluded fellow-an id iot. You have to have a job any way. So whatever happens to all Zambians is none of your business. :d

  9. #8 You seem to blame MMD for everything and understand that and respect that as your opinion. But lets face facts: Lusaka has been under the opposition for almost 10 years. Question has it done any better than the rest of the country where MMD controls? I can hear you sayimg, oh but councils have no money, central government has not released money. Now question is why did the opposion take part in local govt elections with the full knowledge that their price is running coucils without funds and risk the reputation of their good name? They even spent money going from ward to ward campaigning that they will change the lives of people in Lusaka and they will improve Lusaka. Why did they do that for 10 years.

  10. #9 If you want me to debate with you in a civilised way, talk about issues than calling me names. I know you have a small vocaubulary, but surely you can do better than that. How did you make it this far in life? Live up to your stand for once please. Let us discuss or debate than call each other names.

  11. MMD Chief BOOTLICKER Firstly I must commend you for being a true and very honest Zambian.This country needs more of such citizens.
    Not to dilute your good points raised so far,Let these people know that LSK and CB things are changing politically farster than these guys ever imagined.Last week Civic leaders from LSk city Council attempted to tour intercity bus Station,The were chassed like thieves and riot police had to move in to help as they were accused of failling to bring dev.Another team of civic leaders tried to go City MKt they were chassed and again the police had to come in.Mumbi Phiri Pf mp for munali was chassed from her Constituency by her own Pf member Chelstone police had to save her.All the are places were PF was very strong.Talk to the people on the ground the Pact is gone

  12. #6 prepare yourself a very strong dosage which you will be administering for a severe ulcer which you will suffer when MMD wins in 2011.RB is just playing his cards right.he knows who to quote whilst sata is antagonising every one

  13. This article is quite deep. Its also very true that Luapula helped LPM in 2001 to win the Presidency. Those who are blind to the truth there is nothing more we can do to change their view of things except to wait for 2011 when they will cry again.
    # 9 Its clear that its you who indeed of a job hoping PF would win unfortunately it never happen.Why insult # 7? why not put your points across?? Please grow up!

  14. Akapondo Bane mulebuka bwangu, abalwani nabafula pa net. Good advise for #6.RB is so much ahead of these guys

  15. #11. What has vocabulary got to do with debate? You`ve obviously never seen a professor who doesn`t speak english have you?

  16. #15,which aspects of the article are deep? His analysis of the zambian political situation seems superficial. This is the problem with confusing political propaganda and election strategy. He is advocating an influencer-based strategy only instead of a combination of issue-based strategy with influencer-based strategy. The real unpopularity of MMD party is because of socio-economic issues not influencers. The price of fostering a culture of a mockery and insults is the loss of political and economic development wisdom.I dont know how anyone can win a free and fair election by supporting a thief who stole $46 million from poor people and he didnt even take development to his own province when he was in power.The latter is an example of propaganda that people will be able to use in campaigns

  17. Elias Munshya Wa Munshya`s article makes little sense. The people of Luapula of Luapula like in other provinces will base thier decisions on the performance of MMD in the last 20 years. And not what this guy is talking about. If indeed MMD had support in Luapula why are the rebel MPs hanging on to PF why not resign and join the MMD.
    MMD would only win the 2011 elections if the Pact does not work-out. Otherwise there is no way RB would beat a PF/UPND pact presidential candidate.
    At the momment PF/UPND has a huge percentage of support in Southern, Northern, North-Western, Copperbelt (rural/urban), Lusaka (rural /urban) and about 50 to 55% in Central, western and Luapula provinces. If elections were to be held to day the above is likely.
    I dont agree with the Munshya Wa Munshya.

  18. Elias Munshya Wa Munshya`s article makes little sense. The people of Luapula of Luapula like in other provinces will base thier decisions on the performance of MMD in the last 20 years. And not what this guy is talking about. If indeed MMD had support in Luapula why are the rebel MPs hanging on to PF why not resign and join the MMD.
    MMD would only win the 2011 elections if the Pact does not work-out. Otherwise there is no way RB would beat a PF/UPND pact presidential candidate.
    At the momment PF/UPND has a huge percentage of support in Southern, Northern, North-Western, Copperbelt (rural/urban), Lusaka (rural /urban) and about 50 to 55% in Central, western and Luapula provinces. If elections were to be held to day the above is likely.
    I dont agree with the Munshya.
    Viva Pact.

  19. For all the years I have been on this forum, Elias Munshya Wa Munshya’s article above is without any doubt the most gutless and completely useless piece of reasoning I have ever come accross. It no doubt smacks of a Luapulan Kazembese subject trying to dress a pathetic charade into something its not, giving it five (5) acrobatic toiletic spins in order to give it a credible spin, a quest clearly devoid of any intellectual reasoning whence the misarable failure on the writer’s effort to create any meaningful traction with the general readership. With fellow citizens like these, who needs Katangese enermies to Zairianize Zambia!

  20. If the PACT fields one candidate, MMD is history, period. Whoever thinks Banda’s toilet acrobatics (amapolitics aya kunyina mumenshi) in Luapula can save him from doomsday is dreaming. His inert leadership riddled with stinking tribalism and corruption is killing this country. There is no number of spins one can through that can dress this sorry Bwezani experience in any facade other than that of a tragic failure of leadership. Just how the president of a country burdened by such heavy economic, social and political woes can find time to be forever of a useless globe trotting misadventure only shows the tragedy of our experience that that he would want to appoint Testicles Mwansa as VP only shows the degree to which this Gwandese is rotten to the core with incompetence.

  21. Good Morning

    I think Elias Munshya Wa Munshya’s attempt to take us on a reconnaisance flight has been successfull. His views may not be necessarily justifiable but they have certainly been presented in a way that lifts the veil off one’s eyes.

    After reading the article, I now understand a few things more clearly. for example – why Katumbi is an important figure (probably a rook?) on RB’s political chess board. I also see why other figures like Chiluba have enjoyed exclusive treatment by RB – these pawns are now underrated by many but they might turn out to be strong significant players during election time. Also why the people of Luapula are accountable to their chief and willing to collaborate with him in his political views.

    I think these facts should not be underrated .

  22. This guy’s analysis is true of what’s obtaining on the ground.It will be folly for sata and his pact to dismiss the so called ten rebel mps as nonentities.His arrogance has tilted the pendulum in RB’S favour

  23. Sleepy Zambians, go outside your borders say Botswana and see what is happening. I am people living in luapula envy the DRC ecocomy!:d

  24. Sleepy Zambians, go outside your borders say Botswana and see what is happening. I am sure people living in luapula envy the DRC economy:d

  25. Elias Munshya’s article is totally un researched. Since 1964 until 2008, voting in Luapula is synonymous to a Party. Ftj Katele and rebel mps are not a factor in 2011 simply because they dont belong to a Party the people identify themselves with. Those still in MMD are political moles. There has been no development in the province since the demise of LPM. In both electronic and print media reports show that money is released for various developmental activities in other provinces but Luapula. Check the funds released this year. Nothing for the province. Everybody knows that RB is punishing Luapulans over 2008 elections. What chief or electorate will buy RB’s visit. Even Katele will find it hard next year. What more rebel mps and ftj. Dont just yap be objective. Come 2011. Not 4…

  26. Can some one explain to me what the Mwata Kazembe was doing with that Roman head gear when meeting the president? Is he about to go to war or what.
    That moses Governor from congo was one of Chiluba’s well wishers with cash, the late son to Chiluba used to be the managing director to some of his companies until Mwanawasa came to sort them out.

  27. Its not about who wins in 2011, zambia will never develop even if the pact wins.
    This country is doomed for good because of selfishness. People only think of developing themselves, unless we change our attitude as citizens, this country is not going anywhere.

    Banda, sata and hh are just the same.

    The best way to survive in zambia is just to participate full time in plunder.

  28. The analysis of this important topic highlights the real issue and all the 5 points are genuine facts that, nobody should not make a fool mistake of misconcidering them as they are majors of MMD psedotactics for the next elections. Let the PF/ UPND study this issue. All the best guys.

  29. Zambia can only develop if tired minds like sata’s stop duping our weak souls called zambians who buy their crap and do not realise that we need to identify new leaders who will take politics of this country to another level.how do you agitate for change then parade sata as the alternative

  30. Luapulans shud not be cheated,its among the poorest if poorest prvonce in zambia and if they want to continue suffering..lwenu..get the thieves back in govt and u shall never see peace beocz u will always struggle to live !!emulate ur friends from other provinces..its only you and the other eatsern chaps who gives red carpet to plunderes like mmd..come 2011..viva pact!!Machuingwa hasnt brought any dev home..

  31. Even if RB takes Luapula province they have lost gorund to the PACT in Ndola Copperbelt rural and North Western Province. MMD will also feature very badly in Western Province. At the end of the day MMD and RB will be the loser. The PACT is coming and MMD cadres should start packing their bags from the civil service.

  32. THIS IS THE MOST FAVIURABLE OF OUR ECONOMIC TIME IN OUR COUNTRY TO MAKE IT.DONT JUST SIT,ANALYZE AND LAMPOON ABOUT INDIVIDUALS

  33. it is all speculation. the bottom line lies with the people. Kaunda brought in that prophet from India, he went thru all sorts of tricks and rituals but when the time has arrived, every thing is in vain. The time seems to dawn on MMD if its so then kuya bebele. Zambian is for everyone, you bite a bit and let your friends do the same. Maybe its time PF had a bite also

  34. All what I can say to my people in luapula learn from northwestern and western province they where cheated by RB and up to now he has done nothing, but I have trust in my people they do what is best for them and don’t forget the good road we used to enjoy was done by UNIP, the MMD leave us with nothing beside having our own as president, with RB I can’t even say it you have seen for your self

  35. It is disheartening to read some bloggers who keep defending the MMD. I was born in Mansa, lived at St’clements Sec School were my late Dad taught English & French, was a teacher and a friend to most of these guys e.g Xavier Chungu, Chriticles Mwansa etc. Those were the days. The Last reign of KK was tough,but I had the oppourtunity to experience the good days of KK. The hospitals were clean, full of equipments, doctors and nurses, Mutende primary and other schools looked marvelous,no shortage of teachers and materials. Yes my father found a job in Bots and we left, by then we had moved to Kawambwa and things had changed in the KK led-government. Chiluba and MMD came with a bang, promsed to revolutinalise and Liberate Zambia through good governance and accountability. what went wrong?

  36. PEOPLE THAT VOTED FOR THE PF IN LAST ELECTIONS ARE NOW IN DEEP REGRET

    Many Zambian voters on the grounds around the country in constituencies where PF exists are saying that people that voted for the patriotic front in the last elections are now embarrassed and regretting.

    They are saying that people that voted for the patriotic front are now regretting because they have realized that the party lacks direction and actionable plan. All councils held by PF have died but only thriving in illegal lot allocations for haphazard constructions.

  37. My concern is the welfare of an ordinary hardworking Zambian getting a raw deal from the MMD led-government. Ba Sata And Ba HH is not in power. A responsible government would for once listen to the outcry of it’s people. The answer is simple, renovate all the hospitals and clinics, equip them with the modern machineries & staff. Improve our eductional infrastructure and institutuions. Respect our teachers and other civil servants through decent remuneration. Some bloggers have the audacity to compare Bots government to thieves leading our country. Our people are suffering and instead of empowering them, you would rather pay the NCC delegates.

  38. Many Zambians who listened to the interviews ZANIS carried with citizens randomly in many parts of Luapula and Northern provinces say that the PF should not mislead the nation that the northern and Luapula provinces are its strong holds. There are only few pockets of disillusioned dissident Zambians here and there vainly waiting for the unknown since. The opposition party structures do not even exist on the ground and leaders only show up during election month with hatred, insults and under five kids level of lies. After elections they are too busy in Lusaka for five years insulting the ruling party. It’s time for Generational change opposition politics.

  39. The problem is that the pact thing will never work and by the time they realise that its not working it will be too late for both parties to re-organise themselves. The pact wont work becaues
    1. There is no way either of the two Sata or HH will agree to give way for the other, if they do an election to chose their leader the loser will break away and the whole thing will crumble.
    2. Since Sata cannever accept to give up as we all know he wants to lead by all means and for that matter he brings a bigger contribution to the pact, therefore if HH gives way, there will be mass breakaway from the UPND and the whole Southern province is gone…. there is no way Southerners will agree to that…. HH will be seen as a sell out…
    3. etc etc etc..
    Those of you hoping for the pact, its a non…

  40. Under this dispensation there is no reason in hell why MMD would not sweep the 2011 with a landslide victory. Confidently MMD will amass in parliamentary representative strength as most opposition parliamentary seats will be scooped by the MMD in Luapula and Northern provinces.

    No doubt the MMD has learnt its lesson on why the lost the seats to the opposition and may have now strategized on how they are going to win them back.

    What is worse is that the people that voted for the patriotic front are in a hurry to have the MMD represent them in parliament.

  41. The pact is a non starter and its surely go no where….. HH can give way but UPND wont agree to that…. they have been accusing already and he will remain alone if he ever gives way… I am surprised even the learned people can not see that there absolutely no way to ask SATA to give way for someone else in the pact and that SATA alone has a very very big following outside of a party system.. So people… until the presidency of the pact is settled and the pact is stable after that….. stop hoping for the pact..

  42. PF-UPND pact is an alliance of snakes with two heads – Banda

    PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda has said the PF-UPND coalition is a pact of snakes with two heads that will never rule Zambia since the Constitution only allows for one head of state.

    And President Banda has accused the opposition led-councils of stealing money from people, saying that PF president Michael Sata should explain what his councillors are doing with the billions of kwacha they collect from rates and levies without providing services.

    Meanwhile, a swarm of bees nearly interrupted President Banda’s address as it hovered above and around the Presidential stand.

    Addressing MMD cadres on arrival from Luapula Province at Ndola Airport on Friday afternoon, President Banda dismissed assertions that he had promised the…

  43. President Banda said he loved people and encouraged everyone to defect to the MMD.

    “I love defections because they are good since elections are a game of numbers, the more people you have the higher the chances of winning the elections and Zambians should not preoccupy themselves with the pact because it will not work since it is a pact of snakes with two heads busy fighting to be number one. But our Constitution only provides for one head of state and there is not enough room for everyone at State House, it is one at a time,” President Banda said.

  44. “My pact is with you the people of Zambia and give me support and I will give you more development. People are tired of lies because we never discussed the issue of Vice-President with the chiefs of Luapula and don’t accuse them, they are a wonderful people. Osa banamizila (don’t accuse them), we only discussed developmental issues and they only asked what government can do to help them considering the huge potential in agriculture, mining and tourism. Nothing of that sort of lies were discussed.
    Anyway, they started with Sakwiba Sikota, then Konga and now its Chriticles but George Kunda is the Vice-President and I am not an unstable person. Even in personal life I married once until my partner passed on and I am happily married to a young lady and hopefully God will prolong our…

  45. On his visit to Luapula Province, President Banda claimed that huge crowds gathered to welcome him and his delegation.

    “They encouraged us to continue with the good policies that we are implementing and we were well-received with many gifts. I got over 50 goats, one cattle, palm oil and honey, the people are incredible and they showed love to us and the reason is simple; they said Dr Chiluba is our son and he has been freed by the courts and they felt happy that I have not followed those who hate him,” President Banda said. “Hatred has a limit and people should move forward to rebuild.

  46. Personally, I don’t hate anybody and I love people since I want more votes and I am happy in Luapula only two MPs are following the pact of snakes with two heads, the rest have left since they want peace and unity and not picking up fights everyday. Now this pact they don’t even have respect for chiefs but who is going to vote for them? They are busy antagonising people.”

    President Banda accused PF-UPND-controlled councils of stealing billions of kwacha from property rates and levies without providing services such as roads.

  47. “I have listened to your cries, you tenants of Itawa Flats and the Chinese Housing Complex in Ndola, especially that the council has been stealing billions of kwacha without providing services. Why charge you more when you stay in houses that are cracking thus putting your lives in danger?”

    President Banda asked. “But they will not steal anymore since they are not in government and soon we shall be moving to Kitwe because similar incidents are happening and we shall thoroughly audit them to find out how much they collect as rates from the mines without doing roads.

  48. We shall expose them and we shall take them head on so that Zambians know who is stealing from them and I challenge Sata, the other head of the pact of snakes to explain what his councillors are doing with the money collected.”

    He said leaders the world over were capable of causing violence.
    “The attack on Dr Chiluba at Bank of Zambia Guesthouse is an act of cowardice. How do you take on someone when he is sleeping and arson is a criminal offence and we shall arrest and take them to prison,” said President Banda.

  49. To say the truth, and if you all love the truth and do really analyse these things… HH and UPND going alone cannot match the MMD, Sata and PF going alone cannot match the MMD, dont be fooled by Sata’s performance in the last two elections, it was Chiluba’s influence in Luapula and parts of Zambia and it was because he campaigned on the Chiluba’s sympathy which drew many to him,. I have lived most of my life in the village and those of you that have grown up in town will never understand that urban politics and vilage politics are two very different. Chiluba may not be a factor in LSK and CB but he is a very big factor in the vilages believe it or not. they don’t read the post in the vilages and MMD is all they know in the vilages.. dont just follow the post go onto the ground..

  50. Mwefipuba mwe!!!!! No sane Zambian would support MMD, you insane Zambians in foreign countries just shut up. You have no clue how much we have sufferred under the MMD. MMD is dead, come 2011…………..

  51. the only hope for the opposition is alliances and pacts but unfortunately the pacts and alliances dont work easily. and as I say…. it will be too late by the time they realise no one of the two leaders wants to give way for the other. By then MMD will be doing a second or third round of national tour as you have seen they have started already. Where is UDA? did it help UPND, FDD and UNIP or it just destroyed them all the three combined could not match even Sata alone and its all because they were disorganised till the last minute

  52. The truth of the matter is the rebel MPs can be easily replaced.The pact is getting sronger and only a fool will listen to FJT.MMD has taken the country backs and 20 sh****t years of Movement for Mad Dogs is enough.We used to assemble vehicles in this country and it was a former school teacher who led us there.Then came the educated and they plundered everything.VIVA PACT!!!!!

  53. Mwata, what is important to you? A party winning an election or the eradication of poverty among our people? MMD has been in power for over 20yrs now and look around you. When I was in Serowe Bots,it was a typical village except the rich history of the Khama family so is other towns, today those places are development. Swaneng Hill Sec School I went to then, cannot be compared to UNZA. I have never seen African Presidents and ministers that would go to every Kgotla meeting and tribesmen to explain bills and certain actions before being passed on in parliament like in Bots. And ready for fingers to be pointed at them and criticized by ordinary people even in villages, without claiming or twisting description of insults.

  54. Some of you hoping sata to stand,, you dont want the pact to work. Remember waht the constitution says..!!! sata is disqualified. who ever is promoting sata is creating problems within pact..!!! sata should just give way…!!! he is not a factor now…!!! they were waiting for the constitution to be fanalised..!!! viva pact..!!!

  55. Chiluba was a president and what development did he bring to Luapula, apart from toilet house for his sister in Musangu? So the card for VP might not work. it does not make sense when u had President u didnt get any benefit, then what can VP do. Luapan are very sharp and wont fail for that. just look at neighboring providence, what they did to Lupanda (he was already a VP, it was just the matter of being MP then continue being the VP). And those rebel MPs are not the factor, 90% won because of being PF and they were not even know. the only MPs who can win in luapula regardless of the party are Katele and Mbulakulima. Am a Luapulan

  56. Mwata u r a nincompoop, a pure simpleton ur iq and analytical capability is not more than that of a WORM.
    I wonder if u can even type on a keyboard without assistance. You and ya buddy bootlicker are the very reason my country is poor. u dont deserve to live.

  57. I would like to differ with the author a bit, Mwata has influence only on the Lundas( not N/western Lundas) and to a lesser extent on the Ushis and abenecishinga. He does not have any influence on the Bembas. Mr Mushya you neglected to do a thorough research because you continue mentioning Bemba when there are actually no Bembas in Luapula except for immigrant Northerners.
    The only constituents that would be difficult for the pact to capture are Chienge and Machungwas because these are more less personal to holder seats primarily due to alarming ignorance and remoteness of these areas. Those who’ve been to Milenge through to Mumbotuta would understand what am trying to say, in these places there some folks who have never seen a car in there lives and hardly understand a thing about polls

  58. If I was marking this paper, I would the chap less than 40%. Chief Kazembe has no influence in the entire Luapula except where he rules; that is the Valley. He has lost popularity in areas like Katuta Kampemba and Mambilima(Chief Mulundu) since these areas are the original people and have nothing to do with Kazembe who is a colonising Chief. As for our social life, a Chishinga will not marry a Ngumbo and vise versa. So who ever is saying the Luapula people are one is cheating. By the way there was no Luapula province until after independence- we were under Nothern Province.As for FTJ influencing the votes, I doubt because during the last election Sata vowed to jail Chiluba and still got over 60% of the total vote from the province.

  59. #65 ……Chembe will be easily wrestled from Mbulakulima largely due to influnces from Mufulira and Mansa. Apart from Chienge and Bangweulu, Mwansabombwe would definitely be a cracker as well because the Mwata is the main man in that village he pulls all the strings on his own almost, however, the residents are not sleepy, they are not the regular villagers we’ve come to know, they’ve minds of their own, so RB and co. have their work cut out they’ll have to do a lot of convincing to capture Mwasabombwe and Mwense. In a nutshell RB will not make significant in-roads in that part of the country instead he should concentrate non aligned central provinces and disgruntled parts of N/province such as Isoka, Nsenga, Mbala, Nakonde making sure they dont change their voting pattern.

  60. Trully,this Munshya writer should do proper research.The Mwata is a paramount chief,mwata in itself means nkosi,mfumu yama mfumu,a king.Like someone has mentioned,tribes in Luapula are very diverse and independent.For example,the mwata who is Lunda and the Aushi believe view things totally different.Whereas the Lundas align themselves to Congo DR,the Aushi are stand-alone and independent thinkers.Actually,even those days,Luapulans supported Nkumbula,s ANC and not KK and UNIP,later,they supported Kapwepwe’s UPP.Mind you,the biggest commercial centre for goods from Luapula is C/belt and it’s influence in Luapula is immense,what more with the retired miners who’ve settled back in Luapula.

  61. RB is simply leading his party in a fight to regain lost ground. Just like in business, if you lose market share to a competitor, you have to come out firing on all cylinders or else you will be out of business. Similarly, MMD should be expected to come back fighting with all guns blazing to retake Luapula and all areas they lost. RB the party president is best positioned to lead this onslaught.

    PF, UPND and other opposition should expect this fight. Lets see how they respond.

    The PACT will ignore issues raised in this article at their own peril. In politics, a week can be very long. What more a year or 2 after elections. RB is on a war path. It’s possible he’s taking the fight to other provinces.

  62. #60 ba Chama, what do you mean a sec school in Bot can not be compared to UNZA? Of course these two are totally incomparable. Are you talking about infrastructural-wise or what? I have not been to Bot, but still I do not think that there is NO poverty there. I would rather you talk in terms of poverty ALLEVIATION not ERADICATION for the developing world like ours, b’coz even in the West there is still poverty. When you say “last reign of KK was tough” what duration are you referring to, I hope you re not one of those who elect to deliberately ignore the suffering that pipo have gone through regardless of who ruled, and opt to blame everything on MMD. Lets be objective.

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