Election Coverage 2006
2006 is an election year in Zambia but the election date was uncertain for some time. Setting the date is the job of the current President and at the end of July, Levy Mwanawasa decided that September 28th would be the day. For the last two months, presidential candidates have been campaining for the quickly approaching election and there are 6 candidates vying for office. Realistically, 3 appear to have chance.
And the candidates are...
Levy Mwanawasa, the incumbant represents the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) and is attempting to extend for a second 5 year term. A lawyer turned politician, he served as vice president in the 1990's before taking office in 2001. Some believed that his first presidential victory was rigged and that Anderson Mazoka actually received more votes. Ironically, we in the US came to the same realization, in the same month of 2001, that receiving more votes doesn't necessarily win an election. I wish I could write more about his politics but most of my encounters with the President involve him staring at me over the bar or glaring at me while I get my film developed. Every place of business is required to display a picture of the president and all have posted the one that I posted here. I wish he'd make the smile more convincing but it might be related to a severe car accident that he suffered in 1991. The same car accident is respoonsible for his somewhat slurred speech. Many worry that Mwanawasa is not fit for another five years. He suffered a stroke in April of this year. My favorite headline from the campaign trail... I Like Eating Says Mwanawasa and the story goes on to say (taken out of context just a little) "I like eating and that's why my government concentrated on revamping the agricultural sector".
Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front (PF) is reportedly Mwanawasa's leading competitor. A boisterous politician turned radio host turned politician, he believes he's the man for the job. Known for his chain-smoking, gruff voice and charismatic personality, he campaigns under the slogan "Man of Action". He has noble intentions but some worry that his ideas will not be achievable. He seeks to provide water and electricity to thousands of residents in his first 100 days of office. He believes that only once these essential needs are met within the home can you start working on the education system and then the private sector and job creation. He plans to provide jobs for recent University of Zambia grads, many of which are unemployed or underemployed in town. He plans to eventually recruit students after 12th grade and sponsor educations for students entering specific ministries. He has the airwaves on his side during his daily 3 hour afternoon radioshow.
Sata asking for "more" in baby sign language.
And what about Anderson Mazoka? The candidate that essentially won the election 5 years ago, he seems like the obvious contender this time around. But there won't be a heavyweight rematch because Mazoka mysteriously died in May of this year. The cause of death was kidney failure but some believe he was poisoned.
Mazoka yelling at a baby during the 2000 election
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) replaced Mazoka's name on the ballot with the election's youngest but wealthiest candidate. Hakainde Hichelema, better known as HH, is an economist by trade and accumulated his wealth through international business endeavors. HH has the backing of the first Zambian President, Kenneth Kaunda (1963-1974) along with others that believe his business acumen will provide a charge to the Zambian economy. He still consistently trails the other two in the polls.
HH, not quite famous enough to have a mildly funny google picture.
The elections should be a peaceful time though there was rioting downtown last week. The US Embassy has sent warnings to notify expats of high-tension areas. We have been assured by locals that there will only be pockets of problems and that the election will come and go in peace.
I hope you have a new found interest in Zambian politics. I am mostly ashamed at my inability to provide the grit and details some of you may be looking for. But check back for up-to-the-week election coverage!
And the candidates are...
Levy Mwanawasa, the incumbant represents the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) and is attempting to extend for a second 5 year term. A lawyer turned politician, he served as vice president in the 1990's before taking office in 2001. Some believed that his first presidential victory was rigged and that Anderson Mazoka actually received more votes. Ironically, we in the US came to the same realization, in the same month of 2001, that receiving more votes doesn't necessarily win an election. I wish I could write more about his politics but most of my encounters with the President involve him staring at me over the bar or glaring at me while I get my film developed. Every place of business is required to display a picture of the president and all have posted the one that I posted here. I wish he'd make the smile more convincing but it might be related to a severe car accident that he suffered in 1991. The same car accident is respoonsible for his somewhat slurred speech. Many worry that Mwanawasa is not fit for another five years. He suffered a stroke in April of this year. My favorite headline from the campaign trail... I Like Eating Says Mwanawasa and the story goes on to say (taken out of context just a little) "I like eating and that's why my government concentrated on revamping the agricultural sector".
Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front (PF) is reportedly Mwanawasa's leading competitor. A boisterous politician turned radio host turned politician, he believes he's the man for the job. Known for his chain-smoking, gruff voice and charismatic personality, he campaigns under the slogan "Man of Action". He has noble intentions but some worry that his ideas will not be achievable. He seeks to provide water and electricity to thousands of residents in his first 100 days of office. He believes that only once these essential needs are met within the home can you start working on the education system and then the private sector and job creation. He plans to provide jobs for recent University of Zambia grads, many of which are unemployed or underemployed in town. He plans to eventually recruit students after 12th grade and sponsor educations for students entering specific ministries. He has the airwaves on his side during his daily 3 hour afternoon radioshow.
Sata asking for "more" in baby sign language.
And what about Anderson Mazoka? The candidate that essentially won the election 5 years ago, he seems like the obvious contender this time around. But there won't be a heavyweight rematch because Mazoka mysteriously died in May of this year. The cause of death was kidney failure but some believe he was poisoned.
Mazoka yelling at a baby during the 2000 election
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) replaced Mazoka's name on the ballot with the election's youngest but wealthiest candidate. Hakainde Hichelema, better known as HH, is an economist by trade and accumulated his wealth through international business endeavors. HH has the backing of the first Zambian President, Kenneth Kaunda (1963-1974) along with others that believe his business acumen will provide a charge to the Zambian economy. He still consistently trails the other two in the polls.
HH, not quite famous enough to have a mildly funny google picture.
The elections should be a peaceful time though there was rioting downtown last week. The US Embassy has sent warnings to notify expats of high-tension areas. We have been assured by locals that there will only be pockets of problems and that the election will come and go in peace.
I hope you have a new found interest in Zambian politics. I am mostly ashamed at my inability to provide the grit and details some of you may be looking for. But check back for up-to-the-week election coverage!
posted by Michelle and Bob - Zambia @ 2:00 PM
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