ZAMBIA 2011 ELECTIONS...CHANGE IS COMING

Mark your calendars, Monday, 3rd October 2011. A new day is coming for Zambia . MMD government can not govern beyond 3rd October 2011 without a renewal of political mandate from Zambia. The above date will mark exactly the end of the second 5-year term of MMD controlled government.

On 3rd Oct, 2006 the late President (M.H.S.R.I.P) started his second term. Going beyond this date, President RB term would come to an end hence his govermnent must make a case to Zambians and parliament reasons to extend their stay at State House

Election dates in Zambia seem to only benefit the ruling party which has monopoly of choosing a day whenever the party feels ready to hold elections. However, this day belong to Zambians who make an important choice about the kind of government leadership and policy they want. All parties need same and fair rules of elections. A fixed election date creates transparency, more democratic and would increase voter turnout as more people plan for this day. No party in Zambia must monopolize election date to advance its political interests.

Zambia can enact a law to have a fixed election date like other democracies; and we have technology to that. We must have hold elections on weekdays that will allow participating political parties access to courts when challenges occur. Friday election day is a bad choice because courts are closed on weekends to hear file challenges.

So challenging partiles wait for Monday to file cases, by which the newly declared person will hold a weekend swearing-in event to gain executive power and immunity- automatically shifts from mere political candidate to Presidency.Therefore we must have amendments about swearing-in ceremonies not be private weekend events, but public events. President Zuma took the aoth of office at a public event. Zambians must witness a newly elected President promise to defend this country.

Zambians must legally expect to see a new president on October 4th 2011. Depending on the commitment to its manifesto and delivery of public services, MMD will be examined again for a third time. If Zambians decide against 3rd term rule(18 years) by MMD government, then Zambians will usher in a new government with a different action plan. Change is important for Zambia ’s democracy.