Zambia Rocked: President Speaks on 'Consequential' Bill 7 as MPs Face Scrutiny for Vote

A recent parliamentary vote on Bill 7 in Zambia has prompted extensive lobbying, robust debate, and, ultimately, a resolution through the democratic process. According to President Hakainde Hichilema, the true beneficiaries of this engagement are the people of Zambia and the nation's democracy itself, as citizens have expressed their will through their duly elected representatives. He emphasized that the nation, committed to democratic principles, must respect both the outcome and the collective resolve it signifies. President Hichilema called for a united focus on national development, urging the government, opposition, civil society, and citizens to move forward together, reaffirming a commitment to 'One Zambia, One Nation' for the country's progress and prosperity.
A documented list of 30 PF Members of Parliament who voted for Bill 7 included the following 29 individuals: Ackleo I. A. Banda (Vubwi), Allen Banda (Chimwemwe), Paul Chala (Chipili), Sunday C. Chanda (Kanchibiya), Kabwe T. Chewe (Lubansenshi), Leevan Chibombwe (Bahati), Christopher Chibuye (Mkushi North), Simon Banda (Petauke), Elias Daka (Msanzala), Jonathan Daka (Chadiza), Amb. Robert K. Kalimi (Malole), Christopher C. Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa), Michael J. Z. Katambo (Masaiti), Andrew Z. Lubusha (Chipangali), Mwaiwanu L. Lungu (Kapoche), Cliff M. Mpundu (Chembe), Ms Kampamba S. Mulenga (Kalulushi), Anthony C. Mumba (Kantanshi), Davison Mung’andu (Chama South), Sydney Mushanga (Bwacha), Elias M. Musonda (Chimbamilonga), Emmanuel M. Musonda (Lupososhi), Remember Mutale (Chitambo), Dr Simon Mwale (Nchelenge), Dr Aaron Mwanza (Kaumbwe), Nakaponda, Peter Phiri (Mkaika), Christopher Shakafuswa (Mandevu), and Masauso K. Tembo (Sinda).
In contrast to the formal list, an observer's account detailed the challenging process of obtaining the official 'YES' or 'NO' vote printout from Parliament, highlighting an apparent lack of transparency. The observer expressed shock at specific 'YES' votes from members of the opposition, as well as certain PF members, beyond those generally expected. This account delved into alleged motivations for these votes, categorized by province:
Eastern Province: Identified 'YES' voters included Hon Elias Eriboma Daka (PF) Msanzala, Hon Jaire Banda (NCP) Petauke Central, Hon Dr Aaron Banda (PF) Kaumbwe, Hon Masauso Kazungula Tembo (PF) Sinda, Hon Maiwane (PF) Kapoche, Hon Peter Phiri (PF) Mkaika, Hon Acleo Lungu (PF) Vubwi, and Hon Mutayachalo (PF) Chama North. Allegations against these members cited receiving FRA maize transportation contracts and outdated FRA payments from before 2021. The observer described them as 'selfish gonga MMD origin stingy businessmen' who were quick to betray the former leadership after losing power in 2021. It should be noted that while the formal list named Ackleo I. A. Banda (PF) for Vubwi, the observer's account specified Hon Acleo Lungu (PF) for the same constituency; similarly, Mwaiwanu L. Lungu (PF) Kapoche from the formal list was referred to as Hon Maiwane (PF) Kapoche.
Muchinga Constituency: Hon Sunday Chanda (PF) Kanchibiya and Hon Marjorie Nakaponda (PF) Isoka constituency were listed among the 'YES' voters.
Northern Province: MPs identified included Hon Musonda Mpankata (PF) Lupososhi, Hon Chewe Taulo (PF) Lubansenshi, Hon Sibongile Mwamba (PF) Kasama Central, and Hon Robert Kalimi (PF) Malole. The observer expressed personal shock regarding Hon Sibongile Mwamba, described as a cousin, who had previously denied betraying the people. For Hon Robert Kalimi, it was noted that Hon Remember Mutale assisted him in logging in to vote 'YES' due to his inability to do so independently after a car accident. It is important to note the discrepancies in names for certain constituencies between the two accounts: for Lupososhi, Emmanuel M. Musonda (PF) was on the formal list while Hon Musonda Mpankata (PF) was named by the observer; for Lubansenshi, Kabwe T. Chewe (PF) was in the formal list contrasting with Hon Chewe Taulo (PF).
Luapula Province: Hon Leevan Chibombwe (PF) Bahati, Hon Dr Solomon Mwale (PF) Nchelenge, Hon Paul Chaala (PF) Chipili, and Hon Chonde Saka (Independent) Milenge Constituency were listed. Hon Leevan Chibombwe was alleged to be a 'ZESCO tenderpreneur businessman'. Hon Chonde Saka was described as a 'stingy fake tenderpreneur' who made millions from DMMU Boma contracts and was allegedly aided with a mega-million-dollar hydropower contract at Mubotutu Falls in his constituency in exchange for his 'YES' vote. For Nchelenge, Dr Simon Mwale (PF) was in the formal list, while Hon Dr Solomon Mwale (PF) was identified by the observer.
Lusaka Province: Hon Christopher Shakafuswa was named among the 'YES' voters.
Central Province: Hon Remember Mutale (PF) Chitambo and Hon Chibuye (PF) Mkushi North were identified.
Copperbelt Province: 'YES' votes came from Hon Anthony Mumba (PF) Kantanshi, Hon Golden Mwila (PF) Mufulira Central, Hon Allan Banda (PF) Chimwemwe, Hon Mike Katambo (PF) Masaiti, and Hon Chibuye (Independent) Roan Constituency.
The observer concluded with a critical 'lesson' regarding the candidate adoption process, emphasizing the importance of not selecting 'businessmen who can trade people for cash or contracts'. It was also suggested that some MPs 'bargained for their freedom from going to prison' due to pre-existing criminal cases, exchanging their 'YES' vote for immunity. The 2021 PF adoption process was deemed a 'disaster', highlighting the need for caution in future selections. Despite the perceived loss of this 'fight', the observer maintained that the broader 'War' had not been lost, concluding with the rallying cry 'Together We Can'.
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