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Can Maureen Mwanawasa be Zambia’s first female president? We think so!!!
Recently during the cabinet reshuffle HE Levy P Mwanawasa, SC. encouraged NEC (National Executive Committee for the MMD) to start thinking about his successor.
Dr. Mwanawasa also mentioned that he had someone in mind that he felt NEC would have no objections to … whoever that person is and or could be, we at the Zambian Chronicle are not privy his choice.
But with the advent of female presidents around the globe, we think that the First Lady would have an easy sail through the MMD nomination process.
There are several reasons why this might happen among them being that Dr. Mwanawasa’s popularity is at an all-time high within the Zambian Enterprise. Thus at the end of his term, it goes without saying that whoever he endorses would carry the day as his successor.
The other reasons are but not limited to the fact that, we Africans seem to love continuity more than change and should the current first lady be interested in running for State House, more of the president’s supporters would feel more comfortable with that scenario as they would still envision Dr. Mwanawasa at the helm.
Also, world trends seem to be moving in that direction. In Argentina, former first lady Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner won the country’s presidential election in a peaceful vote, while Hillary R Clinton might be the first female US president next year in what may be one of the toughest races in history.
Should Mrs. Mwanawasa seek the nomination, she would have a lot of things working for well for her. Among other things unlike our first two first ladies, she is more up to the task, educated, articulate, more diplomatic as well as 
presidential.
She is seen from inner circles as the brain behind a lot of good initiatives in the current administration and she is very likeable.
UDA can then re-unite and let Nawakwi run so she can be beaten once and for all – sorry Edith but we just had to throw that one in; and that’s this week’s memo from us at the Zambian Chronicle … thanks a trillion
Brainwave R Mumba, Sr.
CEO & President – Zambian Chronicle
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Zambian Chronicle 
November 2, 2007 at 6:01 pm
BRM,
I think you are so right about this, but is she interested?
November 2, 2007 at 6:30 pm
James,
… I must confess, she would make it as our first female president … thanks a trillion
November 2, 2007 at 7:30 pm
I never thought of her actually but now that you have mentioned, she might actually win
November 2, 2007 at 7:31 pm
it is good to even have her as a posibility
November 2, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Please! Note of caution. Mrs kirchner unlike Mrs Mwanawasa is a politician and has held public office in her own right as a senator. She was actually the first to hold political office before her husband. She has always been a political animal. She helped her husband to get elected governor and later pushed him for the presidency.We are talking of a very powerful woman! Mrs Mwanawasa does have this kind of clout!
November 2, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Kevin,
… anything is a possibility these days … thanks a trillion.
Phiri,
… I think her candidacy may go through some trials but it could be a good try … thanks a trillion
mbulawa,
… I acknowledge your points, but these days there’s more to the fire than just the smoke … thanks a trillion
November 3, 2007 at 6:18 pm
I was disturbed to see your postings on Zambia Online. That is trashy site and no one takes those people serious, they are a bunch of losers.
November 3, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Kim,
… I have been told some one has been using BRM impersonating me. Trust me Kim, that’s not me over there and the only place you can find me is over here.
I have no time for such low lives and their suppositions … life is too short to be lived on anybody else’s terms and I live it the way I choose and the Zambian Chronicle is one place they can’t impersonate me from.
Thanks for your concern though, a few weeks ago I saw the trend and I even deleted their link from my site … thanks a trillion
November 3, 2007 at 11:35 pm
Indeed Maureen can make a good president!! She is not only articulate but intellegent and time has come when the world should be looking at intellect and not gender. Will support her all the way…should she decide to stand. what are we saying ZAMBIANs?
November 3, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Maureen is currently over seeing HIV/AIDS activitities in 50 countries and coordinating 50 first ladies…now that’s a daunting task! clear leadership skills! Who among the 11 million of zambia’s population at the moment would vulch and is capable to be our next president? think about it….
November 4, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Mayamba,
… you are absolutely right, the first lady has a lot going for her. For one thing, I think she is only 44 years old now (born in 1963 if my memory serves me right).
This means that at the time her husband’s mandate ends, she will only be 48, energetic and capable. Even more so she is a UNZA graduate with a law degree, has a lot of leadership experience in various fields; look the list is endless … thanks a trillion
Mildred,
… if think there are many Zambians who are capable of being the next president but the crux of the matter is “who would be most qualified and suitable” and the first lady is the best fit to carry on the synergy for right now.
I did not think I would say this but she is the “best among the current crop of possible contenders”, and State House is hers for the grabs if she intends to … thanks a trillion
November 4, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Brainsplus,
The Maureen profile continues to grow! I understand she alsO doing an MBA at the Edith Cowan University of Australia at the Australian Institute of Business. We need forward looking people like her in the field of politics. As she grows older, she continues to update herself in all areas!
November 4, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Collegues,
Are we sure that the Zambian people want a woman president? if they do, is Maureen really the best bet? Maybe we could ponder more on this. Is it the continuity of what her husband has started or do we think she can trully give us something new? What about Nawakui or Sylvia Masebo! They are more seasoned than Mama Mwanawasa in politics.
November 4, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Mildred,
… that’s what I am talking about, we need somebody with a progressive mind. By adding an MBA to her resume, she might end up not only as first female president but also as the first Zambian president with one … thanks a trillion.
Malita,
… your question, “Are we sure that the Zambian people want a woman president?”. My answer – we wouldn’t know until we tried it!!! As for Masebo, she would be a great first female vice president … thanks a trillion.
November 5, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Brainsplus,
What about Nawakwi? Do you you think she will regain her energies for the 2011 run up?
November 5, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Malita,
… I personally think that she is a spent force, she had a chance to prove she could be counted on as a team player during the last elections within the UDA alliance but she chose not to …
That’s the more reason I encouraged the UDA alliance to field her this time around as she tries to duke it with Maureen but even there the first lady can beat her hands down … thanks a trillion
November 5, 2007 at 6:33 pm
I think that Maureen would be such a refreshing choice for the Zambian people especially if she goes through the normal nomination process at the MMD convention.
November 5, 2007 at 6:36 pm
her nomination would not be tough, I think …
November 5, 2007 at 6:45 pm
brainsplus,
I just wanted to congratulate you for creating such a state of art site. This is a brilliant site and it is nicely done – good job.
November 5, 2007 at 11:28 pm
Sambwa,
… I agree with you in totality even though I personally am not MMD, as a progressive independent thinker, I would like to believe it would be a normal nomination process … thanks a trillion.
Kangwa,
… I personally love things that come in tough ounces, easy come easy go; so they say … victory is so sweet if you earn it … thanks a trillion.
Mulenga,
… thanks for your kind comments, my goal is to create the best interactive site for the Zambian Enterprise, with the latest gadgets and technologies available for all to enjoy. We were the first to incorporate YouTube feathers, live radio and live TV and now we have movie clips with Vod pod …
I envisioned the best of all worlds where pundits can be comfortable and even surf the net with their kids without fear of the dark underworld and I think we are getting there. Privacy is a big issue to us too and no one’s private information is shared with the dark side …
We have managed to stop almost 400 bad messages with either inappropriate images and or hateful messages targeted at individuals instead of discussions. I would rather have few credible comments than 400 rubbish ones.
Earlier on, I started analyzing our blog stats and realized that there was so much interest about the Zambian Enterprise from all over the world and so using the latest technology we became the first site to offer our audience a choice of language preference, you can read this blog in French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, etc. …
It is no wonder we are averaging 200 hits a day and we are projecting 1,200 a day after our first anniversary by January 2008. The Zambian Chronicle is a hobby for me and I enjoy blogging as a pass time activity so why not give it my best … thanks a trillion.
November 6, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Brainswave,
Are you based in lusaka?
November 6, 2007 at 7:21 pm
I agree that its about time we had a female president and looking at mama Mwanawasa she would be the right candidate as seen by what the MMCI founadtion is doing in our society with the guiding principle of ‘Service above Self’.She sits on various boards and the is also President, of Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS[OAFLA]that is exposure. Its a YES!
November 6, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Brainswave,
We hear rumour of Mutati, Katele Kalumba, Shikapwasha, Kabinga Pande, Magande, Lisulo, Simbao, Dr. Sondashi, mabenga and many others vying for the top post in MMD and posible presidential position. Do you you think Maureen is better than all these. what disadvantages or advantages can you give for this line-up? Is it a pre-necessity that Maureen must first pass through parliament?
November 6, 2007 at 10:47 pm
she can make it we she leadership in her. if liberian president can be where she is what can stop our only mother to be there also? good luck mum of zambians
November 6, 2007 at 11:37 pm
Lyasanika,
… courage is synonymous with leadership; we saw Maureen take very courageous steps to accept her current leadership positions and has executed her duties with distinctions … thanks a trillion.
Malita,
… your quote, “…We hear rumour of Mutati, Katele Kalumba, Shikapwasha, Kabinga Pande, Magande, Lisulo, Simbao, Dr. Sondashi, mabenga and many others vying for the top post in MMD and posible presidential position. Do you you think Maureen is better than all these.”
My response; I have a personal principle I live by and that’s not being reactionary when it comes to rumors. So I wished I could help there but I can’t since your assertion is based on rumors …
Your other question, “…Is it a pre-necessity that Maureen must first pass through parliament?
My response; … as far as I understand the only pre-necessity for the Zambian presidency is whether one is 35 years of age and a national and Mrs. Mwanawasa meets both of those. Other qualifications are predicated upon one’s ability to deliver for the enterprise’s best and optimal capacity using acquired skills academic, professional and otherwise … thanks a trillion
Brian,
… you got that right … thanks a trillion
November 7, 2007 at 6:07 pm
My dear Brian Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Liberian President has a lot of professional and political experience. She is not President of Liberia by association. We are speaking of 1. a Harvard graduate 2. A former world bank official and 3. A former Finance Minister in President Tolbert’s government in the 70’s.
Now can someone tell me what exactly Mrs Mwanawasa has ever done in her professional life?
November 12, 2007 at 7:03 pm
[…] our last memo on Maureen Mwanawasa As Zambia’s First Female President a lot of interest was generated as to what the qualifications for the CEO of the Zambian Enterprise […]
November 15, 2007 at 3:41 pm
Mrs Mwanawasa need to go with Levy,,,both have made Zambia worse…It is time for new Direction…If levy Impose her on Zambia..It is very easy for PF to win all thet seats…It is time for PF to lead and a new direction for Zambia
November 15, 2007 at 11:05 pm
JO,
… the general elections are a good time to compare and constrast, however during the primaries, there is little any party outsider can do to stop the momentum … thanks a trillion
January 9, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Concerning qualifications to be president of Zambia…
Just curious?
Must the presidential canidate, male or female, be married to a national?
If a canidate was qualified and favored in every other way, do you think they would be discounted if married to an American?
January 9, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Diane,
… Part IX of the current draft of the constitution stipulates the following. I hope this info is helpful … thanks a trillion.
PART IX
EXECUTIVE
129. (1) There shall be a President of the Republic of Zambia who shall be the Head of State and of the Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces.
(2) The executive power of the Republic vests in the President and, subject to the other provisions of this Constitution, shall be exercised directly by the President or through officers subordinate to the President.
130. (1) The President shall be elected directly by universal adult suffrage and by secret ballot.
(2) An election to the office of President shall be conducted in accordance with this Part and as prescribed by or under an Act of Parliament.
131. (1) A person is qualified to be a candidate for election as President if that person –
(a) is a citizen by birth, and both parents are Zambian citizens by birth;
(b) does not have dual citizenship;
(c ) has been ordinarily resident in Zambia for a continuous period of ten years immediately preceding the election;
(d) is not less than thirty-five years;
(e) is conversant with the official language;
(f) is in possession of a tax clearance certificate showing the payment of any tax due or has made satisfactory arrangements for paying any tax or is exempt from paying tax;
(g) declares that person’s assets and liabilities as provided under this Constitution and by an Act of parliament; and
(h) has a good record of service to the public.
(2) A candidate shall not take part in a presidential election unless that candidate –
(a) has paid the election fee prescribed by or under an Act of Parliament on or before the date fixed for the delivery of nomination papers; and
(b) has been nominated and supported by not less than one thousand registered voters.
132. (1) A candidate for election as President shall deliver the nomination papers to the returning officer in the manner, on the day, at the time and at the place prescribed by or under an Act of Parliament.
(2) The nomination papers shall be supported by an affidavit certifying the truth of the facts stated in the nomination papers.
(3) The information contained in the nomination papers shall be published in the Gazette and in the nation electronic and print media.
133. (1) At an election to the Office of President –
(a) all persons registered in Zambia as voters for the purposes of general elections are entitled to vote;
(b) the poll shall be taken by a secret ballot on the day, at the time, in the places and in the manner prescribed by or under an Act of Parliament; and
(c) after the expiration of the time fixed for polling, the votes cast shall be counted by the presiding officer who shall declare the result of that polling station.
(2) Where there is only one qualified presidential candidate nominated for election, that candidate shall be declared as elected without a poll taking place.
134. (1) Elections to the Office of President shall be conducted under a system where the winning candidate must receive not less than fifty per cent plus one vote of the valid votes cast.
(2) If, at the initial ballot a candidate does not receive fifty per cent plus one vote of the valid votes cast –
(a) a second ballot shall be held, within ninety days, where the only candidates are those who obtained the highest and second highest number of valid votes in the initial ballot; and
(b) the candidate who obtains fifty per cent plus one vote of the valid votes cast in the second ballot shall be declared President-elect.
(3) If, at the second ballot, there is a tie between the two candidates, the Speaker shall summon the National Assembly to elect, by secret ballot, the President from the two candidates, and the candidate who receives the highest number of the valid votes cast, by the members of the Assembly, shall be declared President-elect.
(4) If there is a tie between the two candidates in the voting in the National Assembly, the Speaker shall have a casting vote.
(5) A petition to challenge the election of a President-elect may only be instituted after the election of the President-elect.
(6) The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission is the returning officer for the election of the President.
January 25, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Bwana Brainplus,you should realise that Zambia is not a monarchy but a republic whose leaders are chosen by the people through Universal Suffrage.
So, do not push the agenda too far by starting a fake debate over Mama Mwanawasa replacing the current President.reading from the comments above one is enclined to suspect that your blog is sponsored by State House in order to launch a cyber campaing for the First Lady.
2011 LPM kya bebele and all his Famil should vacate State House and relocate to Teka Farm as he promised when the Zambian people voted him into office.
What is LPM afraid of?If he is a clean man as he pretends to be let him get out of power honourably rather than trying to overstay the welcome by bringing his wife into the political arena.Awe twakana!Zambians are not fools!
January 25, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Bonaparte,
We do appreciate your comment. Just to let you know this site is not sponsored by the State House or any govt entity. We are a group of all level headed Educated,open minded people.Having said that,we would like to see women standing for presidency. That is what democracy is about.In short sighting Mrs Mwanawasa, was just one of the examples.
Bonaparte if you are a Zambian, you are also welcome to stand for president.As long as you are able to deliver goods for Zambian people.
We at Chronicles are tired of the same people just jumping from one party to another.
We are here to help each other to reconstruct our country Zambia, by identifying honest leadership. Not necessary Mrs Mwanawasa.
Brainplus is just encouraging fresh blood, and women to participate for presidency.
I hope this helps
January 26, 2008 at 8:40 am
Dear Belliah,
Thank you very much for the clarification.The quest for a female Head of State is indeed a noble one and I do agree with you that there should be an end to the recycling of the same politicians a if they,alone,held the monopoly of wisdom.
Clinging to power can have very negative effects on the stability,peace and security of a nation as has ben seen in many African countries.Hence,people like you at the Chronicle should keep it up sensitising the masses about the need for fresh and upright men and women to rule the country.
As for me standing for President,I have no such ambition as I can help in many other ways to help develop our beloved country.
Let us not forget that “imiti ikula empanga” and let our leaders stop telling us that “imiti ikula eyo bochako amalasha”.God bless Mother Zambia!!
January 26, 2008 at 2:17 pm
You are welcome Bonaparte. I am glad we are on the same page.
Feel free to make comments.We acknowledge every concern that comes through, and we at chronicles are happy to give explainations were possible.
thanks a trillion
Belliah
January 27, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Gender, isnt really an issue in this matter but I think quality of leadership. Africa has had a lot of powerful women, Winnie Mandela, being one of them and I doubt that Maureen even measures to a hundredth of an ounce of the person Winnie is. Secondly, comparing the Liberian president to Maureen Mwanawasa I think is too much of jumping the gun because evry other bit you will compare is different other than that they are both women. Education? Dont even go there. I have my own reservations about the roles she is playing, anyway even Vera Chiluba had hope foundation when she was first Lady. Nkandu Luo had Tasinta. I would like to see her leave state house and see how well she continues with those programmes. I am sure there are other, just too many areas she can serve the country in other than the presidence.
My real worry is whether this isnt a cleverer tactic of extending the stay in state house by Levy.
January 27, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Let other people also be in State House. Maureen already knows too much to enable her to be corrupt in her fifteen year or even twentieth year in state house
January 27, 2008 at 10:56 pm
I am worried as to where some of you guys are just afraid of very powerful women. As a guy myself I know some men can’t stand very smart and educated women … I thought such women are supposed to be assets and not something to be afraid of.
That’s why I am glad Brainsplus hired a powerful woman, it shows a lot about character if a man is not intimidated by smart women.
January 28, 2008 at 3:08 am
Thanks Mr. Knobb,
Zambians like open minded people like you. A good leader is not afraid.
Mr. Bantubonse:
First and foremost, thanks for your comment.
We at the Zambian Chronicle understand your concerns and frustrations. We all feel that way at times.
Though my advice is: “let’s be practical”. As a Zambian, I would like a president who is a doer and not just sitting in the corner analyzing how they wished things were perfect. I do not mind whether it is a man or a woman. A smart person is a person who is not afraid to represent his/ her country.
Having said that:
Here is what I have for you Mr. Bantubonse.
Before you throw punches at those women you mentioned, be ready to throw punches at me. I am strong enough to punch you back. I do not know Vera, Nkandu Luo, or Mrs. Mwanawasa personally. As bad as they can be, Let us face facts.
When you come with “education” in your punches as a reason why you would never want any of the women you mentioned to stand as presidents, you should know you are punching every Zambian that never had opportunities to further their education that try to do something to bring out their positive side, only the system does not allow it due to poor education background.
Do you realize that Zambia has very poor education system? Zambian Education system is very shallow. My English teacher always taught English in Bemba, and she was a grade 9 drop out. The reason is Zambia does not respect its own professionals.
In addition to poor education, our rediculous beliefs that makes as cowards when it comes to face the world.( another future “topic for discussion” in our life style).
The other reason is very well taken; having same people overstay state house may not be health to the country. It brings dictatorship leadership like we had with Dr Kaunda.
This makes me wonder whether I should include you in my class, so you can understand that Zambia has very limited education system. Zambian education system sucks. It cannot give enough education to be able to compete with the world. At least those women tried to do something with their little education as you call it.
Go forward and stand for president, I will vote for you, as long as you will have enough guts to show what you can bring to the people of Zambia.
I will be very disappointed if you just sit in that chair and condemn people.
Give us a name of a person who you think can be a quality leader in Zambia. If you were made a president of Zambia today. What changes would you bring? We need fruits not just trees hanging in the garden.
Since you admit that gender is not an issue for you, I would be interested to hear your opinion as to what Zambian women you consider more qualified than Mrs. Mwanawasa, Nkandu Luo, and Vera.
As I am sure you are aware, educational and career opportunities for Zambian have traditionally been very limited. For instance, in my case, I pursued my own education on foreign soil both in England and America. What you perceive as a lack of qualifications on Mrs. Mwanawasa’s part is due to the poor quality of education in Zambia and longstanding role stereotypes for women.
I might suggest that you channel your concerns into working to break down these societal barriers and build a functional system of higher education in Zambia, and not only two major universities in the entire country. If you do, I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised at how many intelligent, well prepared women assume leadership roles in Zambia’s government.
As far as Winnie Mandela is concerned, her life experiences are quite different from those of the average Zambian woman. Plus, how many Zambian women are married to a man of Nelson Mandela’s stature? In the same breath you condemn Mrs. Mwanawasa for riding her husband’s coattails to power; you forget Mrs. Mandela’s marital status. I look forward to the day when African women can stand on their own merits and not those of their husbands.
More punches please..
Thanks a trillion
Belliah
January 29, 2008 at 6:31 pm
An extremely bad idea. I pray and hope that this does not happen. We want to be progressive, not retrogressive. Why would we want to do such a thing. What has she done to deserve it. Why? because her husband managed the economy well so can she? Nonesense! Please, lets not be that naive. You mean there is no one out there with better ideas than Mwanawasa. I for one would want to see someone bring sanity to the councils and pass a law to elect mayors directly. If we really want to clean the cities and restore sanity to local government, we need strong executive mayors who can implement necessary changes. If maureen understood and appreciated that, she would have told her husband so or done it as as way of demonstrating her abilities like Hillary tried to do with healthcare when her husband was president. Now that we are begining to feel good about about ourselves and have a bit of money it’s time we begun to clean up our cities and streamline the operations of the local governments. And for this we need someone’s else good ideas, not maureen. I really hope she won’t be that foolish and fall for this trap, she will lose. Zambians are not that gulliable, just ask Chiluba and Kaunda.
January 29, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Ken,
… there maybe some merit to your suggestions but for every presidency to be successful, there needs to be great advisers.
Bill Clinton has an enormous brain for instance but even he needed great advisers, he listened to advisers and together things were done.
John F Kennedy had a great brain but was always at odds with his advisers and the rest is history.
The presidency as an institution is not run by one individual as most want to believe, it is run by a collective with one figure-head …
All the figure-head needs is to be the center piece of all that embodies the presidency and he/she would be judged by history as a great president.
It is all about creating a great team (cabinet) whose synergies are the epitome of the highest level of human aspiration … thanks a trillion.
January 29, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Yes, Mr. Brainsplus! But without a doubt, the head sets the tone. I mean, what are you saying? That all maureen needs are good advisors and she will be ok! In which case, since it is implied that Levy will be one of her advisors, this should mean that we continue on the path we are on? Is this really what we are ready to settle for? I guess you don’t believe we can do any better? Well, I beg to differ with you Mr. Brainsplus. I really do. There’s still alot more to be done, and we now need fresh ideas to take us to the next level!
January 29, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Ken,
… axiomatically so, but you have got to realize that there is a method to this madness and the objective can easily be subjective without understanding the madness.
Yes, we have a lot of qualified people to run the enterprise, but they have to be in the system to be effective – we are not settling for the worst either … thanks a trillion
January 30, 2008 at 6:08 pm
And what’s your method? Appointing spouses to act as surrogates? Please, give me a break.
January 30, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Ken
The method is bring out names of persons you think, can make good presidents. Bring them in a debate. Some people need a kick to let them know they have presidential qualities, just like some have positively identified MRS Mwanawasa.
This is not about appointing spouses. We are here to groom ourselves and be able to identify good leadership, and be able to compete on a global scale.Just check how Mbikusita Lewanika is doing? She is able to get a job anywhere in this world, because of exposure and education. She is doing a great job.
Our team at Zambian chronicles have tested the outside world, so we are bringing real stuff.
If you check the above comments, You are all talking like educated people. I feel so proud when I read some sensible comments.
Our website is linked to the outside world. When you say positive sensible things, it shows the world how peaceful and democratic Zambian people are.Not the comments I saw on http://www.zambiatimes.com. I got it from there so you can have a feel of what is on other people’s mind.
We at chronicles encourage people not to go that way. We are a civilized nation.
I am sure Zambians will do the right thing.
Critical thinking is a key. Lets Think outside our own boxes and Identify good leaders. If we do not have open debates like this, we will end up choosing wrong leaders. Trust me this is very healthy.
Our team keep posting updates of the USA presidential elections, the reason we are doing that, is to have our fellow Zambian have a feel of how people outside the world choose their leaders without a violent act.
I was very disappointed when I went to Zambiatimes.com, and read some of the comments.
People with simple minds post ridicule. You need to at list respect your leader at some level, because in times where the country has a problem, you will still need him to act.
Currently, we have the concern about the contraceptive injection.
Cursing your own leader’s wife who is still in power and has done nothing shows how we use our emotions to control our minds. Mrs Mwanawasa never said a word about her standin. It come from Some Zambians who have appreciated her work and felt She is a right person to be the next President, which to us see no problem in Identifying a president.That is what democracy is about. Every Zambian citizen has a right to vote. There is a day to choose your leader, but before that, this is the best time to bring your candidate on an open forum debate. You may just realized or learn something you were not aware of.
So instead of firing insults at the first lady, fire at a person who made a proposal and in a professional manner and give reasons.
We Zambians do not want to end up like Kenya.
Simple minded people resort to violet. We are all smart people and Zambia right now is on the top list of countries that has peace. That to me is like a compliment. There is no place like home.
I tend to answer all those comments I saw in Zambiatimes.com, because comments that instigate violet is not health to the country.
Unfortunately, when it comes to voting all smart people stays home.
Open debates helps to find a solution to a problem. We have created a place were we can all express ourselves freely.
My advice is: You are a Zambian, we at Zambian chronicles respect you for that. You have all the right to oppose or support an idea. We would recommend when you support, give us the reason you are supporting the idea. If you oppose, give reasons, that way, you not just excising your rights as a Zambian Citizen, but you are helping your fellow Zambians to think outside their box.
I tried to come out very strong when Mr Bantubonse opposed to a woman leader, I tried to come out very strong just to see how further he can go in a debate to support his concern.He chickened out.Read my profile, I said I am here to help my fellow Zambians understand how the outside world functions. That is a course, I did in a reverse Psychology class.
Ken we respect people like you who are able to question every decision. Keep it up you are on the right track. You have a reasoning mind, and that what Brainwave and the team are doing here.
I just wanted to see how far Mr Bantubonse can go to support his concerns, he chickened out.
Here is a thing. Zambians need to learn to be thick skined. When someone comes out to challenge you, go back do your homework, do not hide, and prove your point. That is a way to go. Zambians are very smart, only lacks self- esteem.
We at chronicles are happy to hear every comment. As you bring out your views and points, it helps everyone of us, and prevents Kenya situation. So stay here we want to hear more from you. Give a Suggestion of a person you think may make a good president. We will put forward the name and wait for people views.
Thanks a lot
Belliah
January 31, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Why can’t I be president? I mean, I don’t have that much experience in public office. As matter of fact, I have never ran for any public office that I can seriously talk about. The only thing, maybe I can say, is that I have worked with a number of charities that help the poor and other vulnerable members of the society. So as you can guess, I have no track record one can measure me against.
Wait a minute, I almost forgot to tell you, actually Levy Mwanawasa is an uncle of mine. And he will be my first appointment to the post of senior advisor for economy and trade. That way, you can all be assured that the current economic boom we are enjoying will continue. Come to think of it, to ensure that I succed, I want to appoint Brainsplus as my campaign manager. What do you guys think?
February 1, 2008 at 12:27 am
Ken,
… the field is wide open for any Zambian who qualifies, sorry I can’t run your campaign for you … I think there are others that would handle that best for you, others who know you better.
Just go ahead and throw your name in the hat and people will start circling the wagon, thanks a trillion
February 1, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Alright Brainsplus, we are on the same page. But serious one day I may just run. But I need a track record.
We’ll see.
Regards!
February 1, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Good job guys. way to go. We need more people to jump in. What do you think guys, who should be the next president of Zambia.
I will help you out. I will post all the good qualities of a good leader. I will list all the contestants of the last election. I will match two at a time. Let us jump in and operate each one of them. Slice and dice them.
Feel free to express yourselves. Caution- no abusive language on this sight.Let us debate as professionals. Brainplus will handle the discussions, as I am still doing the research on the D-D. I will jump in if necessary.Invite more people to jump in our primary presidential selection. By the time this dudes begins to declare their stand. We will be done with our selection for Quality and not quantity.
I will do a research on each and every candidate.We are here to serve you, at no cost.
Thanks A trillion
Belliah Theise
February 4, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Just reading through this debate reminded me that zambia is blessed with intelligent citizens…
going back to the drawing board, “maureen mwanawasa as Zambia’s first female president.”
because some people think that Levy is the one igniting the fire for maureen to run as president-forgetting that she hasn’t come out to say it herself, but us the people are the ones talking…
i would like to suggest to Maureen that she lets these coming elections pass by and we as a nation watch how our next president fares after Levy. she should then make a come back in 2016 just so it can be a leveled playing field as the people want it to be.besides its about the people isnt it?
and even then ladies and gents! we will come to realize that we should have elected her in 2011.
its not about being male or female… but-one must be action oriented, have leadership qualities and the heart to serve the people.
i have a question… to all of us but more especially those questioning women leadership. why is it that eduaction qualifications are being an issue when it comes to women leadership and not men?
what qualifications do the satas of today have? we dont have to go too far back into history, but “not to mention any names;” chiluba and Kaunda led us and some may agree that they did this “reasonably well but not to their very best” -lets not forget these gentlemen didn’t have all those degrees and phds..infact had very little educated. were the same zambians today gullible to vote them in then, in the 1st place as one of says,and i quote; “Zambians are not that gullible, just chiluba and kaunda.”
in actual fact maureen has a bacheolors in law, and pursuing a MBA (masters in business administration in international management despite having a husband holding the highest post in the land. it means she wants to be recognised as an individual with her own credentials!
lets not fear upcoming women like Maureen or even Belliah but instead we should work with you gentlemen for the better of our nation…
belliah & brainplus & everyone else involved in this debate i would like to take this opportunity to recommend a book to you that has nothing to do with maureen but its a must read; “Confessions of an economic hit man.” by John Perkins
best wishes
chipsy
February 5, 2008 at 6:28 pm
chipsy,
… remember that Zambia Is Greater Than Any Single One Of Us, and if the Maureen candidacy by any chance would be a detriment to the nation then by all means it should be discouraged but if not, why not otherwise … thanks a trillion.
February 26, 2008 at 1:06 am
#26, Mbulawa asked a good question. Can anybody bring out what Maureen has done appart from appointments she got after becoming the first lady. Heading an NGO that has never been in your vision is not a taste of good experience which youcan use to run a country. The Head of State position calls for vision and wisdom, and some good experience.
February 26, 2008 at 2:47 am
Mr. Sepi Welcome Aboard,
At Zambian chronicle we value every Comment. This site is for each one of us. We do not believe in rumours, we need facts on each and every candidates.
Tribal disease, rumours, and gossip is what has made Zambia the way it is. The manner we choose our leaders has a big impact on each and every Zambian. Know facts, and use your own discretion when casting your vote. If we bring facts on the table openly, we will all be able to separate gossip, rumours and facts. Let us put aside our tribal Zambian disease and look at serious issues that needs to be addressed. We can only achieve best results by uniting ourselves to share great ideas with an open minded approach without bias, and work together as a team to achieve our goals with positive results.
Come 2011 we will be ready.
This is the reason we are doing this debate.
In every complaint that comes from every Zambian, We all sound very disappointment with our leaders. Complaining and cursing will not take us anywhere. getting serious and taking part in this screening will help.
My team and I came up with the idea of open debate on each and every candidate aspiring for the public offices. We need to know them in and out before we cast our vote.
Feel free to tell us what you think on each and every candidate. Nominate the person you feel can make a great Commander in chief in 2011.
Tell us more why you think Mrs Maureen Mwanawasa, cannot be our commander in Chief in 2011. Just to let you know, Mrs Maureen Mwanawasa did not declare herself, She was recommended by some Zambians that felt, she may make a good president, just like any one else giving out names of their best candidates.
We are all educating ourselves here.
Hope you will find helpful information on this site as we all move to choosing our leaders in 2011.
Thanks a trillion
Belliah
March 28, 2008 at 8:02 am
If the first lady has the conviction and personally feels she can..the let her run for presidency. The people of Zambia will ultimately decide.
Fred
March 28, 2008 at 8:02 am
If the first lady has the conviction and personally feels she can..then let her run for presidency. The people of Zambia will ultimately decide.
Fred
April 20, 2008 at 10:59 pm
dear brain plus well if its not maureen give us another person
April 21, 2008 at 12:09 am
Ba Chalikosa,
… I must confess that I was the first to float the idea of our current First Lady running and then it caught the fire; every news outlet has so far discussed it and it even got into play with traditional leaders asking for her candidacy.
We have learnt so many things out of the various debates so far and most of them have had no material substance, others have been rather emotional and a few very logical. But above all else, the First Lady is capable.
I say that because I know she has the capacity, but male chauvinism happens to be her greatest enemy. I categorized three areas above and one of them was “No Material Substance”.
If you listen to those who argued and or continue to argue with no material substance, the underlining theme in most of their reasoning has been everything to do with the fact that she is a woman and the country may not be ready for a woman president yet.
Just like Hillary Clinton’s candidacy had been brought to almost a stand still because of sexism, it is almost certain that could play to the same effect for Maureen. The compensating error on her part would be to accept the premise rather than challenge it.
The emotional ones tend to give us every reason why, a Maureen candidacy would be viewed as a continuation of the Mwanawasa Administration.
What this group forgets is the fact that Maureen is a private citizen with rights under the constitution that allow her to stand on her own merit and not a derivative of her spousal relationship with her husband.
The logical group are my kind of fellows, very few of them I have found but they simply either denigrate the notion based purely on merit or they encourage the notion based on the same. They cast no aspersions without naught at all.
As far as giving the Zambian Enterprise another candidate, I think you are giving me more impetus than I actually deserve, the smart people of the enterprise and even the party(s) members themselves are well able to give us one … thanks a trillion.
April 21, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Chalikosa,
People came up with different names for presidential candidates. Zambian Chronicle conducted a continous debate with the names that were put forward by Zamibians like yourself.
Unfortunately, Zambian people did not show much interest in a debate. So as a team, we decided to postpone the topic for the future.
Even though, we feel this is the right time to start screening all the aspiring candidates.
Let us know if you would like us to open the debate forum again. We will definately do it, as long as there is more participation from Zambians.
Thanks a trillion for your comment,
Bilia
May 11, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Please country men and women, Zambians must be taken for a ride anymore. We do not need a woman as for president not especially Maureen Mwanawasa. We want to progress and there are people that can take Zambia to another level. What has Mrs Mwanawasa done and is she a member of NEC in MMD now? Zambia is not a monarchy and and the first lady has vision for Zambia at the moment coz we could have seen it already.
May 22, 2008 at 10:52 am
I dont think mrs mwanawasa qualifies to be our next president.Zambia is not ready to be ruled by a woman.We still have a long way to go before we could be thinking of putting women on such high seats.Maybe next time,but not now.
May 22, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Mr Salile and Mr Mwana Nfumu,
Guys stop showing your insecurities by dismissing women to run for higher offices.
Why are most Zambian men afraid, and so insecure of women leadership? Is that the reason there is so much wife beating in Zambia, or Is it a continuation of dictating women by clinging on to higher offices, and intimidating women by claiming that Zambia is not ready for a woman president?
Come on guys you are embarrassing the civilized mother Zambia. Are you afraid to be defeated or what?
Guys, I think it is time for you to start accepting the fact that a woman was not created to be a man’s rug.
I need someone to explain to me what qualifies a person to be a president. I am not saying that Mrs Mwanawasa should stand for President, though she is free to run if she wishes to do so, it is a free country.
When Zambians preach democracy, it has to be both ways. Where is it written in the Zambian laws that women should not run for a presidential sit?
Implying that Zambia is being taken for a ride and suggesting that Zambia is not ready for a woman president is so ridiculous, and very insulting to women.
Also adding that Mrs Maureen Mwanawasa does not qualify to be a president,makes me laugh because none of most men contesting and past presidents were highly qualified, other than President Mwanawasa who at least was an attorney, and I am sure most of you did not like the fact that he became a president. Besides him, bring forward the names of most cabinet Ministers in Zambia, and let us start screening their qualifications one by one. I will be happy to participate in that screening of Qualifications, Including all past Presidents.
Give us other reasons, why you feel a woman should not run for president. Otherwise, I am not buying your claims.If you bring qualifications as a reason, I will challenge you because,
I have not seen spectacular leadership in men either, other than stealing public funds.
I think we need to discuss this topic of supriority between women and men in Zambia. I am glad Mr Brainsplus does not think the way you think. He is a smart Guy and always embraces women.
In all fairness, and with due respect, this is 21 century, Let us not make gender a stumbling block for leadership. It sounds so backwards. Your opinions, may not be other people’s opinion.We all have different opinions when it comes to leadership.
To say that Zambians are not ready to be ruled by a woman, should be your opinion and not every one else’s. Let every Zambian speak for themselves, what is good and what is not good for them. End of conversation.
I will be happy to see a woman president in Zambia for a change,if she can lead the Zambian enterprise to the next level, why not give it a shot?
Mrs Mwanawasa is free to run for any office, Zambia is a free country not only for men but for intelligent women too. If she was not the wife of the current president I would have supported the idea of her contesting in 2011. Other than that reason, If you talked about timing, I would have agreed with you, because in my opinion, it will be like Mr Mwanawasa’s 3rd term.
Thanks a trillion
Bilia
June 25, 2008 at 10:48 am
discounted international fares…
…
August 19, 2008 at 2:14 pm
my first eye is on DR B. Kawimbe his educated and he knows his politics and his not corrupted people of Zambia we don’t need people who are just vocal for nothing we want strong people just similar to our late. “my his soul rest in peace”
NB: support me on this
August 21, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I don’t think so. Lets be serious and elect someone who is genuinely capable of building on Mwanawasa’s achievements. Magande for President