tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3193657643279654082024-02-19T06:00:22.983-08:00Foundation for Democratic Process"Power in the Service of the People"Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-70542623999642455592015-01-20T05:10:00.000-08:002015-01-20T05:10:07.473-08:00MID-DAY UPDATE STATEMENT ON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
FOUNDATION FOR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
MID-DAY UPDATE STATEMENT ON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
PRESS STATEMENT
13:00hrs, 20 January 2015
For Immediate Release:
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) wishes to commend the voters for turning up in large numbers to exercise their democratic right by taking part in the elections.
In nearly all polling stations covered, FODEP monitors were allowed access to the polling stations. However, in some areas, such as Kabwata constituency in Lusaka, FODEP monitors were refused access by ECZ officials who demanded for authorization letters despite having accreditation cards.
Since opening time, our monitors have reported that the elections have proceeded smoothly without disruptive incidents, thus far. FODEP wishes to commend all electoral stakeholders – Political Parties and their members, the Police, and the electorate - for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner and allowing for a peaceful voting, thus far.
FODEP monitors from across the country report that most of the polling stations covered had opened in good time with fairly long queues in the early mornings. However, some polling stations are reported to have opened late to very late, with others opening as late as 10:20hrs for various reasons ranging from late delivery of Ballot Papers and other materials by the ECZ due to rainy weather and electoral staff:
• In Katuba and Keembe constituencies of Chibompo district, about 7 polling stations received their election materials at 10:20 due to bad weather in the morning. Also affected were Icumvwe and Musungashi polling districts.
• Lumbuka polling station in Petauke district was as at 08:36hrs not opened as the Presiding Officer was reportedly not present at the polling station.
FODEP is concerned with some reported incidents that border on the violation of the smooth conduct of the elections as reported from the Monitors:
• Some overzealous political sympathizers are reported to have been going round urging or canvasing for votes even beyond the campaign period ended yesterday at 18:00hrs. For instance in Kapiri-mposhi district around 07:56 hours today, it is alleged that an unregistered green vehicle (Mitsubishi Pajero) branded in PF regalia was seen making rounds between the Fire Brigade and Kawama residential areas campaigning.
• In Lusaka’s Kaunda Square Basic School, a UPND political agent was seen campaigning as he was flashing the party symbol, and yet the campian period was closed at 18:00hrs yesterday (19 January 2015)
• FODEP is concerned that a considerable number of voters are being turned away from voting due to errors committed by ECZ on the voters’ register. In many polling stations, such as Ibolelo Polling Station in Serenje, many voters were turned away on grounds that their names were not appearing on the voters’ register despite producing the electorate producing valid voters cards.
• We are equally concerned on the alleged acts of intimidation on the electoral staff by some senior party members. At Woodlands B Polling Station, Hon Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, Prof Nkandu Luo, is reported to have threatened some electoral staff with dismissal for allegedly working with the opposition. We wish to urge party officials to desist from such intimidation and leave the electoral staff to professionally carry out their work
FODEP would like to urge the Electoral Commission of Zambia to investigate reality of these claims and ensure enforcement of the electoral laws and code of conduct.
FODEP monitors report that the recently announced shifting of locations for Polling stations in some parts of the country have brought about some inconvenience and confusion in some electorate, and could affect the turnout of voters:
• In Mwinilunga district, Northwestern province, the electorate are reported to have shunned casting their vote due to the relocation of the polling station from FTC to Kanyikombwe primary school;
• In Ndola, the shifting of the polling station for Chibesakunda polling district from Lubuto High school to Lubuto Community School, which is already too congested by a number of streams, is reported to have cause considerable inconvenience to the voters.
We therefore would like to urge the Electoral Commission of Zambia to continue announcing information relating to changes of polling stations for all areas where the polling stations have been shifted to reduce any further confusion among the electorate in affected areas.
We wish to encourage all voters who may not have cast their votes at this time to go and cast their votes before the close of polls at 18:00hrs.
FODEP monitors are on the ground to continue monitoring and will share its comprehensive assessment of the electoral process after taking into account the remaining part of the voting process, counting and tabulation of election results.
Issued by
___________________
Sheperd Chilombe,
FODEP President
0977465924/0977874198
Lusaka, 20 January 2015
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-34590065808097958722014-12-03T01:46:00.000-08:002014-12-03T01:46:18.644-08:00ALLIANCE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE (AGG) STATEMENT AHEAD OF 20th JANUARY 2015 ISSUED AT FODEP HOUSE ON 3RD DECEMBER, 2014
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
The Alliance for Good Governance has been observing the political and economic developments in the country before, during and after the death of President Michael Chilufya Sata. Some of the events that have occurred since have not been inspirational.
The Alliance feels strongly that politics is too important and precious to be left only in politicians and has become ever more aware that the life of our nation is not a responsibility of a group of people or leaders alone but the common social responsibility of all the citizens. Good governance is about elected leaders being accountable and responsive to the needs of the people and about people ready to hold their leaders accountable.
AGG has observed the bizarre tendencies of corruption, culture of lies, dishonesty as well as tribal and political violence which seem to be getting deep-rooted in the Zambian society and we feel that no external law will easily uproot them EXCEPT we ourselves change our attitude and behavior. Therefore, we don't expect citizens to continue tolerating such tendencies among politicians. Time to hold them against their promises is now.
From the onset, the Alliance is concerned with increased levels of intra-party intolerance and confusions which potentially pose a great threat to the growth of party and national democracy. In this regard, we call on PF and MMD leadership to resolve their internal leadership wrangles immediately to instill political and electoral confidence in the public. What is happening in these parties can be best described as total political anarchy.
In this vein, AGG is proud to hold this briefing to add its voice on a number of issues that have rocked the country. We note that over the months, political squabbles have become the order of the day and are potentially threatening the very fabric of our political and democratic system.
The happenings in MMD and PF are not inspirational and require immediate solution to preserve the unity and the peace in these two major political parties in particular and the nation at large. They cannot continue fighting when they are supposed to be governing or indeed provide checks and balances in the governance process of the country.
For the PF, they have not handled their affairs properly before, during and after the death of President Sata. The party has not exhibited any maturity and good leadership traits hence the continued infighting which is affecting the management of national affairs.
We hoped the convention would unite and refocus the party on serving Zambians ahead of presidential election to our surprise, what has come out is a widen political rift between the contending parties.
As a party in power, their continued wrangling has had serious spillover effects as evidenced by government's failure to resolve the payment of farmers' dues despite the rainy season commencing. The money to the farmers being held by the government was supposed to be used to buy farming inputs and other farm essentials. This non-payment of the farmers will greatly affect next year's harvest and consequently household food security of many.
With this in mind, AGG wants to ask all presidential candidates to address the following governance issues
1. The Constitution Reform Process: AGG expects the new government to quickly enact a new people driven constitution. We are gratified that some presidential candidates have already pledged their commitment to the enactment of the constitution through the signing of the Presidential Candidate's Pledge developed by the Grand Coalition on the Campaign for People Driven Constitution in Zambia. We expect that more candidates will follow suit and make this public commitment than just offering lip service to the process. The new constitution therefore will require a new mentality and new social attitude towards the common good;
2. Legal Reforms
a. Review or do away with the NGO Act No. 16 of 2009: AGG expects the new government or administration to do away with the NGO Act which has brought great anguish among civil society. Many civil societies are comfortable with their current status in terms of regulation and it would be an infringement on their freedom of association to force them register under the law which they have rejected.
b. Public Order Act and Penal Code: AGG is greatly concerned the way these pieces of legislation have been applied by the law enforcement agencies in Zambia. The new government should desire to review the laws so that they become in line with the democratic tenets. It will be unfortunate for the incoming government to entertain and embrace such draconian and colonial laws on our statutes books.
c. Access to Information Law: The new government should immediately enact the access to information law to promote anti-corruption crusade and ensure a transparent and accountable governance system in Zambia.
3. Retirement Age and wage and employment free: AGG expects the new government to reverse the statutory instrument that gave birth to the change of retirement age from 55 to 65 years especially taking into account the life expectancy in Zambia and high unemployment levels among the young people and also lift the unilaterally imposed wage and employment freeze.
4. Tradition leadership: AGG is desirous to see that the institution of chieftaincy remain independent of political interference. The previous way of managing chiefdom affairs by the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs has been unpleasant. The ministry was effectively used to create patronage among the chiefs. It is in this vein that AGG appeal to the new government to recognize Mr. Henry Sosala who has suffered public humiliation as Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people.
5. District Realignment: AGG is not averse to the creation of new districts as it is good for effective service delivery. However, AGG is averse to the changing traditional boundaries for any reason. It is for this reason that AGG calls on the new government to review and reverse the realignment of districts back to their origin provinces.
6. Electoral Reforms: as we move towards the presidential election and learning from the past experiences, it becomes clear that electoral reforms are inevitable in Zambia for us to have credible elections in 2016 and beyond. The new government should ambitiously embark on the electoral reforms especially with the enactment of the new constitution.
7. Road Development Agency (RDA): we expect the new government to reverse the relocation of RDA from State House back to the Ministry responsible as it has become apparently difficult to ensure accountability in the conduct of its business.
8. Separation of power and the rule of law: If Zambia's constitutional democracy is to take root and appreciated by majority, the constitution must be respected by all regardless. We expectant that the new government will restore the democratic principles of the separation of power and the rule of law. Currently, the executive is the too powerful as demonstrated by its deliberate and continuous ignoring and overriding decisions and recommendations from other arms of government. For instance, the current happenings where court orders are ignored and parliamentary recommendations are overlooked by the executive are clear signs of the breakdown of the rule of law.
9. By-parliamentary by-elections: If it were not for the breakdown of the rule of law where institutions take their time to make decisions on straight forward matters, AGG expected that Malambo, Mulobezi and Petauke Central parliamentary by-elections would have been held together with the presidential elections. The holding of these by-elections is long overdue and we are a loss to appreciate why the Court has not decided on this matter despite the constitution instructing that once a vacancy is created in an elective office, elections should be held in 90days. With these three constituencies, we are now heading into more than two years without holding these elections making a mockery of our representative democracy.
10. PF presidential Candidates: we are aware of the impasse in the PF camp with regards their presidential candidates. However, of interest to us is that the two claimants are members of parliament who are ineligible to contest the presidential elections as long as they remain in their parliamentary seats. We may seek the interpretation of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) on the meaning of Article 65 which states "a person who holds, or is a validly nominated candidate in an election for, the office of the president shall not be qualified for election as a member of the national assembly" to ascertain whether or not the two parliamentarians should remain in their elective constituency based seats as parliamentarians or relinquish should of one them one be validly get nominated by the party and consequently by ECZ. Does this entail a looming by-election in either Chawama or Matero constituency?
Therefore, despite democracy being a good form of government, it requires that citizens exercise their social responsibility of holding the elected leaders to account. AGG calls on all Zambian citizens to remain vigilant and exercise their social responsibility before, during and after the elections. We encourage them to choose wisely now that another opportunity has been given to them to vote. Time has come to give the leadership mantle to the young generation while the old generation remains as governance, economic, social and cultural advisors to the young leaders. It will be a disservice for old generation to continue blocking young people from taking up political leadership responsibility in the name of lack of experience. How do they get experience when the old people continue to occupy those positions?
To the church, it is not only the conscience of society that you carry but you act as an educator of the society's conscience. It is our belief that the church will provide nonpartisan leadership before, during and after the presidential elections. This goes to the media also and the traditional leadership.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-59856690576129604222014-10-30T03:56:00.000-07:002014-10-30T03:56:48.322-07:00FODEP PRESS RELEASE -UNTIMELY PASSING ON OF THE PRESIDENT-HIS EXECELLENCY MR MICHEAL CHILUFYA SATA href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUF5Po5GHXVnd9Mp40iucyFv84BtUj7ZDP56TtbyG4dtxpffbk9_c05MhAo4OmKjFXjlWEAChOrjw56zPeJnGaf0q40PfA-DxygAjhgzNwvZKBgYmnm-gQG4NJ97OtOWJKBhXazHmTE0q/s1600/Press+Release+on+the+Untimely+passing+of+His+Excellence+Mr.+michael+chilufya+Sata.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUF5Po5GHXVnd9Mp40iucyFv84BtUj7ZDP56TtbyG4dtxpffbk9_c05MhAo4OmKjFXjlWEAChOrjw56zPeJnGaf0q40PfA-DxygAjhgzNwvZKBgYmnm-gQG4NJ97OtOWJKBhXazHmTE0q/s400/Press+Release+on+the+Untimely+passing+of+His+Excellence+Mr.+michael+chilufya+Sata.jpeg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-66268281541639200812014-10-09T06:09:00.000-07:002014-10-09T06:09:38.265-07:00Gender In Politcs -Malawi supported by International IDEA We have spent this week working towards fostering and engendering gender in politics and decision making in Malawi with a number of countries participating in the meeting....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-81364791640198549422014-10-08T04:05:00.000-07:002014-10-08T04:05:04.806-07:00Does the subject refelect what is on the ground? Are we benefiting from this kind of investment at community level? Is it just there for documentation purposes?
ZAMBIA has the highest inflow of Foreign Direct Investment among the 16 Landlocked Developing Countries in Africa, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Speaking at a special event on facilitating the participation of LLDCs in regional and global community value chain, UNCTAD New York office chief Chantal Carpentier said FDI flows to LLDCs fell by 11 per cent in 2013, and that the Asian group of LLDCs experienced the largest fall in FDI flows of nearly 50 per cent.
“Despite a mixed picture for African LLDCs, eight of the 16 LLDCs economies increased their FDI inflows, with Zambia attracting the most at $1.8 billion,” said Carpentier.
At the same function, transport minister Yamfwa Mukanga urged LLDCs to strive to attain sustainable development and save the lives of the people from the poverty circle.
“Our major pre-occupation should be to find lasting solutions to the challenges we face through diversification of our economies, value-addition to the commodities we produce, and enhancing our competitiveness which will enable us join regional and global value chains,” Mukanga said according to a statement issues by first secretary for press and public relations at Zambia’s permanent mission to the United Nations, Chibaula Silwamba, adding that “This will inevitably call for greater cooperation in fundamental transit policies, laws and regulations with our transit neighbours.”
He expressed gratitude that UNCTAD continually advocated for a comprehensive development-centred agenda for LLDCs to address transport, transit and trade facilitation challenges.
Mukanga called on development partners to assist LLDCs invest in infrastructure, development institutions, enhancement of entrepreneurship, training of human resource and skills development, technology acquisition and impart technological know-how in the people.
“Regional integration and cooperation should be strengthened under the new concept of developmental regionalism to develop regional infrastructure networks which would in turn enhance competitiveness and increase productive capacities,” he said. “Unlocking the trade potential of LLDCs will also require the prioritisation of energy supply.”
Presenting a case study on Zambia, economist and interregional consultant Lindani Ndhlovu said the country should work with its neighbours within the Regional Economic Community (REC) to develop infrastructure and reduce the cost of transport and electricity.
“Build a more substantial and diversified industrial base for Zambia, using the catalytic force of the large mining investments. Facilitate the development of the manufacturing sector to increase opportunities for beneficiation of copper,” said Ndhlovu.
The discussion - organised by UNCTAD, the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) and the UN OHRLLS - focused on the challenges, opportunities and the way forward for the development of the 32 landlocked developing countries.
In July, the African Union said; “In recent years Zambia witnessed a substantial 93 per cent rise in investments compared to 2011, a feature attributable to a well-managed economy and a peaceful transfer of power.”- <b>Article Written By Masuzyo Chakwe-The Post - Zambia records highest FDI inflow among LLDCs- Oct 3rd 2014<i></i></b>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-63004593875186246542014-09-17T07:24:00.001-07:002014-09-17T07:24:22.932-07:00PEG Net Conference on Employment strategies in the Developing World - How to create sufficient, productive and decent jobsFODEP will be exhibiting at this year's PEG Net Conference on Employment strategies in the Developing World - How to create sufficient, productive and decent jobs
organized by the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) at the New Government Complex in Lusaka, Zambia
September 18-19, 2014 Conference tomorrow at Government Complex. Come and See what we have to offerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-55362332314153899102014-08-19T06:35:00.000-07:002014-08-19T06:35:12.556-07:00Up Dates from the Mangango By-Elections From our monitors in Mangango, Voting commence at 06:00 this morning. the overall situation: There are no signs intimidation or violence so far, voter turnout is avarage across polling stations. this Morning at 11:00 Chief Mwenemutondo of the Nkoya Speaking people cast his vote at Mutondo Primary School in Mangango constituency. This is an indication of the importance he has attached to the by-election and the democratic process of his country.Voter turnout in mangango is average as of 11:00 today 500 out 1832 voters had voted at Mangango primary school, 150 out of 682 voters had voted at Mutondo primary school in Mangango. We will keep you posted Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-60008143713515819042014-08-13T07:40:00.000-07:002014-08-13T07:40:26.322-07:00PEACEFUL NOMINATIONS IN FIVE CONSTITUENCIES, ELATES FODEP
PEACEFUL NOMINATIONS IN FIVE CONSTITUENCIES, ELATES FODEP
Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) would like to express its happiness at the peace that characterized the nomination process in the five (5) constituencies where parliamentary by-elections are scheduled to take place on September 11, 2014.
It is indeed gratifying to learn that the nomination process progressed without any negative electoral incident and that political parties conducted themselves in a mature and disciplined manner throughout the process.
FODEP therefore commends all participating political parties for valuing peace, tolerance, and co-existence during the nomination process, a practice that should always be envied and pursued by all in the coming days when the electoral campaigns heat up.
Now that official campaigns have commenced, it is FODEP’s hope and prayer that concerned stakeholders would operate within and respect the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Electorates would only have confidence in the electoral and political processes if competing political parties, candidates and supporters abhors and avoid violence, corruption and other electoral malpractices but embrace peace and love for each other.
It now remains the role of all stakeholders, the media and the police inclusive, to ensure that the electoral environment continue to remain peaceful and accommodative to all competing parties to canvass support without hindrance. With eroding confidence levels among political parties towards the work of the police to curb electoral violence in the electoral process, FODEP would like to particularly urge the police to redeem themselves by carrying out their duties without partiality to enable a fair playing ground for all players in order to recoup public and stakeholders’ confidence.
FODEP would also like to further remind all civil servants and ministers to desist from using government facilities, transportation and other resources for partisan activities as the act is against Part III Regulation 21(k) of the electoral Act No. 12 of 2006 and Electoral Code of Conduct.
McDonald Chipenzi
Executive Director
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-63614304036211632882014-08-13T07:23:00.000-07:002014-08-13T07:23:34.112-07:00 STATEMENT ON THE FORTHCOMING MANGANGO BY-ELECTIONS IN KAOMA DISTRICT IN WESTERN PROVINCE SLATED FOR 19TH AUGUST, 2014 ISSUED IN LUSAKA ON 10TH AUGUST 2014 AT FODEP HOUSE.
Dear Colleagues,
Introduction
We have decided to call this briefing to update you on the goings-on in Mangango ahead of the by-election in a week’s time scheduled for the 19th August 2014 especially with increasing reports of electoral and political violence being reported almost on daily basis as the day of the vote nears. On Friday, 8th August 2014 Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) officials travelled to Mangango for the following reasons 1) to ascertain reports of electoral and political violence being reported in the area and 2) hold a discussion forum dubbed “Race to Manda Hill Discussion Forum” which was held on Saturday, 9th August, 2014 with the aim of bringing together all aspiring candidates to face the electorates and make their plans for the area.
FODEP is happy to report that in the two days that FODEP spent in Mangango and Kaoma areas respectively, it never witnessed any incident of violence. The people there were complaining of lack of development and the state of the main road to Mangango. The electoral environment was peaceful and tranquil as political parties went on with their business of canvassing for votes.
Race to Manda Hill Discussion Forum: FODEP is glad to report that all the candidates, save for the United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate, Godwin Putu, featured at the Forum held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church grounds on Saturday, 9th August 2014. A number of issues were raised by the aspirants. Among the issues promised by the candidates to do if elected, were; improved and quality social services such as water, health and education. Others include working on the Katunda-Mangango-Lukulu road which is currently in bad state. At the end of the discussion which took almost three hours, the aspirants and their supporters pledged to promote and conduct peaceful and issue based campaigns ahead of the by-elections. The Forum which attracted hundreds of Mangango residents of all sheds, accorded the residents an opportunity to meet and ask questions to their prospective members of parliament which the aspirants ably responded to.
FODEP Observations on the electoral campaigns
However, the following were FODEP’s observations on the Mangango electoral campaigns:
• Some participating political parties, candidates and supporters are engaged in smear campaigns of discrimination based on age and language;
• Treating of voters through the provision of philanthropies such as meat and food is said to be common;
• Presence of pockets of political party officials from others parts of the country such as Lusaka;
• Allegations of involvement of District Commissioners in the campaigns despite them being civil servants
Political violence
However, reports of violence emerged from Luampa where suspected UPND and PF cadres crashed on suspicion that the latter was harboring alleged “thugs from Lusaka” who they accused of causing problems in the area ahead of the local government by-elections and that one of the sub-chief and District Commissioner in the area were allegedly campaigning for the ruling party. This resulted in the alleged beating of a sub-chief by suspected UPND cadres. Fortunately, Hon. Josephine Limata is said to have freed the area after sensing danger. On Sunday, the 10th August, 2014, FODEP received another report of violent campaigns right in Mangango which happened on Saturday 9th August, 2014 at night. The violence is said to have been ignited by suspected PF and UPND cadres over among other things allegation that PF was camped at a government House for their partisan activities leading to UPND cadres wanting to force them out of the premise and also on allegation that PF cadres wanted to block the UPND from holding a campaign rally on account that UPND candidate, Godwin Putu snubbed the public forum FODEP organized in the day that brought together all candidates. This attracted angry reactions from the UPND camp hence fighting ensued. All these incidents could be avoided if the top leadership of the two political parties could be sincere and practical steps are put in place to curbing electoral violence and in promoting electoral harmony and co-existence.
PF and UPND Rivalry
FODEP is at a loss to appreciate the political and electoral rivalry between the PF and the UPND which is growing by the day. Records of their violent crashes are coveted for anyone to see. The vivid ones include events in Livingstone and Mpongwe parliamentary by-elections and Rufunsa local government by-election. The recent ones being in Batoka, Luampa local government by-elections current under way. In this regard, FODEP wants to strongly condemn the recent violent confrontation between the UPND and the PF in Mangango and Luampa areas respectively and demands an immediate end to politics of confrontation in Zambia being practiced and perpetuated by the two rival political parties. This reminds the country of the rivalry that was there prior to the 2011 elections between the PF and the MMD. Zambians should seriously reflect on that this kind of politics never pays but rather discourages people from being part of the political governance process of their own country. The actions of the two political parties do not inspire confidence in the electoral process and has the greatest potential to scare away would be voters in Mangango and other areas where elections are taking place and essentially and especially where the two political parties will be competing. Further, though both political parties have condemned violence in their public statements, this has only remained as lip-service condemnation hence time for them they walked the talk. They should find amicable ways of settling their political differences rather than resorting to confrontations and violence every time there is an election.
The Role of Police and other Law enforcement agencies
FODEP hopes that the presence of Inspector General of Police Ms. Stella Libongani in Mangango will not fuel the situation as it happened in 2010 when the IG’s presence in Mufumbwe caused more violence in the area than peace. The police should not aim at pursuing the suspected committers of violence only but finding a lasting solution to the root-causes of such violence during elections too. The police should at all times try to be fair enough in applying the law. The Anticorruption Commission should also intensify its hunt for the perpetuators of electoral corruption and treating.
District Commissioners in campaigns
The suspected presence of DCs in the campaigns is a breach of the electoral laws and regulations and one expected the police to have swung in action by now but alas inertia has gripped the Zambia Police Force with reasons best known to themselves. The continued involvement of DCs and other government officials in campaign trails of the party in power and also the unfettered use of government resources and facilities by unauthorized government officials could be an instigator of electoral violence hence the need for the employers (President) to instruct the DCs to immediately withdraw from engaging in partisan and active politics. Part III of the electoral Code of Conduct regulation 21(K) the use of government and parastatal facilities, transportation and resources are only limited to the Republican President and Vice-President. Any person who contravenes this regulation commits an offence and is liable on conviction to fine not exceeding 5,000 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both.
Conclusion
FODEP will continue to keenly follow the happenings in all areas where by-elections are to be conducted and would try to place monitors including holding discussion forums, funds permitting. In Mangango, FODEP is already on the ground and receiving reports on a daily basis from its monitors. It is our prayer that Mangango by-election will be held in a peaceful electoral environment and that law enforcement agencies and the people of Mangango will continue to be vigilant and report any suspected perpetrators of violence and electoral malpractice before and during elections.
Way Forward
FODEP is a firm believer that elections are a process of actualizing representative democracy and expose people to the experiences of competition for power through balloting and not battering each other. Elections are means of peaceful and not violent change of leadership in societies be it at local government, parliamentary and presidential level. In as much as FODEP is aware that violence and conflict arise from pursuit of varying interests, goals and aspirations by individuals and or groups, there is no justification whatsoever, for any political party or its cadres in a multiparty democracy like Zambia to employ force to intimidate the opponents. This is undemocratic and an affront to free expression and credible electoral process. The earlier the two political parties provide effective leadership to their cadres and supporters on this thorny issue in the electoral process the better for Zambia and the electoral process in general but if nothing is done till 2016, then the 2016 general elections are threatened with heightened political confrontation and violence. It is in this regard that a new constitution is needed before 2016 general elections as it will be key to resolving some of these electoral and political malaises. This is so because the electoral body will be empowered to decisively deal with such delinquencies in the electoral process.
Leverage
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-46666138121753737802014-08-08T00:41:00.000-07:002014-08-08T00:41:56.909-07:00Race to Manda Hill forum in Mangango this Saturday at 14:00 at Mangango Catholic Parish. Participate in the Race to Manda Hill forum in Mangango this Saturday at 14:00 at Mangango Catholic Parish. #FODEPandHIVOS Let us listen to what contestants have to say as they sell their manifestos.....FODEP Executive Director Mr McDonald Chipenzi will be in Mangango for this important meetingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-91587944712540692442014-07-28T07:34:00.000-07:002014-07-28T07:34:16.804-07:00MANGANGO BY-Elections Statement by FODEP Exective Director Mr McDonald Chipenzi Foundation for Democratic Process
FODEP House, Omelo Mumba Road,
Press statement
Foundation For Democratic Process
Omemlo Mumba Road
Rhodespark,
P. O. Box 32387,
Lusaka, Zambia
Tel-fax: 236281/236275
E-mail: fodep@coppernet.zm
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7wF4aBU0IsiQCDTgBNJbK6ovryYnFemk4HmN8QKMD4BJrSkYTWycsMldZlquAYxhl6EP9X2KmoxkhuhRn8TSnvDZWWf04pG9u3xeyk3fJt2fhtmlnwJp0QefgMrfwEm8L1DLkzPpm2wF/s1600/Image+%25281020%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7wF4aBU0IsiQCDTgBNJbK6ovryYnFemk4HmN8QKMD4BJrSkYTWycsMldZlquAYxhl6EP9X2KmoxkhuhRn8TSnvDZWWf04pG9u3xeyk3fJt2fhtmlnwJp0QefgMrfwEm8L1DLkzPpm2wF/s320/Image+%25281020%2529.jpg" /></a>
28/07/2014
FOUNDATION for Democratic Process (FODEP) is disturbed by reports of electoral and political violence and vote-buying ahead of the Mangango by-election scheduled for 19th August, 2014.
FODEP is in receipt of unpleasant reports of political confrontation which erupted over the weekend at Pumulo Take Away at the Kaoma Boma-Mongu Road Junction in Kaoma yesterday.
After consultations with FODEP monitors and other stakeholders in Kaoma, FODEP has established that some named senior government officials were at the center of the mayhem that happened at Pumulo Take-Away sparked by some named politicians for allegedly replacing GRZ vehicle number plates with private ones, an act which incensed other players.
FODEP finds such acts blatant abuse of public resources and facilities and expected that the perpetrators could have been arrested by now by the relevant authorities such as the Zambia Police Force and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The fact the perpetrators are still scot-free, demands that relevant law enforcers should take keen interest in arresting the situation before it is out of hand. In this vein, FODEP demands the immediate probing of politicians involved in replacing government number plates with private ones.
FODEP is also in receipt of reports of vote-buying through the dishing of money to unsuspected electorates and civil servants involvement in the campaigns in Mangango such as District Commissioners. Such acts are sources of electoral provocation, misunderstanding and conflict and those involved should stop with immediate effect.
FODEP continue to appeal to all stakeholders in Mangango to desist from engaging themselves in electoral malpractices and further remind all players that Mangango by-election was as a result of nullification due to electoral malpractices, which should be avoided at all cost.
FODEP finds it unfortunate that after weeks of a tranquil electoral environment in Mangango, some irresponsible politicians, mostly non-Mangango residents, want to disturb the peace obtaining and create an atmosphere unconducive for the holding of a free and fair electoral process.
In this regard, FODEP urges the police and other relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that peace is preserved in Mangango by applying the law fairly to all players rather than protecting individuals at the expense of public peace, tranquility and harmony.
FODEP will continue to monitor and expose any inimical activities to a credible electoral process ahead of the Mangango by-elections and request all persons with information on electoral malpractices to report to FODEP officials in Mangango or indeed contact secretariat in Lusaka.
Finally, in pursuant of accountability among elected leaders through the fulfillment of campaign promises, FODEP will be holding a “Race to Manda Hill Public Discussion Forum” in Mangango in the next two weeks aimed at bringing all aspiring candidates to a common platform to communicate their manifestoes and promises to the electorate.
McDonald Chipenzi
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
______________________________________________________________________________
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-5501551754388266492014-07-17T03:03:00.000-07:002014-07-17T03:03:24.004-07:00Pre Elections Statement Issued By FODEP Executive Director - Mr McDonald Chipenzi -July 17th 2014FOUNDATION for Democratic Process (FODEP) is calling on all stakeholders in the electoral process to strongly advocate for the application and invoking of the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct of 2011 throughout the electoral cycle to take care of premature electoral campaigns in the country.
This is so because of the prevalence of premature electoral campaigns conducted by prospective candidates across the country ahead of the 2016 tripartite elections where some aspiring candidates have already started pasting campaign posters and other electoral propaganda materials.
For instance, aspiring candidates in Kabwata Constituency in Lusaka Urban District of Lusaka Province from various political parties are already in high gear conducting electoral campaigns even when there is no pending by-election in sight.
FODEP expressing great concerns with the trend especially that the electoral Act No. 12 of 2006 and Code of 2011 only applies and allows the use of electoral propaganda and campaigns materials by aspiring candidates during an election campaign which under the Act and the Code is determined by the Commission.
The pasting of campaign posters on electrical poles other buildings by prospective aspiring candidates in Kabwata Constituency when Commission has not determined election timetable for the campaigns is of great concern and should be censured by the relevant authorities.
It is also a wake up call to both the ECZ and CSOs in the electoral process to explore the possibility of effecting the provisions of the electoral Code during the pre-nomination periods to arrest some of the irregularities and malpractices that prospective candidates may be involved in currently outside the jurisdictions of the provisions of Code and the Act.
Applying and invoking the provisions of the Act and the Code throughout the electoral cycle will enable the Commission, Zambia Police Force, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and other relevant bodies censure erring aspiring candidates when breaches of the Code and the electoral Act are noticed, which has proved to be difficult at the moment.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-50007065554196058322014-07-17T01:23:00.000-07:002014-07-17T01:23:35.412-07:00Tracking Electoral Campaign promises in Zambia.A project Supported by HIVOS.FODEP secretariat today travels to three provinces, Chipata in Eastern Province, Ndola in Copperbelt Province and Choma in the southern Province. We are will be Holding training seminars for Political parties in the respective districts on Friday July 18th 2014. this is in line with the project Tracking Electoral Campaign promises in Zambia.A project Supported by HIVOS.
We will be featuring on Local Radio Stations before, during and after the trainings...Make a date with us and contribute to the improvement of our democracy and governance system in Zambia.#FODEPandHivosAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-25470087954564382092014-07-17T01:16:00.000-07:002014-07-17T01:16:27.040-07:00FODEP launches State of Democratic Accountability in Zambia Project Supported by the Finish Embassy in Zambia-July 15th 2014We launched the State of Democratic Accountability in Zambia Project Supported by the Finish Embassy in Zambia at Taj Pamodzi Hotel.This is in line with FODEP’s vision of “seeing the attainment of a democratic Zambia where government is accountable to its citizens and in which all citizens freely and willingly participate in social, political and economic affairs of the country.
The Project will be implemented in three provinces namely Northwestern, Northern and Muchinga provinces.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOWU8jqULpxNHilvl7LuQ51V7gGtcivUj-n9CYJ180ff690YVe4EZeYvjiheM6b42tt3sUmocEcCR-eOitPW02Sm7YLbp1kDLSoKKnW7tJ71RNVi5LK1ijh-kk5y4Yjw2tpK_KtZwbLmf/s1600/100_1959.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOWU8jqULpxNHilvl7LuQ51V7gGtcivUj-n9CYJ180ff690YVe4EZeYvjiheM6b42tt3sUmocEcCR-eOitPW02Sm7YLbp1kDLSoKKnW7tJ71RNVi5LK1ijh-kk5y4Yjw2tpK_KtZwbLmf/s400/100_1959.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTemZPg2kNCCrbpzp98NBOd9iyUw1sopQNEJdjoiC3kBLRNDNZgkrtc_GPsTShDvqFucKdhtir9INJOtF7lT5jsFOoC5leB3eT4xZb5tJaul2QF6PnVM_0-VHsiP0ljX7YPiLje54REbHl/s1600/100_1942.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTemZPg2kNCCrbpzp98NBOd9iyUw1sopQNEJdjoiC3kBLRNDNZgkrtc_GPsTShDvqFucKdhtir9INJOtF7lT5jsFOoC5leB3eT4xZb5tJaul2QF6PnVM_0-VHsiP0ljX7YPiLje54REbHl/s400/100_1942.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGdnSxu-t30Nrhki75KcP1OQxsbQfBOHv2aMiFlJI0COPApwmp30BVAD29cdlxejh_rMfsraehU5vlfKpzCUA6QJeDt_8zCJBc0MTjH6xj8HIIvsTaYgyHVBUBsUahlH73Cpq17EynPen/s1600/100_1890.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGdnSxu-t30Nrhki75KcP1OQxsbQfBOHv2aMiFlJI0COPApwmp30BVAD29cdlxejh_rMfsraehU5vlfKpzCUA6QJeDt_8zCJBc0MTjH6xj8HIIvsTaYgyHVBUBsUahlH73Cpq17EynPen/s400/100_1890.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55XO4vpaye4xO4IG_jZw5_YVeM6BC23m10HeSvrGFZCRoSRUqrUm1P4m0xmt5-9vVZ6wMCvSoJwJ0GB2qey8Ziqcm_HTMkwuNXrI9dt6uN92ea2Ijg5vlelq4y7fznyUPz-ruBpnoR9vc/s1600/100_1905.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55XO4vpaye4xO4IG_jZw5_YVeM6BC23m10HeSvrGFZCRoSRUqrUm1P4m0xmt5-9vVZ6wMCvSoJwJ0GB2qey8Ziqcm_HTMkwuNXrI9dt6uN92ea2Ijg5vlelq4y7fznyUPz-ruBpnoR9vc/s400/100_1905.JPG" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-47406582559810921712014-06-30T01:53:00.000-07:002014-06-30T01:53:53.808-07:00The Struggle for Our Constitution -U-Tube video clips from consitutional campaigns <<b>a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD3IywSLJ00"></a></b>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j-ZWyTrc34
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ju7V5Pt4K8
Link for the U-Tube Struggle for a New Constitution.
Following FODEP and other civil society organization's demand for the immediate release of the draft constitution.Here are some of the clips and videos from the campaigns.
It is our duty and responsibility as Zambians to demand what is rightfully ours.Our Constitution!!! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-66690782860949138712014-06-23T07:06:00.000-07:002014-06-23T07:06:01.744-07:00FODEP CONDEMNS THE USE OF GOVERNMENT RESOURCES FOR POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS.FODEP CONDEMNS THE USE OF GOVERNMENT RESOURCES FOR POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) is concerned with the huge delegations accompanying senior government officials pre-texting to be inspecting developmental projects in areas where by-elections are due.
The incident in point is in Siavonga District where almost the entire government system at provincial and district level accompanied Vice-President Dr. Guy Scott in his campaign tour of Mulimya ward ahead of local government by-election in the area.
This is extremely uncalled-for and sheer waste of government resources for personal gain by those involved when the same resources would have been used to resolve water blues and abject poverty affecting the people in the area.
FODEP wonders how Dr. Guy Scott who over the weekend used a helicopter to inspect the Bottom Road works could still be accompanied by convoys of vehicles to Chaanga area where he held a campaign meeting. Senior government officials in the area including District Commissioners, police officers and provincial team led by provincial minister among others were in attendance.
In as much as the electoral laws allows republican Vice-President to use government resources and facilities during election campaigns, a huge government delegation to such meetings is a huge cost to the country which yearns for development.
There is, therefore, need for Dr. Scott to exercise responsibility and prudence in the utilization of such public resources and facilities ahead of the Mangango parliamentary and other local government by-elections schedule for August 2014 to avoid further wastage of public resources.
To other government officials, FODEP would like to remind them that they will be contravening the electoral laws by using government resources such as vehicles for political party activities ahead of the by-elections.
FODEP is instructing all its members staying in by-election areas to report any abuse and misuse of government facilities and resources by those not entitled by law.
McDonald Chipenzi
Executive Director
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-63262312435000092202014-06-10T01:56:00.000-07:002014-06-10T01:56:40.260-07:00FODEP LAUNCHES INTERACTIVE RADIO PROGRAMS IN MONZEFODEP LAUNCHES INTERACTIVE RADIO PROGRAMS IN MONZE
On 8th June 2014 ,In an effort to increase the level of awareness among Zambian voters on the need to hold accountable political parties to fulfill the electoral promises they promise electorates .FODEP has launched a 10 series interactive radio programmes at SKYfm in Monze .In his launching massage Mr. Chipenzi Macdonald called on SKY FM listeners to take interest in the programme by calling in during the radio discussion. The discussants will be drawn from all walks of life to seek clarification and other information that may be of interest.
During the same launch 11 callers applauded FODEP for coming up with that initiative of taking stock of promises that were promised by politicians, this does not mean the stock has to be taken on the ruling party only it includes individual politicians from the opposition as well. Another burning issues was the giving Zambians the long awaited republican constitution in 90 days by the PF many callers expressed disappointment over the failure by PF to deliver the constitution to the Zambian people in 90 days. Another caller by the name of Maputo said as for 2016 elections many Zambians will screen candidates as politicians have taken the people of Zambia for granted. Among the callers Derrick a Youth called on his fellow youths to take interest in ensuring that they vote in 2016
FODEP is appealing for the people to listen to the programme which will be aired every Friday at 10.05.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-43199559877110873802014-06-03T00:52:00.000-07:002014-06-03T00:52:43.514-07:00FODEP Continues to monitor the fulfillment of promises that our leaders make to citizens-PF won’t abuse public funds – KabimbaPATRIOTIC Front (PF) secretary General Wynter Kabimba says the ruling party will never abuse public funds to run its affairs.
Mr. Kabimba, who is also Minister of Justice, said this here on Sunday when he handed over a vehicle for party mobilization to the PF Northern province executive committee.
Mr. Kabimba said when the PF assumed office in 2011, the party leadership made it clear that it would not use public funds for party operations.
“The PF completely separated its party finance from Government so that tax-payers” money can be channeled to development for the benefit of the entire nation,” he said.
Mr. Kabimba said the PF did away with the culture of abusing public fundsbecause it wants to deliver development to the people. “The PF is a transparent party. It uses its own resources to fund its operations as opposed to stealing Government resources,” he said.
Mr. Kabimba said the MMD allegedly entrenched a culture of abusing funds for the benefits of a few members of the party while the poor in all parts of the country continued languishing.
“The PF is interested in bettering people’s lives. That’s why our leader Michael Sata does not even drink mineral water because there are people who cannot even access tap water. The PF will, therefore, steal state funds or other resources,” he said.
And PF Kasama district acting chairperson John Chilopa told Mr. Kabimba that the part is intact in the district. Mr. Chilopa said the opposition is non-existent in the area.
“PF structures in Kasama are intact. No one poses a threat to a party here. We wonder every time we hear some small political parties’ noise in Lusaka,” he said.
Mr. Chilopa thanked the party leadership for donating the vehicle and assured that it will be used for party mobilization.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-22337720305271096052014-05-30T05:16:00.002-07:002014-05-30T05:16:57.083-07:00STATEMENT BY BLACK FRIDAY CAMPAIGNERS ON THE RISING COMMODITY PRICES AND DEPRECIATION OF THE LOCAL CURRENCYSTATEMENT BY BLACK FRIDAY CAMPAIGNERS ON THE RISING COMMODITY PRICES AND DEPRECIATION OF THE LOCAL CURRENCY
Members of the press,
We welcome you to this briefing aimed at updating you on the current socio-economic environment in Zambia.
BENEFITS FROM THE REMOVAL OF SUBSIDIES
The last time we met was last year when we were talking about the unilateral removal of subsidies on maize products and fuel by the government and the envisaged ripple effects on such a decision on the 68% poor and 61% rural people in Zambia due to rising cost of the essential commodities.
You may recall that our advocacy on the need for government to put remedial measures to cushion the chilling impact of the removal of subsidies on the poor and the rural citizens has fallen on deaf government ears. Instead, all sorts of bad adjectives were prefixed on our campaign leading to us being beaten at BIGOCA in Matero on 31 May, 2014.
Ladies and Gentlemen, today marks one year since that regrettable BIGOCA incident happened in Matero where our esteemed and senior citizen Bishop John Mambo and others were severely beaten up by the PF cadres in the Church for speaking out on the plight of poor and the rural citizens. As we are speaking today, we are proud that we have been vindicated because the concerns we had last year have come to pass and now many Zambians have come to appreciate the campaign as evidenced by many institutions calling for the reinstatement of the subsidies.
Though government has failed to resolve the high cost of living, the revelation by the government that there were no savings from the removal of subsidies exposed the lies behind the action. Many of you were made to believe that the savings from subsidies were to be used for the construction of schools and other social amenities. Have those things been done? Has government come back to apologize for cheating you? The answer is no. Where is the accountability from our elected leaders?
Ladies and Gentlemen, as we are gathered here, the prices of essential commodities such as mealie-meal, kapenta, beans, transport costs etc have continued to skyrocket at an alarming trend This upward trend of costs is a threat to the survival of majority Zambians who are living below US$1 a day and to Zambia’s robust construction industry. Currently, the cost of building is now becoming unbearable as the cost of building materials such as, fuel, cement, timber, sand, blocks, and roofing sheets continue to skyrocket. Unless something is done quickly by the government, all the good plans and efforts on the construction of good roads across the country will be meaningless if not fail to be completed. Inversely, the country will have to cough a lot of money to complete the construction of these roads, schools, hospitals and universities as contractors would have to demand either more money or abandoning the projects.
<b>DEPRECIATION OF THE KWACHA</b>
Ladies and Gentlemen, the depreciation of the kwacha is something that is of great concern to us members of the Black Friday demanding for a just society and fair distribution of wealth to all Zambians. This depreciation has spurred an increase in commodity prices across the country. It is important that government quickly arrests the situation before it harms the economy any further. This is the first time local currency is hitting a record K11.00 per pound and the relevant authorities seem to have no clue on how to contain the problem. We challenge the Bank of Zambia and Ministry of Finance to tell the nation exactly what is causing this unprecedented depreciation of the Kwacha. The silence that is coming from these two public offices is surprising. Have they failed to contain the problem? Would we be wrong to speculate that these are wrong persons in these institutions? This depreciation has further impacted on the minimum wage which government, with good, intentions introduced. The purchasing power of the kwacha is now back to pre-minimum wage period making the minimum wage increase meaningless. Government has further punished the workers by unilaterally introducing wage and employment freeze. With the way things are going and without any tangible solutions, we foresee labour unrest in the nearest future. We call on government, the largest employer to immediate lift the wage and employments freeze.
DEBT CONTRACTION
The rate at which Zambia has developed an insatiable appetite for borrowing is very alarming. It seems we are not learning from history because it was just a few years ago when Zambia and Zambians campaigned for debt forgiveness or relief which consequently led to Zambia qualifying to the High Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiatives and Zambia’s external debt was written off. You cannot be proud that your debt is now standing at US$4.2 billion and that since it does not exceed the international required ceiling then it is ok. This is recklessness of the waste kind being committed by people who do not care for the future.
It is surprising that now Zambia seems to be developing an insatiable appetite for debt and this will take the country back into the archives of the 1970s and later mount another campaign for debt relief. This should not be accepted in a country where wealth is plenty but just being mismanaged or tracked properly. Disturbing though is that 60% of Zambia’s GDP is going to personal emoluments coupled with a bloated government and government is not even thinking of reducing the cabinet size.
Our observation is that the current Minister of Finance has again, for the second time, led the country to the contraction of debt which will later be unsustainable. We feel that the argument that the borrowing is within international threshold is unconvincing. To us, it doesn’t matter whether it is sustainable because it is within the threshold or not but the fact that at time of repayment, Hon. Alexander Chikwanda and his team will not be there. So they are just creating a problem for the future generation and the country.
In this vein, we call on Hon. Chikwanda and Bank of Zambia Governor to think their relevance to the positions they currently hold in the face of the poor performance of the local currency and the economy as a whole. We demand that the duo resign before they plunges the country into worse borrowing and also for the preservation of their names.
We also want to know where K44.2 million for the constitution which was allocated in the 2014 estimates of expenditure is, for the government to say that it does not have money for the referendum. Has it diverted it to support the bloated Cabinet?
Finally, ladies and gentlemen, we want to request government to tell us where the subsidies are. Can government tell us how many schools, hospitals and clinics have been built out of the subsidy savings? If none, can we then say this was another set of lies from the ministers involved which was aimed at hoodwinking the public? Black Campaigners are still waiting for the benefits from subsidy removal.
Thank you and God Bless Zambia
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-5410018353819716272014-05-30T02:42:00.000-07:002014-05-30T02:42:58.976-07:00PRESS BREIFING-BLACK FRIDAY ON THE RISING COMMODITY PRICES AND DEPRECIATION OF THE LOCAL CURRENCY FODEP will today at 11:30 hold a press briefing on the rising commodity prices and depreciation of the local currency.
The Briefing will be held at FODEP National Secretariat.
Come and Join us Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-38528688782023783642014-05-29T23:53:00.000-07:002014-05-29T23:53:11.692-07:00FODEP’S PARTICIPATION IN THE STATE OF DEMOCRACY KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMATIZATION WORKSHOP-SUPPORTED BY INTERNATIONAL IDEA
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) is part of the International IDEA’s Sate of Democracy Network. FODEP and IDEA have continued to work around democracy and development through research and other activities aimed at promoting inclusive democracy.
Recently, FODEP through its Executive Director was part of the State of Democracy Knowledge Systematization Workshop that was held from May 24th to May 28th 2014 in Stockholm Sweden. The workshop; was attended by representatives from the Philippines, International IDEA regional offices from Africa, Asia and Europe among others. The meeting was aimed at creating effectiveness in state of democracy systematization internal knowledge management. FODEP continues to participate in various activities that contribute towards the consolidation of democracy both in Zambia, the African region and the world at large.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-56394297063680194272014-05-28T06:22:00.000-07:002014-05-28T06:22:08.120-07:00FODEP & HUMANIST INSTITUTE FOR COOPERATION WITH DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (HIVOS)- ENHANCING PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITYThe Foundation for Democratic Process is implementing the project Public Accountability: Enhancing citizen participation in resource trucking at community level in Zambia. The project is supported by Hivos and is aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the management and utilization of public resources at community level. The project catchment areas include Northern (Kasama, Luwingu), Eastern (Chipata, Petauke) and Muchinga (Mpika, Chinsali).
The objectives of the project include
1 To increase accountability and transparency in the management of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
2. To empower local communities and stakeholders to actively participate in tracking and monitoring use of public resources in the Agricultural sector at community level.
FODEP is also monitoring the utilization of constituency development fund outside the mentioned catchment areas.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-68859377215125937812014-05-27T01:37:00.000-07:002014-05-27T01:37:57.491-07:00HUMANIST INSTITUTE FOR COOPERATION WITH DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (HIVOS) INCREASED ACCOUNTABILITY AND DIALOGUE ON POLITICAL PARTY MANIFESTO FULFILLMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN ZAMBIA TRACKING ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN PROMISES PROJECT FODEP with support from Hivos began implementing a project on Increased Accountability and Dialogue on Political Party Manifesto Fulfillment and Development in Zambia. The project was initiated to track electoral campaign promises aimed making elected political party leaders to account for electoral and campaign promises to the electorate. FODEP underscores the fact that while manifestos of major political parties in Zambia like everywhere else are general statements of intent. It is important that most of them at least attempt to refer to issues that affect the common people and fulfill the intentions once elected in to office. This has the potential to improve voter turnout and voter confidence in the electoral process but they must be treated more seriously as part of the mainstream democratic discourse beyond mere elections. This entails taking stock of achievements,
challenges and failures in the government in actualizing the campaign promises.
1. Increasing accessibility to political party manifestoes by citizens and related information outlining visions and ideologies for the public and voters to ascertain delivery capacity and feasibility of campaign statements of intent during elections and selection of leaders.
2. Engendering culture of political party accountability and citizen’s awareness and knowledge of party manifestoes as basis for actuating service delivery, upholding of the rights to development, and encouraging best practices among elected leaders and parties.
3. Assisting political parties to utilize manifestoes as basis to internalize and adopt a culture of inward self-evaluation and institutionalization of best practices, learning and consultations.
4. Sustaining public dialogue and dissemination on linkages, efficacy, and impact of party ideologies and manifestoes to national issues, and ongoing development frameworks.
5. Create platforms for regular consultations and interactions between political party leaders, members and general public based on practical issues vis avis the plans and ideologies advanced by parties via manifestoes
Project activity sites - Chipata Central Constituency, Choma Central Constituency, and Ndola Constituency
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-73704034040406800752014-05-23T01:14:00.000-07:002014-05-23T01:14:36.618-07:00FODEP'S Statement on the Defamation of the President <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYj-EFbJrbWsrhZQ4F2edQPzrXRTMAfPc3Xm-Z4adjWMtTbRnobK5pBbt_SdVDyAj6dJQ4yl9Nk5PFUsc5eyBQwFrA2YsOfHgtVGUg9neXcY8L6XY0B7thLwFNLOidQ7qKZEMeQc4LqS6/s1600/FODEP.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYj-EFbJrbWsrhZQ4F2edQPzrXRTMAfPc3Xm-Z4adjWMtTbRnobK5pBbt_SdVDyAj6dJQ4yl9Nk5PFUsc5eyBQwFrA2YsOfHgtVGUg9neXcY8L6XY0B7thLwFNLOidQ7qKZEMeQc4LqS6/s320/FODEP.jpeg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319365764327965408.post-31695221516364115842014-05-20T00:27:00.000-07:002014-05-20T00:27:08.624-07:00ENHANCING ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY IN THE UTILIZATION OF CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF) WHAT I SHOULD KNOW WHAT IS CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF)
Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is public money and a tool for poverty reduction. It was approved by Parliament in 1995. This money is budgeted for in the national budget and today, CDF for each Constituency is at K130 Million. This money comes from the money that the government rises from taxes and investments and it was noted that in 2012, Tax Payers contribute about 72.1% towards government revenue . It is from this money that government seeks to reduce poverty and implement development by allowing communities to participate in at different processes of project identification and selection. The aim of CDF is to speed up development at community level and the Government of the Republic of Zambia has been disbursing CDF to constituencies for the past 18 years. This fund is sent to each Council by the Ministry of Finance and it is the council that has to report to the State and the people how this money is utilized in accordance with the law .
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08587105670401917412noreply@blogger.com0