By Henry Kyambalesa
Currently, Zambia can, by and large, be classified predominantly as a “repressive state,” that is, a nation-state where leaders impose sufficient repression on opposition political parties in order to keep them weak and maintain their own power, while adhering to enough democratic formalities that they might just pass themselves off as democrats.
Mildly, the country fits the description of a “criminal state,” that is, a nation-state where the government is oblivious to crimes committed by government leaders and the elite and, among other things, individuals with criminal records are appointed to positions of authority.
Zambia also temperately meets the characteristics of a “patrimonial state,” where government leaders treat the state as their own piece of property. Moreover, the country fits the description of a “collapsed state,” that is, a nation-state in which common people are generally left to their own devices while government officials revel in conspicuous, state-financed luxury.
With respect to the country’s classification as a “repressive state,” we are very likely to see our beloved country turned into a de facto single-party state if the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) continues to rule the country beyond this year. I have provided a bird’s-eye view of the bases of my conclusion below.
MMD Maneuvers:
Vice President George Kunda is apparently tasked to spearhead MMD’s onslaught on Zambia’s major opposition political parties and their leaders—the Patriotic Front (PF) and the United Party for National Development (UPND), and Hakainde Hichilema and Michael Sata. His incessant attacks and misinformation aimed at discrediting the PF-UPND pact and its leaders are unprecedented in our country’s history.
MMD leaders’ machinations against major opposition political parties are clearly and deliberately designed to impose sufficient repression on them in order to make them weak and maintain MMD’s stronghold on power. The poaching and appointments of Heritage Party, PF and UNIP members of parliament to positions of authority, and the constant invitations to members of opposition political parties to join the MMD, have the same rationale.
Constitutional Clauses:
Article 203(2) of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill 2010 states that “Any person or group of persons who desires to form a political party shall satisfy the Political Parties’ Commission that—(a) the party shall, within a period of twelve months from the date of its registration, have party structures in at least two-thirds of the number of provinces of Zambia. And in Article 205(1), it is stated that “The purpose of the Political Parties’ Fund shall be to provide financial support to registered political parties with seats in the National Assembly.”
Political parties are apparently expected to comply with the requirement in Article 203(2) with their own resources. Unfortunately, most political parties in the country do not have adequate financial and material resources to comply with this requirement. It is, therefore, essential for the Republican constitution to provide for a level-playing field so that it does not appear to favor political parties whose founders and members have deep pockets.
Such a requirement will eventually lead to a de facto one-party state, particularly in bad economic times, when political parties fail to raise enough financial and material resources to maintain the required party structures in at least two-thirds of the number of provinces of Zambia. It also imposes a one-size-fits-all type of organization structure on political parties. Some political parties may wish to operate from a single centralized location in order to reduce costs.
The question of whether or not a political party is regional or tribal should be left to voters. Voters are not daft; they will not popularly vote for presidential candidates from political parties which appear to be regional or tribal in nature. It is, therefore, enough to require all candidates for political office to have a specified number of supporters at the time of registration.
The Public Media:
Zambians are wary of the current situation whereby large segments of the mass media are state-owned, under tight controls by the MMD government, and the rights and freedoms of individuals and non-governmental institutions are subordinate to those of the ruling party and the state.
Unfortunately, this state of affairs has greatly and unfairly enhanced MMD’s competitive advantage over opposition political parties. And the continued push for statutory regulation of the media is a clear indication that MMD leaders represent their individual and partisan interests rather than the common interests of Zambians at large.
The express desire for statutory regulation of the media and the tight controls over public media institutions by the MMD are all partly designed to shut out the opposition and create a greater and unfair competitive edge for the MMD.
The Party and Its Government:
We have a political system that allows individuals to hold government and political party positions concurrently. This has inevitably distorted the boundary between national duties and party activities, and has culminated into what is commonly referred to as “the Party and Its Government” or “the PIG” phenomenon.
And we have failed to introduce provisos in the Republican constitution which would bar national leaders from actively performing political party functions. Also, we have failed to permit the Registrar of Societies to require all political parties in the country to include a clause in their constitutions providing for duties of party members who get elected or appointed to serve in either the judiciary or the executive branch of the national government to be assumed by incumbents of other offices within the party’s administrative and management structures.
The MMD is happy with the PIG since it has made it possible for the party to dominate the political arena through public resources used by government ministers during campaigns.
Conclusion:
Our country’s nascent political pluralism is clearly on the chopping block! If we ignore the foregoing signals and vote for the MMD later this year, we will actually be voting for a move to a new version of a one-party system of government. And we will be voting for a government that has thus far proved to be insensitive to the basic needs, expectations and aspirations of the majority of Zambians.
Nearly 20 years have passed since the MMD assumed the reins of power, but we still have a healthcare system which cannot meet the basic needs of the majority of citizens; tens of thousands of Grade 7 and Grade 9 students have continued to be spilled onto the streets every year; so many citizens have no access to clean water and electricity; and a critical shortage of decent public housing has compelled so many of our fellow citizens to live in shanty townships nationwide.
Moreover, public infrastructure and services are still deficient; civil servants are still not adequately compensated for their services; a lot of civil service retirees cannot get their hard-earned benefits; crime and unemployment are still widespread; taxes and interest rates are still very high; and, among many other socio-economic ills, the constitution-making process is still fraught with personal, partisan and short-term interests.
We need to pray hard for divine intervention in the governance of our Motherland. No sleep for our beloved country!
Well its the people letting this happen I will vote for UNIP next year to halt this unbecoming trend
interesting Mr henry ..I see you are off to a good start in the year 2011 in keeping the MMD on the run..let me go to church first will come and comment after the others have dumped their load
LT, well done for publishing such a well articulated article. Henry, once again thank you for such a timely message. I have no doubt that even PIGs themselves will agree with you on this one. If RB had a passion as yours for Zambia, our country could not be were it is today and RB could have refused to go for a second term considering how much demage he has caused this far.
A well articulated article.Can`t agree more.
Now this is what really makes me come out of blogging retirement to deal with such misguided elements trying to paint our great country with a negative brush so that they can come into power to loot the treasury that the MMD government has worked extremely hard under extremely difficult conditions to build.
First of of all, and am not trying to be fallacious here, Mr Internet Party President, the MMD government has never stooped your internet party from taking party in all governance processes or even stopped you from testing the waters with your internet party. Zambia is a democratic society and gives anybody access to the process of ascending to power.
There is nothing wrong in appointing opposition leaders into government. Obama goverment appointed a republican.. .TBC
ct from #5 so can you say Obama is poaching republicans and trying to create a one p[arty state in USA? That is just an absurd way to reason.
On your second point, are you calling for the government to fund parties? If so why did you not raise these issues at the NCC. MMD came to power without any government funding and when the time is right and when the people choose to so , they will fund whatever political party that is in the opposition with the right message and remove the MMD from power. I see you are probably broke and want govt to fund your Internet party. No No sir.
You miss the point about media regulation. The issue about media regulation is accountability. The media needs to be accountable to somebody too, especially with the gutter journalism we see.
Ba Bootlicker naimwe shuuwa. Maybe it’s better you don’t come out of your blogging retirement at all! Internet Party President? Why don’t you come up with good points and prove the author wrong? Is it because the author is right on a lot of issues? Mwe mbushi mwe!
As long as you the opposition continue with your selfishness and continue making more tuntemba parties, MMD shall continue to rule. MMD is a cash cow and the rest are D.O.Gs.
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Your PIG idea are misguided too, you have to understand that a ministerial position is not a Professional Job, but a political appointment. That is why we can reshuffle people ..this is grade 9 stuff Mr Internet Party President. There are professional positions like Army Commander , Bank Governor and many others, you can’t make these political appointments and you need to know the difference by now, otherwise go back to your CIVICs lesson please.
Lastly its 2011 can we see your internet party on the ground. Meet us in the battle field where things are happening and not in the blogspherre where you more like sing to yourself in the shower and think you are great. Next destination is Mpolokoso, meet us there and lest us slug it out and see who wins.
Henry this is crap if you not have anything to write please write your thesis.Who do want to impress?If Zambia was represive why is Power Failure (PF) still making noise in the country.Do not let me vomit with this malabishi.
# 5 stop your crap….. MMD has deplorably failed the people of Zambia. Zambians together with the international community have provided MMD with all they need in order to turn round the country but all they have done is improve their own individual livelihoods.
The obligation is on Zambian to deracinate the MMD and relegate it to the political archives. Yes this we can do and it will be done in 2011
well well. I say the end to MMD. Thanks for your effort. Zambian please go back to your history and learn. Have you forgetten how the one party system came about. I will remind you of the Mushala rebellion, and affectors that led to that. think of how the ANC, UP etc were ……… Those who what to go in details about the politcal history oif zambia after independance up utitl the early 90s please go to the internet and reseach on the Mushala rebellion articles etc.
I stronly agree with this article above and I say I will not like to see whay is going on In IvoryCoast to happen to Zambia. I am in Abjidan now and please be careful back home
I refrain from commenting on this so called academic. However let me comment on just one issue that he has raised and I quote
“..Article 203(2) of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill 2010 states that “Any person or group of persons who desires to form a political party shall satisfy the Political Parties’ Commission that—(a) the party shall, within a period of twelve months from the date of its registration, have party structures in at least two-thirds of the number of provinces of Zambia…”
Comment: I would have thought that the proponents of 50%+1 (like Kayambalesa himself) would be happy with such a requirement. The two are similar in principle, but the article goes further to ensure a national character in our politics.
#9 completely out of step, let’s avoid valgar language.
As for the funding of political parties, PF came a close second in 2008 and UPND did very well in 2001. So Kyambalesa, are you telling us that PF and UPND were funded by government at that time? And as MMD Bootlicker has pointed out, did government fund MMD in 1991?
#5
MMD Chief Bootlicker-Iwe Mbuli kanshi epo waba? Yes your MMD wants to keep power at all costs.
If Zambia were to head back to one party it can only be under PF. Their intentions, principles and characteristics are plain for all to see. This can be extended to HH by association.
The public media is being used by the government. The private media have also teamed up with other political sympathisers. Its a pity that both the ruling and the opposition parties do not have the welfare of the people at heart. It seems each one trie to look only at themselves, thats why there is all that media and constitutional dribbling. We will nonetheless continue to pray for all of them so that we do not see the Ivory Coast situation in Zambia
Fya bupuba fye ifi. When will Zambians learn to stop talking ill of their own country kanshi? As far as I’m I know we’re better off than most African countries. This kind of misinformation is what will lead to the collapse of our beloved country.
please hear this article and vote for the only party worthy and ready to challenge this hypocritical government!!
Well articulated article that deserves praise.Once a Unipist always a unipist. MMD stalwats have destroyed the very party that waqs built to defeat archaic UNIP policies.
Henry this pure crap, get a life my man. Zambia even under KK was never a repressive state. Zambia is a very good democratic country where everyone has a right to freely move and assemble and express their views asa you are doing right now. the problem is the opposition you talk about lacks good leadership skills and allows a grade five to be their leader.
#7 Kwandangala, my name is a registered trade mark for my exclusive use. Better change yours to something else. I think Chambalesa has spoken sense this time around.
Good afternoon
A very well articulated article indeed. Henry has presented us a precise analysis of the condition of democracy in our country and laid down a fact sheet of compelling truths that cannot be desputed. There wll be no sleep for our beloved country in 2011!
Zambians will need to do a lot more than just voting this year if they want to avert this negative trend that will see our country going back to a One Party state again. The realisation of true democracy will only come after a serious debate on the national constitution and a solution on how it can be prevented from being opportunistically instrumentalized by the ruling party to serve personal goals.
Big UP to you Henry. True Zambian patriot with Zambian welfare at heart.
Let those with eyes read and those with ears hear.
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Awe twachula naba MMD.please pipo,who do we vote for mu 2011? MMD sucks.OPPOSITION PARTIES are jokers.JEHOVAH HELP MY BELOVED ZAMBIA.GIVE US A LEADER AND A MANAGER.
#5,#6 and #10. you personally believe the mmd has done good in your world for giving you the job. what good has it done to the average zambian running up and down the streets of lusaka? the Govt has failed to do anything constructive in the eduacation sector and putting a minister with little knowledge on reforming it but rather keeps yapping yapping bullsh**t of how great MMD is, not to got far UNZA is in a complete mess and recently when i went there, the extra accomodation which is planned to add on the shortage is still not finshed.I guess thats why we people like you in Govt. who are just there to get there pay cheque and have forgot we the zambians elected the Govt.Sorry for your ignorance on How Govt is form and who it should serve. appointed or not people need to ve the right skill
Pali akantunse kaikele ngefi :
So Henry concedes that the MMD as the only party will carry the day. I think he makes the correct conclusion, whats surprising is that he makes the correct inference from wrong and confused information. What a miracle!
Let MMD rule forever. Too much hatred exhibited by the Post on individuals like HH and kalu.
Henry Kyambalesa. My words of appreciation for writing freely. I have travelled and lived in many African countries and can openly say, we are much better than many other countries when it comes to freedom of speech, worship and association. There is much needed to be done and I do see that during the last few years though our good governance institutions have been compromised. Trade unons, judiciary, law enforcement all have gone down when it comes to independence and professionalism. But all is not lost, HH,Sata, Miyanda, Milupi, Chipomo prromise to reduce presidential powers within 6 months new govt and bring in executive PM, independent judiciay, election commission and other institutions, no govt media, no govt tv station, I will vote for you otherwise forget my vote. Status quo
MMD Chief Bootlicker— Please your OBAMA example is clearly out of touch..OBAMA appoints ordinary republican members who are not in congress and senate. The USA has a clear separation of power. USA Ministers(Secretaries) and not in Congress or Senate.
In our situation its immoral for a sitting president to appoint an opposition MP or Prominent Opposition member holding a PARTY POSITION to cabinet.
It would be in order to appoint an ordinary Opposition member like when Levy first appointed Magande.
Iwe # 32 do you use your moonyellow to think? Why are you blogging as if you are using your mooseular
Guys please use your grey matter not your fimo fimo when blogging.Some people just blog rubbish without thinking use your brains and do not blog like kiddies who have just discovered how to use a computer.Please spare use of your ignorance excuse my language on # 35,some blogger can just be anoying with their smart as stupid comments.
I can’t agree any more Mr. Author. This is a well written article. I hope this will come to the attention of the RBs’. We as a country are facing multiple social ills as you clearly point out that institutions like the health, education have not delivered to the expectations of Zambians. Yes time is now People; we should act and vote wisely for our future. MMD is done and shouldn’t be given any chance.
cum on guys, we all know that this government doesn’t mean well for our country. Hence, I’m urging u all to stand up 4 our beloved zambia and throw this chaps out through your votes.
Henry, your article wishes are more hypothetical and theoretical than practical. You also talk of voting out the MMD for failing Zambians and its longevity in gov’t. While the first point would be a good basis to vote out a party, the second point is not valid. What best alternative do we have to the MMD?
If you talk of oppression, do you think PF would do a better job on democracy?
Iwe chi # 35 your grey matter has nothing than entropy & it is failing you. Try to use your heart. Learn to respect other peoples views. You can’t monopolise the right to think wechipubawe.
Iwe chi # 35/36 as long as you think you are powerful than the rest of zambians you hate with your tabloid & call them under 5 and black them out from your paper, forget it, MMD wil rule forever. You need the unity of all.
Excellent article-true indeed, 20 years of unfulfilled promises-even if we were to give MMD another 20 years in power, things will keep deteriorating. MMD have run out of ideas and are running the country by try and error. They have over stayed and we do not want a one party state in a multi party nation! SWAA mmd, SWAA rb!
Chambalesa,i suppose you writing all this crap because of the studies you are taking at the moment.You complain about the constitutional provisions concerning party cadres holding GRZ jobs there is nothing wrong they are Zambians as well.Do not blame MMD government for the under development remember your British colonial masters ,where did they take our money to when the our population was very managable,is it the MMD who infects the citizens with the HIV virus,does the MMD tell people to have large families they can not support?Am sure Henry you trust your family members with your hard earned dollar to do projects for you.Corruption is within families.MMD has scored a lot of strides which some bitter Zambians do not see especially those in the diaspora like you.MMD will rule again …..
cont’d from #44..this year because of the practical improvements /development the country has attained in the past 20 years of MMD rule.I do know that there is yet a lot to be done but the country is moving forward at least.Go to Ketete,Zimba ,Kalomo,Kasempa etc and see for yourself how ordinary Zambian lives have been transformed.They all think business they do not wait for handouts like some of you.Schools,health centres and roads are been constructed.Henry it is the GDP of the country which determines the pace of development not some well ‘written’ thesis.Zambia is moving it is not asleep.Visit the country when you have a break from your studies though i know it is difficulty for you as you have to raise school fees during breaks anyway am sure you’ll visit Katete one day .
# 40/41 stop hallusinating,It is not healthy you sound ridicioulous I would suggest you go and get alife seems like you do not have one.
# 45 indeed you are ridiculous. Your 4 fingers pointing at you get a life. You must be ashamed of your language at # 35. Thats what you call your mom & dad when you dont agree with them. Its deep in your vocabularly. Charity begins at home.
# 45 indeed you are ridiculous. Your 4 fingers pointing at you get a life. You must be ashamed of your insults at # 35. Thats what you call your mom & dad when you dont agree with them. Its deep in your vocabularly. Charity begins at home.
#35, #36, #45 Apart from your insults and emotions what do you think your contribution to this debate has been ? Advice, next time use spelling check for your “hallusinating” and “ridicioulus”.
Iwe Mjomba,How old are you?Reading from your postings you sound like a poorly brought up and an uneducated individual,thus I choose not to argue with you,you insignificant entity.I bet you have just aquired the computer you are using recently and boy, you must be so excited and hardly know how to use It properly.
#49 He! He! Btn my language & your insults, whose exhibits maturity. You r talking abt education-check your spellings & by th way respect our brothers & sisters who are over 60% of our popln. Me being poor is irrelevant to the topic at hand. You are just an insulting, emotional, ‘rich’ , educated, ‘mature’, pompous nice man. Hope this description makes you happy
# 32. You are very right! The Post keeps on attacking MMD and MMD is busy working for the poor. Viva 2011=MMD. Viva MMD
I am sorry Henry, I do not agree. Our democracy is in danger not because of the MMD but because on un-elected individuals and NGOs that have usurped the power of Parliamentary opposition. WE NEED TO RECOGNISE THAT THE OFFICIAL OPPOSITION TO GOVERNMENT ARE THE OPPOSITION PARTY MEMBERS OF THE PARLIAMENT. Day in and day out, the media in Zambia feed the people with personal opinions of priests, bishops, pastors, NGOs, business men, and lecturers. None of these has been elected by the people to represent them. No Zambian appointed these individuals to speak on their behalf. Indeed, even Mr Sata is an unelected individual. His MPs are elected to speak but not him. HH has the mandate of UPND. It is multi political PARTY democracy and not multi INDIVIDUAL democracy!
Among many of Henry’s articles, this one has hit the dust. This is surely the worst and to think that evolution means one gets better, you have no chance of passing a thesis if you carry on at this rate. Go back to the basics and start thinking with your brain and not your heart Henry.