Speech by His Excellency, Mr.Rupiah Bwezani Banda,President of the Republic of Zambia during the occasion of Dissolution of the National Assembly on July 28th 2011 at State House,Lusaka Zambia
My fellow Zambians
Good Morning
Today, 28th July, 2011, I have signed the proclamation of the Dissolution of the National Assembly – Statutory Instrument no. 75 of 2011 – Pursuant to Article 88, of the Constitution of Zambia, Chapter 1 of the Laws of Zambia. This means Parliament stands dissolved as of today.
I wish to thank all Members of Parliament for their hard work and efforts during this last session.
Fellow Zambians
The dissolution of Parliament consequently means that Cabinet is equally dissolved. All Cabinet and Deputy Ministers no longer occupy their positions.
I, as President, and his Honour the Vice President will continue to hold office until a new government is sworn in and assumes office. This is what our constitution provides.
I, therefore, thank all Cabinet and Deputy Ministers for their hard work and dedication to service. Together, we laid a strong foundation for tomorrow’s Zambia.
Together we managed to grow our economy at an average 6.6% per year. We managed to bring inflation to a single digit. We managed to stabilise the exchange rate.
Together, we managed to produce unprecedented bumper maize crop for two consecutive years. Together, we managed to establish a stable fuel supply, and for the first time – uniform fuel pricing across the country.
Fellow Zambians
Our constitution dictates that from the date of Dissolution of Parliament a General Election must take place within 90 days. I have every trust in the Electoral Commission of Zambia, and in all the officials who will be required to execute their duties and deliver a free and fair election.
During the interim period the organs of State will continue to function. I, as president will exercise the Executive powers directly with the assistance of the Vice President and other government officials. The civil service will continue its work to ensure that all services are maintained. The Permanent Secretaries shall assist me in running government during this period.
The Police and the Armed Forces will continue to safeguard the Sovereignty and Integrity of the Republic of Zambia.
Essential workers, including doctors, nurses and teachers will still deliver their vital services.
I will remain Head of State and Commander in-chief of the Armed Forces until the final assumption of office by the winning Presidential candidate.
I will therefore continue to represent the Republic of Zambia in international matters until that time.
Fellow Zambians,
The time will soon be upon us to decide the shape of the next government. The future of our country for the next five years now lies in the ballot box.
We have a proud history of democracy, let us build on it.
During the campaigns, all political parties and all candidates be they at Councillor, Parliamentary, or Presidential level must conduct themselves with integrity, honour and fairness. Zambia has no need for lies, smears, political thuggery and negative campaigning.
The revised electoral code of conduct of 2011 sets out quite clearly the rules and regulations covering the coming election period. So I urge all candidates and all bodies covered by the code to adhere to it.
We do not want this election to be marred by any irregularities. I remind all Zambians that election observers will be invited, that the eyes of the world will be upon us. [pullquote]Whilst we remember our history with pride let us look to the future with hope.[/pullquote]
My fellow Zambians,
I know that the Parliamentary session of 2006 to 2011 has been good for zambia. A lot has been achieved. This in spite of a world recession and some bleak predictions.
I am pleased to report that these bleak predictions did not bode as ill for Zambia as was first anticipated.
While some countries have suffered economic downturns, our economy sailed through because the Zambian people rallied and pulled together to produce positive results.
The Zambia of 2011 is very different to that of 2006. Progress has been made.
I have often talked about ‘building tomorrow’s Zambia’ and all my efforts have been directed at delivering a better Zambia for all.
I am proud of what has been achieved. Zambia is now a favourite destination for Foreign Direct Investment.
Today more people own their own houses than in any time in our history.
Our roads used to be bad, but through a systematic process of rehabilitation, we are improving their condition day by day. I am glad that the road works in urban areas have progressed very well since I launched the programme.
Our health service is improving. Mobile hospitals are delivering care to tens of thousands of people. These mobile hospitals allow us the opportunity to refurbish older buildings and clinics without reducing levels of care.
Fellow Zambians,
Our Armed Forces are on active service with the United Nations.
On behalf of the Zambian people I thank them for their brave and disciplined performance. Through efforts like these Zambia shows the world that we are a responsible nation. We are a nation not afraid to play a signififant part in the wider world.
But most importantly that we are a nation with a vision. A vision based on hard work and endeavour. As a nation we are growing in stature both abroad and at home.
Fellow Zambians
All of us Zambians, under the direction of whichever party wins the election, must strive to go further. We must strive to ensure that all Zambians benefit from our increased prosperity. Zambia’s prosperity is for all, not just the few.
All Zambians must have the opportunity to use their labour, their ideas and their ingenuity to improve their daily lives.
All Zambians must know that security, stability and prosperity underpin our nation’s advancement. Without these three key elements we will not continue to flourish as a nation.
My fellow Zambians,
Since 2008 we have lost two presidents through ill-health. Dr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, SC died in 2008 while his predecessor Dr. Frederick Chiluba died this year. We have mourned their passing. We have celebrated their lives. We have recognised their achievements. Their efforts must not be in vain.
We must go forward as a stronger nation.
Whilst we remember our history with pride let us look to the future with hope.
As we approach the Tri-partite Elections let us all look to that future as one nation. Only you can decide the course of the next five years. Look at what the major parties offer in their manifestoes. We each have one vote, so lets use it wisely.
I know there is much speculation and much anxiety about the date of the Tri-partite Elections. One of the constitutional privileges of the office of President is that the final decision on any date is my responsibility.
I have consulted with officials from the Electoral Commission of Zambia and other relevant bodies to ascertain the most suitable date for the elections. Most of the logistics for the holding of elections are now in place. I am informed by the Electoral Commission of Zambia that the final voter register will be ready by the end of this month.
Fellow Zambians,
I have today 28th July, 2011 signed the Electoral (general) Elections (date of poll) Declaration Order – Statutory Instrument no. 76 of 2011.
Further, I have also signed the Local Government Elections (date and times of poll) order – statutory instrument no. 77 of 2011. This means the Local government elections will be held together with the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
I can now announce to the nation that the elections will be held on Tuesday 20th September, 2011.
Fellow Zambians
No matter what happens during the coming months, may I take this opportunity to tell you all what a privilege it has been for me to serve as your President. I have been honoured to serve this great nation, and I am ready to continue serving you if I am re-elected.
Even though I shall be seeking re-election, may I also take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to all candidates seeking elected office at Presidential and indeed other levels.
May God bless you all, and may God bless Zambia.
I thank you.
Nafutu Nafuti
During the campaigns, all political parties and all candidates be they at Councillor, Parliamentary, or Presidential level must conduct themselves with integrity, honour and fairness. Zambia has no need for lies, smears, political thuggery and negative campaigning.
Do you observe what you have just said above? Rupiah you are a shameless hypocrite
keep dreaming
Back to the cabbage farm
Donchi Kabebe, Nafuti nafuti , the hour, Pabwato M******mwe bonse
R.b mmufuna ssimufuna
Does it means they do have the flag on their cars?
This is a great speech.He even wished his opponents well in the elections.Indeed Zambia is doing better in some regards ,I visited zambia and so many people have their own houses.People have now moved on to building their own blocks of flats.You’ved done a good job Mr,President.History will redeem you.
“Fellow Zambians and Malawians”
I rest my case.
Great Speech, Great President! RB you have my vote cause of your Charismatic & Pragmatic style of management, your results are there for your opponents to see and for ALL People to see and enjoy. VIVA RB next FIVE years.
“All Zambians must have the opportunity to use their labour, their ideas and their ingenuity to improve their daily lives.”
And that is what it’s about. Not cash in your pockets as the gullible among us so easily believe.
LET ME ALSO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY MR PRESIDENT IN ADVANCE TO CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR RE-ELECTION THIS YEAR AS YOU EMBARK ON YOUR LAST FIVE YEAR TERM. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND INDEED THE PEAVE LOVING ZAMBIANS, I THANK YOU ALL. AMEN
#10 I agree with you…
I am disappointed by some people’s poor interpretation of more money in the pocket policy being propagated by PF.
This policy is predicated on the premise of creating and availing more opportunities to the Zambian people through more job creations and business opportunities alike.
This will ultimately improve the peoples’ earning and spending capacities which will lead to improved livelihood.
Sorry no one will pull you from the road side and stuff money in your pocket for you to spend. It just won’t work like that
#11 DIASPORA 4 RB Tawakwata amano sana, do you get share from RB. Stop congratulating him, he has not won elections yet. Fool
he forgot one of the most important achivements, removing the abuse of office clause for the mmd.
Thank Mr. President for this important pronouncement. Time to separate men from boys has come. We shall vote wisely and ensure the empty tins continue making noise!
His Excellency my foot. He doesn’t deserve to be called “His Excellency”.
That’s the only democratic step you’ve taken since you showed up on the scene from the farm, Mr President. And it still came late.
What goes up must come down your excellency, time to pack up and go to Chipata. You have left more corruption in government than the damage any tornado-typhoon-cyclone-hurricane-tsunami cocktail can cause to a coastal town. For your sake, we hope you erased any evidence that might link you to those dubious political acquittals of your thieving bandit monkey ape friends and any other dubious tenders. Good riddance, time for you to ride those horses you rode on, only this time it’s back to the manure stench on your farm.
Time’s up MMD, the circus show is over as Rupiah Bozo is performing his last acts.
Mubarak Banda needs to go back to the farm fast.
Donchi Kabebe, Nafuti nafuti nafuti nafuti, a chi nipabwatoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
go RB….you are the chosen one.dont be intimidated by dreamers.NAFUTI_NAFUTI
SATA jealous…RB Rocks the house of Big Brother ZAMBIA AMPLIFIED
This is the best speech RB has ever made as President. He has matured to Statesman!
His Exellency Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda. Well done sir, exellent speech beffiting a Head Of State, we are proud of you . Nafuti nafuti, good english accent, can’t distiguish from which province, no wonder you’re President for all Zambians including Kabovas.
from gweru zimbabwe
# 11, you are very infuriating! The announcing of an election date by the president is an extremely archaic peace of law. Why should one person be a demi-god by holding the whole nation at ransom as to when they will elect their president, parliamentary and local government representatives? These are the issues we yearned for that the new constitution MUST have tackled. This is one of them left out of the poorly finishing NCC draft constitution. Then, we keep hearing the shameless corrupt MMD henchmen blowing the trampet that RBish Shrek performed, performed at what? Increasing corruption through refusng to appeal FTJs’ case, RP capital single sourcing, removal of abuse of office clause from the ACC act, mobile hospitals @ US$53 mn and failed NCC bill failure? What development? VIVA PF!
Ba donchi kubeba… how can you find fault in the announcement of the election date. The speech was good and i felt proud to be Zambian. Now ba Sata even wants to claim that RB’s hand was forced by him….. i can not believe Zambians even listen to him. If he can hope to be president ….even tekele can dream to be president one day
I totally agree with #22. RB has just been stealing from the people and i cannot see anyone with some common sence voting for this RuBbish president Zed has ever had! Judiciary has been rapped to the grass root and all the guilty MP / GRZ people are just threatening this RuBbish president with votes by going to their chiefs or headman to ask the president to aquit their subject in exchange for “un-garanteed votes”! Animal farm or what? Common guys, get rid of this guy, and does not matter if it is HH or Sata, lets just vote this guy out, otherwise this country will be totally go to the dogs!
Michael Sataaaaa!
Mr President this time your winning margin will be unpresidented since 2001. Keep the good leadership and the good work!
VIVA RB.
# Reply 0 22 MundiaM,
The president is a law abiding citizen and he followed the low in announcing the election date. When you change the law regarding the election date announcement, i assure you that he will abide accordingly again. He is not the first president to follow that low, neither would he want to be the first one to break it. He is a good leader and a great example to emulate. Those who want to emulate Mr SATA can go ahead; the only worry is that if their number are high then we will end up with a lot of insults in the community.
MIYANDA for President. I am really hoping Milupi and HH( UPND) agree to the pact and elect the only true patriot democrat God fearing MIYANDA to head them. Time is now to announce the pact or persuants on individual basis. CUTEY AKA MRS STEVENSON back me up. This is our chance to elect a true leader of greater God fearing calibre than Mandela. May the lord Jehovah through his son Jesus Bless us all, ensure we get a leader with a heart and fear of the Lord, comforted by the Holy Spirit.
1) MIYANDA once a loner( now might run HH and Milupi) best presidential candidate Zambia has ever had to date. This is the time to give him that seat.
2) RB incumbent the safe bet if we cannot get MIYANDA since we know his memorandum oparetus hahahahaha. Though not at any level on MIYANDA’s level of king David like potential.
3) MICHAEL Chilufya SATA my former Lusaka governor, one of the best governors I ever had. Third choice due to his hard nosed can clean up situations anyway history. Only fear are the likes of wife battering GBM being minister of gender affairs.
4) HH last but not the least. The so called under five, the true economist of the bunch, but business men really can’t manage a nation, dynamics of countries are endless in a time sense. Future prospect.
Surely where does our constitution say that when parliament and cabinet is dissolved the VP remains in the office, this SHREK is abusing our constitution.
Zambia is trying to be democratic. Follow the costituion. We must all be happy Zambians. Dont keep fighting. Have your own opinion on issues but dont kill someone simply because they dont agree with you.We have only had 4 presidents. Long way to go. In america they have 48 presidents and still cant agree. That is democracy. Let Sata, HH or RB win. I really dont care. I only demand for development in Zambia.
Hey I am a virgin…… Shit I need a mosi, when is the next vehicle to the boma? No I won’t drink Rhino or so other piss SAB-Miller has given you! Holy Mother of God! Sometimes I miss Lusaka, and then I get back to my senses.:::((<):)
don’t just vote blindly, be focused, base your judgment on the achievements of each candidate.nawakwi is saying RB should have constructed hostels at UNZA instead of roads, but why? didn’t she do so, when she was given that opportunity by the people of zambia.