DRIVING ZAMBIA IN WRONG DIRECTION WITH 280 MP INCREASE PROPOSAL.

One thing about politicians is that they hate elections because they are faced with reality of losing a job. So, they will do everything to keep their job. And this is unfortunately has found its way into Zambia’s political system. Members of Parliament are more submissive to party top leaders than voters who hired them into public office in first place. Our parliament does not need any increase in the number of Members of Parliament which has been adopted by the National Constitutional Conference.

Zambia needs to reduce the number of MPs especially getting rid of the ten members nominated by the President. Zambia must focus at reducing public costs which go to maintain unnecessary MPs holders. Instead of increasing the number of MPs, we must adopt policies that will increase the effectiveness and performance of the current MPs. The mixed-member proportional system if done right would help in achieving fairness and diversity in parliament. But in our case, it is increasing the size of government from 150 to 280 MPs.

The NCC can easily increase seats for marginalized groups and reduce the number of MPs by turning those 10 nominated reserved for MMD government into seats for the marginalized. This is so practical and no one will object.

These NCC proposals which will be supported by MMD make government big. The alternative to this big government proposal is to reduce the 150 MPs especially the 10 nominated MPs which increased a rubber stump mentality in parliament by the executive. Instead those 10 nominated MPs turned into 10 nominated Social Auditors (one for each province and one for State House) whose job is to evaluate and monitor how public resources are being used to advance development in Zambia.

Secondly, our MPs need legislative support to be effective public servants. Sometime the criticism that MPs receive is unfair because they have no institutional and academic support to help them make informed public decisions and engage in constructive debates. So the NCC must recommend that Government makes funds and training available which will allow Parliament to employ Zambian experts, researches and graduates whose job will to work for MPs as legislative assistants for example in areas of public communication, taxes, economic development and public service. This will provide jobs for Zambians who are just graduating from universities and colleges and probably help them to see good side of public service. Unfortunately those elected to represent the wishes of ordinary Zambians at the NCC do not just get it.

Instead they are creating more payrolls for MPs. This adoption of big government must be stopped by Zambians. We can not afford expanding government. We must make effective the current system. As the 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford rightly said “If the government is big enough to give you everything you want, it is big enough to take away everything you have.

It's time for MMD Govt to own their Failure: MMD IS A PARTY OF NO PLANS.

The last 18 years has been a disaster, there is a life for Zambians beyond MMD. It seems MMD government only deliver when it election time. If that is the case, then Zambia should be having elections every year so that we keep MMD government busy with projects.

MMD has no plans beyond 2011. Right now, they are focused in putting RB into state house again in 2011 with no concrete plans about Zambians education and health sectors. It is party with no ideas or plans.

So far RB has been president; what are MMD plans on Zambia’s growing unemployment, oil shortages, universities or tourism goals with 2010 World Cup in mind?

MMD rule is characterized by UNZA closures, annual cholera outbreak and daily Zesco load shedding and we no now have RB promising to continue same plans beyond 2011. MMD has failed to tax investors. MMD has failed to maintain our roads. MMD government compromise national security due to lack policy to secure strategic oil supplies due to oil refinery shut down. And now, they are selling a major communication networks compromising further Zambia’s security community.

Zambians want a new direction and change for Zambia. Zambia is tired of not by cheap politics which only benefit MMD members. MMID government is only good till 2011 and we thank for provided leadership since 1999. But is not the kind of President and party that Zambia needs to move forward at this moment. So far many people are still waiting for RB’s own vision. The Late Dr. Mwanawasa had his own new deal vision.

Zambians can not understand the logic behind the rhetoric that only RB can carry on the Levy’s vision. The late and RB came different political philosophical school. RB should invent his own governing agenda.

Our choice for 2011 will be between candidates who has state-sponsored money machinery with a borrowed a vision to govern verses a man of action who has clear policy to make Zambia economically strong, work with responsible investors and create opportunities for all Zambians to work and feed their families.

It is out of this reality that Honorable Given Lubinda, MP has presidential qualities which will take Zambia forward into a prosperous nation. He has the charisma to inspire all Zambians to take good opportunities to move out of poverty. Mr. Lubinda understands well what at stake for Zambians. His own work in parliament and in community is testimony to this truth. The PACT must endorse Given Lubinda for President 2011. He will defeat at elections and finish off the MMD party out of government.

This time we say enough is enough. MMD own its political and economic failures of the last 18 years. MMD should not stay on the way of other political parties that focus to make life better for Zambians. The last 18 years has been a disaster, there is a life for Zambians beyond MMD.

MMD religiously implementing programmes left by Levy(RIP) - Veep Kunda...what about Levy windfall taxes?

Judge for yourself Zambians whether we can trust MMD: Is this religious implementation?

• Zambia will introduce a windfall mining tax this year in a move it expects to generate $400 million in revenue, President Levy Mwanawasa said on Friday.He told parliament the new tax regime would effectively increase mining taxes to 47 percent from 31.7 percent.(January 2008)

• Zambia's President Banda defends scrapping mine windfall tax. (Sept 2009)

• We’re religiously implementing programmes left Levy - Veep Kunda ( Oct 2009)

ARE ZAMBIANS MISSINGS ON SOMETHING HERE....

THE REAL HONKING SHOULD TARGET MMD FAILURES..NOT CHILUBA WHO WILL NEVER BE PRESIDENT AGAIN IN ZAMBIA..Is this the party you want again beyond 2011?

While many Zambians will point accusing fingers at Ndola High Registrar. We must realise that FJT's free ride is not about the presiding magistrate but MMD government and its plans which has proven itself in this case that it is weak, soft and legally incompetent to prosecute corruption cases.

We not blame for the magistrate for acquittal; but hold MMD accountable for failing to prove the case. MMD has proved itself to a party which can not handle corruption especially it involves one of their family tree. MMD is a weak party to handle an serios fight against corruption. Chiluba acquittal has proved this statement. No backborne to prosecute corruption.

Then, there is RB telling the nation that he is happy for Zambians to accept Chiluba walk to freedom; please!!! Chiluba was already accepted by Zambians. We Know he destroyed the economy through credit privatisation of the companise withour oversight and accountability. Zambians accepted him when he wanted a Third Term and we accepted him when Zambian had no medicines in hospitals, Chiluba was buying designer suits and shoes.Zambians must respect the ruling of court but hold MMD government accountable in the manner it handled this case.

MMD government has wasted taxpayer's money with this case which many top MMD officials knew it was a dead end. Zambians deserve to know who how much MMD government has spend on this case since it started. This is total wasteful spending by the government.The big lesson for Zambians in this case is that MMD policies has once again proven itself to be weak, soft and incompete to fight corruption in Zambia.

We deserve a change in goverment with a strong party whose agenda and policies will effectively fight corruption.The choice before Zambians for 2011 elections are now more clear; continue with same weak government which has failed to fight corruption or bring in a new strong government that will fight corruption seriously?

President Banda thanks for land promise: but Zambian diaspora must be allowed to vote too.

President Rupiah Banda says land management and the distribution of land by Zambians living in the diaspora is one of the biggest challenges government is currently facing. Mr Banda speaking to Zambians in New York last week made a right call to challenge Zambians abroad to be active participants in the Zambia ’s development through remitting of funds for entrepreneurship and mobilizing strategic partners especially in getting land owenership.

The challenge is commendable; but government has a very important role in creating incentives for active participation. Remitting of funds and sending computers is a personal moral task and responsibility to families; not a national public policy. Remit funds will make a difference only when the government prioritizes education, health and urge investors already in Zambia to pay its share to Zambia and local communities where they operate.

President Banda is encouraging economic participation for those living abroad; he must also enact legislation and electoral reforms to allow those same Zambians abroad to vote in general elections. Economic participation should come with access to vote on those who make decisions about schools and investments of Zambia .

Some Africa nations allow their qualified citizens abroad to vote at embassies or consuls. Foreign nationals with residence in Zambia today vote in their respective country elections at embassies or consuls in Lusaka . Why not Zambians abroad. The Government would set up standards of verifying abroad voters and provide logistics. Voting is a constitutional right just as the President is encouraging active economic participation.

Other people may oppose the above saying why not return to Zambia to vote then go back. That is practical but not politically reasonable in the Zambian context due to presidential secrecy that surrounds which day to vote. If the Zambian constitution had a fixed election day, known to all Zambians then plans would be done.

Today’s technology would help us calculate that day. Economic participation should come with access to vote on policy makers that directly impact Zambia's educational resources supplies and standards.

Zambians Deserve a liberating Constitution.

A good Constitution is a top priority issue for a democracy. But let’s face it; Zambia is experiencing leadership crisis and lack facilitators about the process. Slashing out money to members will not restore the leadership vacuum that we face. Instead more questions arise on the amount and time of pay. Money issue has alienated more people and confirmed fears in those whose who not participating. It has become a liability to the whole process.

There is so much interesting in amending a degree holder qualification for presidency by the MMD, when it is actually the same failed MMD policies on education which has prevented millions of Zambiansto obtain a degree. This is just wrong on the party on the MMD.

No wonder so many people and vital institutions are staying away or are not fully informed about the NCC. The rubber stamp of the incumbency on the process is a major concern because the very government which is in need of reform is controlling the process. Any political party that will fill this vacuum and provide effective leadership on this issue will form the next government in Zambia .

Our constitution has been too easy to amend to suit political appetite and manipulation of the government of the day. Any flawed policy would follow normal procedure to pass in Parliament with the required majority. Remember, notorious dictators in the world; all came to power constitutionally and amended their constitutions to suit their agenda. Permitting only Parliament to amend a constitution without people’s ratification must be stopped, if Zambia is serious about democracy.

Amendments needs to be made but that should not advance interests of the party in power or shift the balance of power of the three organs of government. The people of Zambia through local councils should have the final say about any amendment, not majority of parliament whose interest is political self- preservation.

Zambians aspire to live in freedoms and hold those who govern accountable. The people tell the government how they ought to be governed; not the government telling the people. The people of Zambia constitute a government to act in a certain way. Hence the constitution is not an act of government but of the people.

MMD IS WEAK ON CORRUPTION: ZAMBIANS NEED CHANGE

While many Zambians will point accusing fingers at Ndola High Registrar over FJT acquital. We must realise that FJT's free ride is not about the presiding magistrate but MMD government and its plans which has proven itself in this case that it is weak, soft and legally incompetent to prosecute corruption cases.We not blame for the magistrate for acquittal; but hold MMD accountable for failing to prove the case.

Zambians must respect the ruling of court but hold MMD government accountable in the manner it handled this case. MMD government has wasted taxpayer's money with this case which many top MMD officials knew it was a dead end. Zambians deserve to know who how much MMD government has spend on this case since it started. This is total wasteful spending by the government.

The big lesson for Zambians in this case is that MMD policies has once again proven itself to be weak, soft and incompete to fight corruption in Zambia. We deserve a change in goverment with a strong party whose agenda and policies will effectively fight corruption.

The choice before Zambians for 2011 elections are now more clear; continue with same weak government which has failed to fight corruption or bring in a new strong government that will fight corruption seriously?

Looking beyond the status quo in PF, leaders like Kabwata MP, Mr. Given Lubinda is someone who can deliver as Zambia ’s next Republican President. Given Lubinda will sweep the MMD from power and deliver Change for Zambians. He is electable at the national level and capable to command rule of law in Zambia . PF, be serious and present to Zambia , skilled and experienced leaders like Mr. Given Lubinda to stand for presidency.

TEST YOUR 2011 VOTE:

RB(MMD) Vs G. Lubinda(PF):.............................