The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has dismissed claims of illegal voter registration activities in Kawambwa, describing the allegations as unfounded.
In a statement issued today, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro clarified that the voter register being used for the Kawambwa Constituency by-election was certified on February 21, 2024, and is the only valid register for the election.
Mr. Kasaro says the certified register includes voters who registered during the 2021 General Election and those added through the Continuous Registration of Voters (CRV) exercise conducted between June and December 2022.
He emphasized that the new voters registered after December 2022 will not be eligible to vote in the ongoing by-election, as their details have not yet been included in the certified register.
The Commission also clarified that replacement of lost, defaced, or damaged voter cards for registered voters is being undertaken in nearby Nchelenge District.
The ECZ reiterated that the replacement of a voters’ card does not constitute new voter registration but is merely a reissuance of cards for individuals already captured in the certified voter register.
Mr. Kasaro, however, assured that the Kawambwa parliamentary by-election is being conducted using the certified voter register, and ECZ remains committed to ensuring transparency and adherence to electoral laws.
Save the Children Director for Programs and Operations, Grace Mwendapole has called on Government to sustain early childhood learning to provide children with strategies that help them develop the emotional, social, and cognitive skills needed to become lifelong learners.
Ms. Mwendapole says early childhood education has yielded positive results with 3,500 learners in Sioma and Shangombo districts benefiting from the program.
She also urged communities in the two districts to explore ways of sustaining the program, which is about to come to an end.
Meanwhile, Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) Provincial Focal Point Person, Martin Inambao expressed optimism about the sustainability of the programme.
Police Service, in collaboration with the Department of Immigration and the Anti-Terrorism Unit, has apprehended two men allegedly involved in witchcraft activities.
The suspects have been identified as Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, a 42-year-old Mozambican, and Leonard Phiri, aged 43, from Sinda District in Zambia.
The two were found in possession of assorted charms, including a live chameleon, and are believed to be practicing witchdoctors.
Police spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga said preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects were allegedly hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of fugitive former Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda, to carry out an alleged mission to harm President Hakainde Hichilema using witchcraft.
The suspects disclosed that they received an advance payment of K16, 500 out of a total agreed sum of K30, 000, with a promise of K2 million after completing their mission.
Both Candunde and Phiri have been charged with several offenses, including practicing witchcraft, possession of charms, and cruelty to wild animals. They are currently in police custody and will soon appear in court.
Zambia Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (ZAGO) President, Swebby Macha says the 2024 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey shows an increase in teenage pregnancy, accounting for 28 % of the population.
Speaking during the launch of the Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) campaign in Chilanga today, Dr Macha said the 2024 Demographic and Health Survey shows that teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV infections are on the rise among adolescents in the country.
Dr. Macha said the HIV infections that were reported last year accounted for 50% of adolescents in the country.
Dr. Macha said these challenges pose a threat not only to the adolescents involved but also to the unborn children.
He however, said ZAGO has embarked on enhancing awareness campaigns among adolescents through youth-friendly services and training of peer educators.
He has advised adolescents to focus on their developing their respective careers and to stay away from vices.
Meanwhile, ZAGO Communications Manager, Lambwe Kachali observed that young people are at risk of getting wrong information about SRH through different forms of communication.
He says the purpose of the campaign is to empower young people with the right information regarding their sexuality.
The opposition Operation Save MMD leader, Gastone Sichilima, has called for urgent action to protect the former ruling party from what he describes as poor leadership and unconstitutional practices.
Speaking in Lusaka yesterday, Mr. Sichilima, a founding member of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), criticized New Hope leader Nevers Mumba of allegedly creating an illegal organ within the party, referred to as "The Politburo."
He said the party’s constitution clearly states that the National Executive Committee (NEC) is the highest decision-making body between conventions and accused Dr. Mumba of undermining the party's structure.
Mr. Sichilima further urged the media to refrain from addressing Dr. Mumba as the MMD president, emphasizing that his leadership ended two years ago.
This follows similar criticism from Copperbelt-based NEC members, who earlier branded the Politburo as illegal.
They also condemned Dr. Mumba for allegedly appointing party officials without following constitutional guidelines, citing the appointment of a new party spokesperson as an example.
Mr. Sichilima also accused Dr. Mumba of defecting to the UPND without proper consultation or approval from the general membership, while acknowledging that alliances with other political parties are acceptable.
He stressed that such decisions must follow constitutional processes and involve input from members across the country.
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Nicholas Phiri, has expressed satisfaction with ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Speaking when he addressed a multi-sectoral team comprising officials from government ministries, local authorities, and the USAID Local Impact Governance Project, Mr. Phiri emphasized the importance of refining the guidelines to enhance community empowerment.
Mr. Phiri highlighted that the review process marks a critical step towards creating robust mechanisms for implementing, monitoring, and managing CDF.
He noted the importance of using clear and simple language in the guidelines to promote transparency and citizen participation.
Mr Phiri pointed out that the government's experience in implementing CDF over the past three years has provided valuable lessons to identify what works and what does not, ensuring informed decisions to guide the review process.
The revised guidelines are expected to reflect the multi-sectoral nature of the fund, promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation to meet the diverse needs of communities.
The review process is set to be completed by the end of January 2025, with a broader stakeholder meeting planned to gather additional inputs for validation.
Mr. Phiri commended the technical team for their commitment and encouraged them to remain diligent in their efforts, which, he said, will significantly contribute to community development across the country.
Ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres have allegedly attacked Tonse Alliance spokesperson, Sean Tembo in full view of police officers at Kawambwa Central Police Station.
Mr. Tembo has accused UPND Deputy National Youth Chairperson for Politics and Mobilization, Trevor Mwiinde of allegedly orchestrating the attack.
Mr. Tembo narrated that he went to Lianga ward to monitor the voting process and that on his way back, he was waylaid by UPND cadres who had blocked the road.
Mr. Tembo added that his vehicle had a tyre burst as he attempted to escape from the assailants before speeding off towards Kawambwa Central Police Station.
He said the attackers gave chase and caught up with him at the Inquiries Desk of Kawambwa Central Police Station where they attempted to stab him in the chest, in the process cutting his palm as he held onto the knife while fending off the attacker.
But Mr. Mwiinde refuted the allegations and expressed ignorance over the matter.
Mr. Mwiinde said the Tonse Alliance had allegedly failed to fulfill its promises to the electorate hence resorting to propaganda.
He has wished all the political parties in the by-elections success.
CAMNET TV MAIN NEWS 19:30, 20-12-2024 - HEADLINES
CAMNET TV MAIN NEWS 19:30, 20-12-2024
HEADLINES
1. UPND CADRES ATTACK SEAN TEMBO IN KAWAMBWA
2. ECZ REFUTES ILLEGAL VOTER REGISTRATION CLAIMS
3. 2 SANGOMAS NABBED, ALLEGEDLY HIRED TO HARM HH
INTERNATIONAL
4. PUTIN DEFENDS RUSSIA’S ROLE IN SYRIA, DENIES FAILURE
SPORTS
5. HH FETES VICTORIOUS COSAFA CHAMPS
CAMNET TV MAIN NEWS 19:30, 19-12-2024
CAMNET TV MAIN NEWS 19:30, 19-12-2024
HEADLINES
1. KAWAMBWA BY-ELECTION MARRED BY MALPRACTICES, SAYS TIZ
2. NPA SUSPENDS 2 PROSECUTORS
3. CABINET APPROVES VOLUNTARY ZNS TRAINING
INTERNATIONAL
4. SEVERAL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA KILLED AT A FAIR
SPORTS
5. FAZ ORDERED TO PAY OVER K7 MILLION IN UNREMITTED NAPSA CONTRIBUTIONS.
"It’s Not Easy to Remove Us After 23 Years in Opposition" – President Hakainde Hichilema.
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia recently reflected on the remarkable journey of his party, which spent 23 years in opposition before rising to power. He highlighted the resilience, determination, and commitment that defined their struggle, emphasizing the lessons learned during those years of preparation and perseverance.
“Being in opposition for 23 years was not easy,” he stated, “and it’s not easy to remove us from power now.” This statement underscores the depth of the sacrifices and efforts made to build a party capable of earning the trust of the Zambian people and driving meaningful change in the nation.
President Hichilema explained that the long wait in opposition strengthened his party’s resolve and provided the opportunity to refine their policies and governance strategies. Now in power, his administration is focused on delivering sustainable development, ensuring transparency, and fulfilling the aspirations of the citizens who placed their trust in him.
The president’s remarks reflect a deep understanding of the challenges and victories that come with leadership. They serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of a solid foundation in achieving lasting success.
#Aikona Man! Aikona Man! Aikona Man!!
Residents of Namengo in Nalikwanda constituency of Mongu district have reacted with outrage after a 45-year-old man assaulted his child by burning his face.
Mwanambuyu Mayeya, 40, the brother of the suspect identified as Mayeya Mayeya, said his brother’s action was downright criminality and called on the police to bring him to book.
The child’s mother, Florence Matipa has told CAMNET TV news that besides harming the child with fire, Mr Mayeya allegedly has a tendency of beating the boy for no apparent reason.
Other residents said Mr Mayeya is a danger to society and should not be left scot-free.
police in Lusaka have arrested a Lebanese businessman for allegedly defrauding a Chinese man of US$799.950 on the pretext of facilitating the purchase of the rare timber species, Mukula, from the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO).
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the arrest of 40-year-old Ali Hussein Yehia of Makeni Bonaventure for allegedly obtaining money by false pretenses between June and August 2021.
Mr Hamoonga said Yehia claimed that he would supply containers of Mukula timber to Jim Zhao, in a deal that turned out to be fraudulent.
Mr. Hamoonga says the matter was reported on May 10, 2024, by Simusokwe Kaziya, a businessman, on behalf of Mr Zhao.
He said police apprehended Yehia on December 16, 2024, after investigations.
