Thursday, September 4, 2008

Political Misjudgement

I sincerely wish to add my voice to the succession talks that have filled our media since the passing away of our Republican President Dr. Levy Mwanawasa.

Firstly, I want to dispute is that has been propagated by especially traditional leaders and some other organisations. It seems as though this is just an MMD election alone. What is being said is that, 'the MMD must replace Levy with a person of like mind and character.' My question is, why can't our chiefs and everyone else broaden the catchment by also considering the opposition? And why has the MMD kept quiet over such utterances? Would Mulongoti and company kept quiet if the chiefs had rallied behind an opposition candidate?

Secondly, why should the nation be made to think that the late Mwanawasa's preference of any individual be considered perfect, flawless and infallible? Why should the system of handpicking a successor be immortalised now when it was grossly comdemned under FTJ? Is this a suggestion that any decision made by a deceased person must be deemed right? Why then has this hypocritical clan of Levy loyalists disobeyed Levy on his wish to be buried at Palabana? All those calling on the nation to 'obey and respect' Levy's perceived choice of a successor are doing things with motives and agendas only known to themselves! How come the same people that extended the period of national mourning could not now wait for Levy's burial before they start campaigning. It's only African and morally right to discuss succession after burial. It even amazes much more that the former first lady could not wait for a better time, atleast after so that she could say what she thought to be said. Is she an interested party in the direction the MMD NEC will take? Time will surely tell!

Thirdly, confusion in the MMD must not be shifted on the nation. Zambians are naturally peaceful despite being too emotional at times. Zambians across the world are united without question. What we see happening in the MMD is as result of the party lacking internal democracy. How can a party of the MMD's magnitude stay for years without a Vice President? Was the entire too scared to raise this issue?

Lastly, I would like to request The Post newspaper and other media institutions to tone down on the issue of the MMD succession to avoid swaying the impending decisions because you are opinion leaders. This will definitely not allow for an impartial NEC decision, and consequently, the coming elections.

Long live Zambia, the land of the proud and free!

Percy Mwale,
Kitwe - Zambia.

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