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Post Newspaper editorial comment is a constitutional lie-Shikapwasha

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Shikapwasha

Government has described today’s editorial comment in the Post Newspaper suggesting that Zambia had a 50 percent plus one vote clause in the constitution from independence to 1996 as a constitutional lie intended to mislead Zambians.

Chief Government spokesperson, Ronnie Shikapwasha said the comment was aimed at misleading the people of Zambia about the type of constitutional provisions that existed before the 1996 constitution relating to the election of the president.

Lieutenant General Shikapwasha told ZANIS in a statement this evening that the system of electing the president in the constitution from 1964 to 1991 was based on the First-Past the Post where a president could win an election by a simple majority.

He said in 1991, the government under the United National Independence Party (UNIP) introduced the 50 per cent plus one vote in an attempt to prevent the MMD from winning the presidential election.
“This lamentably failed as the MMD presidential candidate obtained just over 75 per cent of the votes cast in October 1991,” he said.

General Shikapwasha, who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, explained that the constitution was again amended in 1996 to remove the clause and restored what existed from 1964 to 1991.
“It is a fallacy for the Post Newspaper to claim that the provision for 50 per cent plus one in the election of the president existed from 1964 to 1996,” he said.

He regretted that the newspaper could distort constitutional facts in a ‘shameless manner’ to mislead members of the public and the world at large.

“It is incumbent on The Post Newspaper to admit and correct this constitutional lie contained in their editorial comment today, in the interest of fair and objective journalism,” he said.

General Shikapwasha added, “Even when we disagree, it is extremely important for the Zambian people to be told the truth so that they can come to an informed judgment”.

ZANIS

editor
editorhttp://www.lusakatimes.com

56 COMMENTS

  1. BRAVO ZAMBIA PATRIOTS!

    Today reason has again prevailed over the 50+1 Clause in the constitution.Democracy has overwhelmingly won.

    260 Votes against 50+1 Clause

    184 Votes for

    2 Votes spoils

    The matter now headed for a referendum for a final decision then enactment.New People’s constitution here we come.

  2. BRAVO ALL SELFLESS ZAMBIAN PATRIOTS!

    Today reason has again prevailed over the 50+1 Clause in the constitution.Democracy has overwhelmingly won.

    260 Votes against 50+1 Clause

    184 Votes for

    2 Votes spoils

    The matter now is headed for a referendum for a final decision then enactment.New People’s constitution here we come.

  3. Hello Rev Ron! And why did the MMD remove in 1996! Was it not to stay in power? It matter less whether is there in 1964 or not. The fact is that it was in existance during the 1991 elections. I guess you just have to just give the pros and cons of the system for us to make an informed decision now that the NCC failed to decide as they YES and NO votes both failed to obtained the 2/3 majority! And if the NCC is using the more than 50% to pass a clause, why can’t they also let be for the Presidential elections! Isn’t this double standards?

  5. If from Wikepedia, this definition is correct, then,what is the point when majority of Zambians already (according to my understanding) are for the 50+ 1? Is not the “majorty of zambians” the “entire electorate”?

    A referendum (also known as a plebiscite or a ballot question) is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal.

  7. I think this is a good result, that neither camps (those for or against) came out victors on this issue. Now the ball is no longer in one representative’s control, but in the hands of 12 million plus Zambians who willde cide whether they want to risk their resources on re-runs, or uphold democracy to the highest order, by ushering in a popularly elected president. Iam yet to be convinced that our present society can allow for such a clause, with the kind of impataince exhibited by politicians, who declare themsleves victors way before the electral comission releases the final results.

  8. Just to clarify further, the previous Commissions sanctioned by the same Government or Previous Governments already know that the majority of the zambians are for the 50+1, why spend more resources for or on a REFERENDUM that, through the Commissions, the majority of Zambians or the Electorates already stated it is must be in the Constitution? Ironic!!

  11. Citizens’ representatives from all walks of life who are on behalf of the very people whose constitutional making mandate they are carrying have voted by a democratic spread of

    260 Votes against 50+1 Clause

    184 Votes for

    2 Votes spoils

    This technically means the 50+1 will not be part of the new constitution clauses until the referendum is held and considered. In view of time and cost, it will only be resurrected after 2011 during the referendum. With certainty the 2011 elections will be conducted on the new constitution against the threats for Anarchy by Father Bwalya’s Die Zambia movement. This is the dual process of the law in a mature democracy driven by participation. This is forewarning to insulting clubs and hate spewing tabloids that there are no votes in insults.

  12. Kwena Veteran Senior Citizen Ben Kangwa amano yanono. What is here to celebrate? When will you grow up and act your age? Don’t you feel ashamed looking in the mirror and seeing your image but failing to act like a man? What has Banda fed you? Soon you will start celebrating after a call of nature. Grow up you nincompoop. You have called people here as Kaponyas and cadres but you are the noe who acts more than both. You are worse than a Kaponya. You are acting like those fools who worked for Sadam. What is here to celebrate?

  13. Senior citizen..You’ve obviously had ur time..It’s people like u that cant see beyond the few days u have left of ur life..50+1 is beneficial for everyone including RB..Who will argue against a majority president? If Zambians can not get past their personal gains we as a country will get nowhere.Every first world country has a majority President,why then can’t us Zambians(supposedly) one of the pioneers of democracy on the continent not see that this is progressive.. We set the bar for democracy in 1991 for Africa and basically everyone else has left us where we were in 91..I blame our leaders.. When I say leaders not RB but everyone who came before him because to get here this didn’t happen in the last 2 years.That said this is his chance to build a legacy for himself as a selfless…

  14. Veteran Senior Citizen Ben Kangwa, does your spouse know that you are the waste simpleton to walk this earth? What does think about your rants? Anyway she is too old to read considering that you are married to the oldest woman in Zambia. Thank God you have no children as that would have been a very bad gene to leave or spread on this good earth. God saw who you were and denied you the beauty of having kids. Your mind is so twisted that you sometimes don’t even know whether you are going or coming. I remember your loner life at Hone. Now I see why your workmates late Timmy Mvula, Fred Mushimbalume, Chewe Chiluba, Mangani Phiri, Lackson Ntani never interacted with you at Hone. Unfortunately, you will never change or grow up. That is the saddest part of your life.

  15. Good Evening

    I did not read the editorial comment in The Post but Gen. Shikapwasha’s explanation somehow makes sense. I am yet to research more widely on this part of the constitution relating to the electing of the president because I find it rather confusing compared to other countries – e.g. Germany, where the President can be elected by a slim majority of the Federal Assembly (Bundestag).

    In any case, I agree with his last statement; people need to know the truth in order to make an informed judgment. However, it also appears to me that most Zambians do not show a lot of interest in the constitution – just note the low number of contributors… and yet the Constitution is the most important document for citizens of a democratic state!

  16. # 14,

    I don’t know how my apolitical blessed wife and kids you wantonly keep insulting on these thread will help you in your mental slide.Here you are daily insulting God that he has not blessed me with kids when i have a strong team of genius children.I don’t where my wife and kids come in your insulting trajectory after failing to curve my unflinching patriotism?

  17. # 14,

    Have you ever thought of someone here naturally baren reading your insults on God and those you are deluded are childless? I will never laugh at a Childress person but pray for them because you are insulting God and God’s wrath could just sweep you hard.Read about Ruth in the Bible.Stop insulting God because i’m blessed with a woman of my youth who is also accomplished with kids you would keep admiring every day.FYI,in the 2016 elections i may enter active politics and one of my sons may be actively with me on the trail.

  18. Citizens’s representatives have patriotically refused to subscribe to the agenda of micro-nationalism. This opposition party schism the country has witnessed is not only in the rank and file of PF kaponya party but now also engulfed the UPND political gladiators. Many PF and UPND pro-democracy progressives called rebels by their fascistic party leadership are now saying they cheerfully voted with the people on their people’s behalf. This is evidence enough that progressives will never agree on contending and complex political issues with the anachronistic political junks like Sata in self delusion that Zambia evolve around their insulting mindset.

  19. The reason for this noticeable opposition fragmentation is because of Sata’s anachronistic politics of anti-democracy tyrannical leadership full of mental inability to see the big picture and embrace progressive national agenda and members that can take principled stand on issues such as the just unfolded politico-tragedic drama in the polity. Sata’s dependence of handicapped and skills less cadres like # 14 here who are ever insulting and amiss even on the identity of a simple person like me daily using unscrambled communication, is his liability.

  20. It’s unfortunate that the few once well respected and erudite lawyers and impressionists like Given Lubinda then under late Anderson Mazoka now under the fascistic Sata have surprisingly taken dangerous and indefensible political stand that do not only run contrary to the people’s will on the constitution and the rule of law, but also negates the principle of due process, commonsense, fairplay, justice and equity for personality cult politics of shoving unstable man on a stable and sober citizenry.

  21. I wish we could engage in a more constructive dialogue regarding such important issues rather than antagonize each other here. We may not always see eye to eye but that is no reason to get personal and unleash punches under the belt by attacking a blogger’s family members.

    Patriotic or Non-Patriotic, Senior or Junior, Home or Abroad – we are all Zambians (or at least we feel attached to Zambia) and may this forum serve to converge us instead of dividing us. This is my plea.

    Good night and God bless.

  22. what this means is that PF and UPND have refused to serve the people.Instead, they have opted to serve a tabloid through insults.

  23. I really don’t know the God you are talking about. Is he the one who sends to insult political leaders in opposition? You can evoke the name of God but probably He knew what will come of you hence buchibola. Being Baren is not of God but the devil that dwells in you and those that support your insults. If God did that to you probably He had a very strong reason.

  25. SENIOR CITIZEN,IT LOOKS LIKE YOU REALLY HAVENT PASSED THE STAGE OF WETTING YOUR BED.IT SEEMS LIKE YOU HAVENT REALLY MATURED AS A HUMAN BEING AND ALOOF ON THE ISSUES PREVAILING IN THE WORLD AND ZAMBIA TODAY.YOU SEEM TO HAVE NO REASON ON ANY ISSUE,YOU ARE TOO SUBJECTIVE.TRY TO SEE THE PROS AND CONS OF NOT ONLY WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS RIGHT BUT WHAT YOU DONT BELIEVE TO BE RIGHT TOO.YOU SEEM TO HAVE A ONE TRACK MIND.PLZ CONTRIBUTE CONSTRUCTIVELY.YOUR TOO OLD TO THINK LIKE A 1ST GRADER.

  26. The fact is RB has always been a very dull Individual. He is a naturally a dull person who coupled with his age has become worse. By his standards the guy really tries and is working very hard, but that’s not the level we’ve looking at in the 21st Century. The only problem is that he can’t function in this ERA!!!!! His level of thinking and understanding is from the 1960’s, and that’s where it ought to remain.

  27. If what Ronnie has said is correct then Its very unfortunate that the post published such an article without rechecking. However, the institution should not be changed for the sake of satisfying selfish current politicians.The constitution should suit everyone be it the ruling party or opposition.If only the Law makers were independent like in other countries, things would be better.

  28. Fellow Zambians please rember this simple majority or PAST POST what ever was introduced into our consititution by Mr. Fredick Chiluba together with the Citizen Clause just before the 1996 general elections. The aim was for MMD to win the elections at all costs. This was the time when the MMD had become extremely un popular due to loss of jobs and high food prices which came about as a result of privatization. Chiluba was afraid that Unip under KK would bounce back and sort him (Chiluba) out. As result(of barring KK) Unip boycotted the elections. Veteran and CS will deliberately forget this history because they are enjoying in MMD. By the way if this CS is the BK I know who was Unip when did he become MMD?

  29. I thought the only change that was introduced in 1990 was the reintroduction of multiparty democracy? Anyway, whatever. We will vote for this provision to be in the constitution, and Shikaz and Co, you will cry. I also propose that we vote on the clause to recall MPs.

  30. #14 Kalos2020 – You have lost your marbles and you need to be ashamed of yourself. If you have a personal vendetta against someone certainly this is a wrong forum and you need to stick to the topic at hand. Coming to the topic, the Post newspaper’s mission to bend facts in favour of Sata will not do the pact any good let alone the Zambian electorate. Let us all go for what is good for mother Zambia.

  31. One cannot believe what comes out of Ronnie’s mouth. Does Ronnie read/research enough before making comments as Chief Govt spokesman. This man is misleading the nation.

  33. KALOS2020, it’s about time you stopped the nonsence of accusing ben kangwa of being senior citizen.if the fact that ben is in foreign service hurts you so much exert more energy in championing sata’s cause so that if by fluke he won the presidency he can consider you.

  36. Dear Blogers, both the Post and the General are correct. How can that be? Well, we had 50+1 during the one party participatory democracy in that after the SOLE candidate had been appointed, he was to ganner more than 51% “YES” votes. If he got less than this, the UNIP general conference was to meet again and choose another or present the same candidate again. This never happened because KK always got 85-98% against the “Frog.” The 1964 to 1970 constitution was only used in 1969 elections because KK became President on pre 1964 elections where UNIP and ANC coalition government gave him the Prime Ministerialship. Ok, go back to Civics notes. But the General is a bit wrong.

  37. Cant this man just shut up?its like he’s got a comment for anything that is said that threatens his job.If they think RB is popular, why are they afraid of the 50+1?If RB can be global trotting on weekly basis, why should we fail to have a re-run?after all, we are the tax payers!

  38. ZAMBIANS! WHY WASTE MONEY ON THINGS WHICH WE HAD DECIDED IN PAST THREE COMMISSIONS THAT WE WANT A MAJORITY PRESIDENT. WHY ARE PIPO SO SCARED OF 50 plus 1 SYSTEM?

    TIRED AND SICK OF SELFISH POLITICIALS WHO ONLY LOOK AT THEIR INTERESTS.]
    [-(

  39. Futuristically speaking, if we were to adopt the 50% + 1, what will happen if ten re-runs are done but still there is no one with such majority? Coalition government? or infinity re-runs until we exhaust all our country resources? Or we say 50%+1 limited to two re-runs and if two re – runs fail default shall be simple majority based on average of two re-runs? Or we say after abortive two – re-runs change candidates re-apply 50%+1 and again if it fails so what people???????????????????????

  40. This man is now irritating us mwe, you better start saving your time is up my friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  42. Iwe senior citizen we will see what the people will say on the 50 + 1 not the NCC which right from the begining had MMD cardres in the majority.

  43. This dull chima Gen. never ceases to annoy! By the way 260 for and 184 against! Do not mis-represent facts! The Post will finish you the way they finished Ka Chiluba, Mushota, Bonaventure Mutale and LPM. Just be on the defensive! You are neither holy nor pure, and your stinking mess will be seen in broad day light. Are all soldiers this dull?
    Shika is a political bootlicker of infinity capability! Any opportunistic infection like TB which his masters are suffering from. Do not believe these very annoying setiments by some usual Bloggers, they are paid mercenaries! 50%+1 we will vote in the referandum while your ***es are who*ed up in the fu*king states. We know how some of you went there and now perpetual refugees, with not enough dime to return home, washing dishes and scrabing floors…

  44. 35
    THE SAINT You are 100% right and I wonder why some people cant tell the truth. We are not as illitrate as Ronnie would want us to be.
    The other thing is people like Nevers Mumba were totally against Multi Party politics because to them that was a recipe for blood shed in the country- he actually said there was going to be blood shed. But where is Nevers to day? In America reaping where he did not sow. MMD should just do what is good for Zambia because one day they will be in opposition and the same laws that they are making to fix the opposition will be used against them. Lets hope they will not accuse the then government of oppression when these laws are used

  45. Anti 50+1, word of advice. The masses of Zambia have the last say on this matter. NCC is just a dress rehearsal. Tekanyeni! #41,Wa landa bwino sana. Its not over until the fat lady sings. In this case, the masses are the fat one.

  46. Zambians are very bad historians and that is why some people take us for rides. One problem is that the archives are controlled by the government. I have access to old Northern Rhodesia and Zambian news through the British Times Newspaper archives and it is amazing how we carry on making the same mistakes. It could be true that ‘history teaches us that man learns nothing from history.’ The people outside government today, make certain demands and once they are in government, they change their tune. Edith Nawakwi for example was one of the most intolerant of Chiluba’s ministers, until she realised that she was not his annointed successor, and so was Sata. None of them spoke against the constitution …

  47. cont’d from 45…
    None of them spoke against the constitution that was hastily brought in in 1996 specifically to bar one person from contesting the Presidential election. If the MMD were so popular and a strong party, why were they afraid of Kaunda? People forget that today’s government will be tomorrow’s opposition and when constitutions are drawn up, they should never be used to serve self interests. The 50+1 argument has pros and cons. The single most important con is that it will be a costly exercise. If this has to work there will have to be limits to the number of presidential candidates at some point in the process. The biggest pro is that a majority leader is elected, but what if his party is minority in parliament? Friends, let us think again.

  48. Senior Citizen is not really senior in the head! If you mess up the country now, who is going to look after you in old age? You will have a messed up country to an angru youth that will keep bashing you for what you are doing.

  49. #5 Please check the 50+1 majority you are refering to. The majority of the NCC vote was against the 50+1 the only problem is that they did not make 2/3 majority in other words the vote against 50+1 strong enough in terms of numbers to taken as final. Assuming we had a 50+1 in the consititution and the voting is conducted by the ZEC in 2011, if no presidential candidate gets 50+1 % votes unless there is a coalition the voting must be conducted again like what happened in Ghana and Zimbabwe. The question is who will provide the money for the second voting if we are borrowing or even begging to conduct by-elections? Remember! we have been receiving “gifts” or grants as election support for many years from ” cooperating partners”.

  52. Stan Bouchos as previously posted is NOrth Queenslands foremost authority, sorry for any confusion I may have caused. Stan is a bastion of nq society.

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  54. **==

    where is Nevers Mumba, he is a liar, he lied that it will be a demotion to be appointed a minister or to be in politics on the programme Frank Talk by Frank Mutubila, wat a man of God. Nevers which God do you refer to?

  55. I do consider all the concepts you’ve introduced on your post. They’re really convincing and can certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for starters. May you please extend them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.

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