The United States (US) will impose economic and visa sanctions on Zambians that will promote violence and undermine the electoral process in the August 12, 2021 general elections.
US Charge d’ Affaires David Young said the US is prepared to apply financial sanctions, visa restrictions and travel bans on people who will violate human rights and democratic freedoms of Zambians in this year’s general elections.
Mr. Young said the US and the world will be keenly watching the actions and words of candidates, party leaders, cadres and other stakeholders and assess grounds for action after the elections.
“We will hold accountable any individuals who promote violence, undermine electoral processes, engage in fraudulent or corrupt behaviour or otherwise violate democratic rights and the foundations of free elections,” said Mr. Young.
The US envoy said the United States is a friend of democracy in Zambia and wants to see free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections on August 12, 2021.
“I want to make it clear that there should be no intimidation of voters by cadre groups from either party. The police and military should apply the law equally and humanely in defense of the safety and fundamental right of Zambian citizens to vote and participate in the democratic process,” he said.
Mr. Young said the August 12 elections are competitive and no one should be misled by polls and surveys to claim electoral victory.
He said Zambia has a commendable record of democratic elections and urged Zambians to shun violence and be patriotic by vote for their preferred candidates on August 12.
He further said his government will continue to provide technical assistance to strengthen the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s election administration.
“We will continue engaging with ECZ to support a transparent process that includes counting, observing, reporting, and publicly announcing results along the way, constituency by constituency so that we can continue building confidence in the electoral system and process,” said Mr. Young.
He urged Zambian politicians not to withdraw from the elections on account of alleged electoral violations but continue with the process to cement the country’s multiparty democratic dispensation.
And Mr. Young has confirmed that the US will participate in election observer missions and will deploy 12 teams across the country to monitor the August 12, 2021 general elections.
He dispelled assertions that the US and other election observer teams are biased and stated that his country will continue to remain neutral and not support any camp.
“Observer missions are not taking sides, we will not…but we will talk to everybody, that’s what diplomats do,” he explained.
The US envoy however insisted that the political landscape should be even for all candidates to campaign fairly and promote their visions and agenda for Zambia to the electorates as opposed to denying others an opportunity to talk to voters.
And Mr. Young said the US remains committed to supporting Zambia’s Covid-19 response and vaccination programme.
He said in addition to the over 300,000 doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines given to Zambia last month, the US government will soon donate another consignment of Pfizer vaccines for use by Zambian citizens.
The US envoy has since paid glowing tribute to the leadership at the Ministry of Health for managing the health sector.
He said the Ministry of Health should be commended for overseeing huge amounts of money meant for supporting the health sector as well as combating the Covid-19 pandemic
The Full Statement
Your job is to only monitor and not to install fear in us. Why do these people always treat us like we are their dogs who if it bucks too much gets a mouth lock?.
Even in the land where we own everything you still want to control. Please go and complete your mexican boarder.
THANK YOU THANK YOU
PF PUT IN THEIR PLACE NOW
Alungu, mwanvera what is meant in this statement? Rig elections = sanctions. Though the Americans do not decide for Zambians, but every eye/effort counts in keeping these elections as fair and transparent as possible
America should have gone further to ask ECL to stop issuing threats against his competitors. We need to audit movement of renegades between Dubai and Zambia. Rigging only option for ECzl to continue staying in power illegally!
And who imposed sanctions on Americans who promoted violence and undermined the electoral process there early this year? What’s good for the goose must be good for the gander… not ati ciwamila mbuzi ku luma galu.
THE STATEMENT IS WELCOME BUT COMES FROM THE WRONG SOURCE. THE US RECENTLY HAD A VERY CONFUSING ELECTION. THERE ARE STILL QUESTIONS AS THE ARIZONA AUDIT IS SHOWING THY HAVE NO MORAL RIGHT. WHTS GOOD FOR JIM IS GOOD FOR BANDA.
I did not even read the whole story but I just saw the title. Thank you! yes.
Look who’s talking…American elections are a fraud and too much corruption….Trump was caught on tape trying to overturn elections…People don’t listen to America anymore….it’s the master of corruption…
chibale be wise
A copy of the statement issued says something else rather then what the Editor is indicating,We have become bitter as nation where by a prophecy of doom upon our nation seems to get us excited
This is a welcome development. However, we can’t see how effective this will be, because most Zambians do not find America appealing. We hear our fellow blacks there are murdered by police. Find another deterrent America. Long gone are the days when Zambians were desperate to move abroad. Only upnd diasporans who are suffering think that diaspora is heaven on earth
I hv watched USA Charge de Affairs David Young say the reported words on Diamond tv. Diplomatically, it is a very serious statement and leaves me worried as to wht will follow next.
They give you “Wheelbarrows”, you accept them with open hands, to an extent of sending a delegation that was expensive than the value of the donation. They give you JJ vaccine, you accept them with open hands.
But when they talk about DEMOCRACY, you are all over the place, what type of Hypocrites are you?
@Mercury, if you listen to the clip, he actually said “in campaign you don’t issue threats against your competitor, you don’t say that”, and he added and emphasise that the U.S is watching very closely how events are unfording.
@ 4 Nine Chali, no one is the answer because the US does not get aid from Zambia to run its elections. If Zambians do not want these observers, it is simple, fund the ECZ 100% from your budget. Do not ask for aid. These governments are spending their taxpayers money to run your elections so they are accountable to their people to see that the money is well spent.
We should listen to India, they are the biggest democracy on this planet. Aba tiziba vamene bafuna. Protecting interest yabo. Iyo tinker tinkering yayamba. Anyway amamerika mwanvela?
I hope Lungu is listening.
Let us bring back sanity and respect to our country.
We are tired of thuggery and hatred.
Let us say no to corruption and theft.
Vote wisely.
Mr Ambassador so you do agree with Lungu that Zambia needs to have both the Police and Military on the streets because by this time you must have received intelligence that UPND was behind the killing of two PF Supporters in Kanyama. And that some individuals are hell-bent to cause a civil war in Zambia
In the meantime, it would be good if you dealt with Donald Trump who encouraged his supporters to go and storm The Capital Hill on Jan 6, 2021, chanting to kill Trump’s Vice President Pence because he refused to agree with his boss President Trump’s assertions.
@Saint, the US gets more than aid from Zambia that’s why they have a keen interest. Sanctions on the US would have a much heavier impact than the visa’s from individuals you can count on one hand. This statement is a bit premature and should have been communicated through the observers otherwise it can be seen as interfering by a super power.
The fear is that another African country may become another Rwanda hence lose the grip on Africa because other African countries may begin to believe in real independence and self determination. This statement appears like the US has taken a position to support the opposition and this confirms what VP lnonge mentioned a while ago that Govt was under attack from dark forces. That’s why we say HH is a puppet of the western interests. The same forces that spearheaded the agenda of MMD have regrouped.
US is being hypocritical because so for UPND has killed Two PF Members and they have done nothing to ban and sanctioned UPND Leaders neither to force ECZ to ban the Kanyama UPND candidate,
So what is the USA Charge de Affairs David Young telling us?
The Americans have been giving condoms and birth control since 1985, the Americans sorted out 80% of the capital city’s water, drainage and sewerage network, the Americans are going to donate over a 5 million covid-19 vaccines in the next 24 months, the Americans supplement your health and you have the audacity to come here and ask who they are…really laughable….how many times have I told you foooooooools about begging and you give me thumbs down? Americans have vested interest. …shuut your mugs!!!!!
Its laughable that some chaps are up in arms on Face-book about this yet they have never seen the inside of an A380 or even felt the awesome power of those Rolls-Royce Trent 900 or the Pratt & Whitney GP7200 engines at take off or the flap of it wings on landing.
Maybe the PF candidates will listen now, the American clearly called for issue based politics, and he was very categorical saying threatening to arrest HH does not help. Take heed
This is actually a good thing because if someone from either opposition or ruling is blacklist …even if that individual becomes a minister in the next govt he will have problems flying not only in US but in the EU as they share intelligence so they will momentarily detain you at Heathrow before they send you back….forget about that visa to go shopping in France.
There we go ,heading for Zambabwe ka. Let the people’s voice prevail not abracadabra.
And for you bloggers who are here making comparisons …Joe Bidens sent instructions/ memo to his ambassadors to admit US failings publicly but that means they will not turn a blind eye to oppressive countries.
You should stop begging you fooooooooooooooools!!!
Chibale – its is a bit late they should have said this 6 months ago…Lazy Lungu who loves flying around in Gulfstream Jet and loves the jet lifestyle will think very carefully.
Pfidzer? …what?… How many vaccines so far and is anyone keeping a record? How did astra z fare?
Well received…thank you for your support.
This marks the End of the PF administration. When the US says the are watching the situation, they are really watching…ask anyone from Zimbabwe.
I feel good about this. Finally….
The USA has its share of bastards and extremists such as those who invaded the houses of Congress. But they’re being dealt with. Trump cannot win another election even if the Republican party nominates him as its presidential candidate in 2024. His dismissal of climate change in the face of clear evidence of the phenomenon and how it is impacting on ordinary people simply rules him out. “Alternative facts” are no facts at all.
“Kabili, kabili ubikepo nefikansa uleima by air”
Sooo sobelenge mayo!
Soo sobelenge mayo.
Sooo sobelenge mayo!
Soo sobelenge mayo.
Soo sobelenge PF naiwina mayo.
Naiwina nayamba nokuteka mayo0
Ngoletalika soimwene pa 8/12
Kabili, kabili ubikepo nefikansa uleima by air”
Sooo sobelenge mayo!
Sooo sobelenge mayo.
Sooo sobelenge mayo!
Sooo sobelenge mayo.
Fire fall on me, fire fall on me
Kamagogi, kamagogi nikukaimwa.
nakukapondapo
Nakukataya uko, fire fall me
Kasatana, kasatana ni kukaimwa
nokukanyantapo
nokukaposauko, fire fall me
We know under 5 wrote to Donald to place sanctions on zed after 2016….we can only urge mr. young to be non-partisan he saw what violence can do on capital hill. Don’t bring those things here….keep them in your nation…
Zambia athletes have returned from another Olympics with zero medals …our friends from Botswana got medals …the only winner for Zambia is that stubborn moron Elias Mpondela who enjoyed free tickets and 5 star hotel accommodation with his young b&£%^s
Donors will always have a say.As tomorrow
We will be knocking on their doors.Ask Zimbabwe our neighbours how they got
Squeezed by donors.
Whatever went on in the backyard of the USA’s elections, is neither here or there if we assess what this statement means in relation to Zambia’s current political and elections situation. Most of those warnings, even if we want to be objective, are aimed at the ruling party’s repressive behaviours. ECL is now deranged – like a proper power intoxicated ra.bid dog. He is in denial and hence the manoeuvres of banning HH from getting to the Copperbelt. He was there recently but has just gone back to prevent HH from being there as well. He has even stated that ordinarily HH would have been killed for what happened in Mongu a few years ago! Watch his speech on arrival in the CB. How despicable and evil of this man!
There are a lot tools that the USA government can use to impose sanctions on individuals undermining democracy in Zambia. Such as sanctioning individuals from using U.S products like Visa and Master cards, flying on U.S. planes, travel restrictions, American currency etc. This will send a message to dictators in Africa.
I support the USA on this one. It applies to everyone whether UPND or PF. We need credible results with individuals interfering the election for their benefit.
A normal Zambian should not see USA stance as interfering. Own choice on 12 August will determine our future. Look beyond yourself and think of every Zambian that is being neglected by s**elfies leaders.
#18 FutureZed
August 9, 2021 At 9:32 pm
“@Saint, the US gets more than aid from Zambia that’s why they have a keen interest. Sanctions on the US would have a much heavier impact than the visa’s from individuals you can count on one hand……”
Are you on drugs ???
And what does the USA get from zambia in your sick mind , may I ask ????.
Let’s all wake up..the real issue at hand that has caused America,to now wake up is the investment done by China across Africa, which as lead to China making billions of dollars, Americans now wants it’s share in Africa and the only way is to push China out. In the first when Zambia was in need it ask for loads from USA but they refused,Anglo America left us to suffer. Therefore we were left with on choice but to look to China. The truth be told it’s scramble for Africa phase 2. Whatever you are talking about human rights! democracy! It’s secondary besides Americans are looking for someone to use to get rid of Chinese…I end here.
America , Russia ,China or EU have no mandate according to our constitution to run the Electral process in Zambia.
No foreign country has held the Trump supporters who stomed the Capital accountable..except by the laws of America. So this threat is dangerous , unfair and unacceptable. Russia or China have not threatened our people .
Zambian constitution has adequate provisions to address its political system.
Does that include the political leaders of the party that followed two PF cadres to their homes and kill them there about two weeks ago?
How do u push the Chinese out? They came here of their own free will whn others were saying Africa is a useless continent. What is needed here is just fair competition.
The US is now providing leadership. It shouldn’t be on the sidelines while politicians on both sides promote impunity. I urge the European Union to also emulate the US, besides they’re the major sponsors of our elections. I don’t know how the ECZ can carry out its mandate without funding from the EU
Let them impose sanctions on Trump and those hooligans who raped their own democracy if they have at all. Otherwise US is not morally positioned to talk about democracy after that behavior worse than in Somalia.
Intimidation and threats take many forms. Introducing sanctions in the election dialogue is unfortunate. Election time s by definition a time of potential conflict. Election conflict does not happen by accident. No. Election violence is the result of failure by the government of the day to focus on peace and security. Lectures are for universities. Vote for peace and for development. Vote for ECL. Vote for PF.
What can you tell us about sleepy Joe?
#18 FutureZed
August 9, 2021 At 9:32 pm
“@Saint, the US gets more than aid from Zambia that’s why they have a keen interest. Sanctions on the US would have a much heavier impact than the visa’s from individuals you can count ….”
And what , in your mind , foes the USA get from zambia ?????
Yes you do it, this Is why I love America, greatest country on earth, I wish I was not born in this garbage of a country we call Zambia. America my pride ??
They should start the sanction by installing the first ones on Lungu’s stinking backside. The followed closely on Nkandu Luonyokolola’s ugly face.
Great news! This will mean that Edgar China Lungu, the Obese Brothers aka GBM & CK, EN, AM, DM, KZ all will go in jail on August 13! And they will NEVER be allowed to travel internationally! That’s what you get when you are the most CORRUPT, THIEVING and LYING government this country has ever had!
This current American administration got into the White by the very same means that they are lecturing the Zambians about.
They have said the same about rwanda…paul doesnt go there …has he died ..I have just seen young has a voters card
Imperialist sniffing for African blood. Vicious dogs in the name of diplomacy who treat our brothers in America like dogs. Who killed Martin Luther King? Mugabe said never trust a white man, wherever he goes he has caused mayhem. China does not tell us what to do, we do not care you can get your dollars. Imperialist. Who said democracy is the best model to govern people. America has killed black people than any nation in the world. I do not have the slightest desire to live in America. I would rather go to Scandinavian countries than America
Stop being divided by imperialist. They are after your copper
You do not have to hear, I lost a brother in America from white supremacist. I told him before he left that take it you wont come alive, America is a racist country. These people, will go to heal if heal exist
When a leader is close to Beijing, automatically he or she becomes number one enemy of the US. Now the airports, This is unpresented development. We have had reserves in the national treasury but they ended up nowhere. year after year. This issue of Dollar Dollar is slaving Africa! You have to be a mature person to understand this, China is in Ethiopia, the US is not happy over the dam, wants neighbours to fight Ethiopia, Fight China. Afghanistan and China can bring peace. Please finish with Afghanistan!!
Sakala Enersto, go to a racist country even today. Go and see how they murdered Martin Luther King. Go and ask who changed the black people’s names to deny their identity. Each time i hear names Martin Luther King as an American I cry. Their souls are here in Africa but they murdered him when he was at his prime age. We absolutely do not care mr Sakala nkoyani but you will remember Zambia. I have traveled the globe there is nothing wonderful than your country. You must be a child in your mind. Go Sakala go to America the first thing we shall do is to grub the national registration card and later passport for insulting your country. Lets see if the American will welcome you *****
Sakala Enersto, go to a racist country even today. Go and see how they murdered Martin Luther King. Go and ask who changed the black people’s names to deny their identity. Each time i hear names Martin Luther King as an American I cry. Their souls are here in Africa but they murdered him when he was at his prime age. We absolutely do not care mr Sakala nkoyani but you will remember Zambia. I have traveled the globe there is nothing wonderful than your country. You must be a child in your mind. Go Sakala go to America the first thing we shall do is to grub the national registration card and later passport for insulting your country. Lets see if the American will welcome you *****
Truth of the matter Americans can accept you @Lloyd and NDITHU as their citizen, I wonder if Beijing would?
And what sanctions did US place on their deranged president Trump who clearly and actually succeded in undermining the 2020 election. Why police other countries’ elections when you clearly failed to run your own elections? Demagogues.
Can anyone help me with information on which African Countries or Agencies Monitor US elections to ensure they are transparent, free and fair? i want to increase my knowldge on this.
NDITHU @ 56, don’t we have supremacists here who say” no Tonga should ever be president?”
Homosexuality,lesbianism and gay rights ku America not in Africa it’s against our traditional and culture..We know that America wants mining rights in Zambia, so they have a puppet called hichilema who is willing to do anything to get to state house, and Americans want to help him in exchange for minerals… Remember the statement that Zambians can’t run mines! Basically hichilema has privatizated Zambia to foreigners….
Students of colonisation and decolonisation know that it’s in fact the USA that told France and Britain to let the colonies go free. In fact the USA wanted that to happen soon after passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. But France and Britain told America that they couldn’t just walk away as a bloodbath would follow. So they asked for time to prepare a handover timetable. The bloody partitioning of India soon after independence was granted by Britain probably strengthened their argument in decolonisation discussions with USA.
Use own resources prudently and reduce the size of your begging bowl to earn some respect and confidence that you mean well for your country then cooperating and development partners will take you seriously and try not to seem interfering in your governance!
“The United States (US) will impose economic and visa sanctions on Zambians that will promote violence and undermine the electoral process in the August 12, 2021 general elections.”
How is that not foreign election interference?
Mr K @67 who is called upon to pick up the pieces whn a fledgling democracy descends into chaos? There’s such a thing as a rules-based international system. It’s not perfect but without it and without the USA the world would be the poorer.
@SPAKA, uli chipuba iwe te? sorry I will not respond because you are not at my level. I’ll let you respond to your own rubbish 5 years from now if you make it that far.
These threats from the imperialists are all about Zambia’s borrowing from China. We need to reject these threats because Zambia is a sovereign state. Americans want to impose its own candidate, who they can easily control.
But failed to impose suction against Biden ..even after trump called the election as fraud
The God, of Abraham, our Father, whose country, land and people of Zambia have dedicated themselves as falling under the Lordship of Jesus Christ will answer you himself. We hold our peace knowing that he alone is God.
@Ndithu there is no such thing as a racist country, only racist people and not all are racist you dimwit, you sound very spiteful and is probably still mentally enslaved by the passed, your whole life looks like is lived under fear of white men, the bogie man is out to get you, you are a fearmonger, you live quite a sad life.