A quick look in the Sports page of yesterday's POST reveals a story with the title
"Chiluba watches Arsenal, Man Utd game at O'Hagans"
This is just one of the many poor news stories that populate our press. Do people really care if Chiluba is watching a game of football at O'Hagans? Where is the news?
Perhaps I have been away from home for a long time but I would not pay to read such irrelevant stories. Our scribes need to raise their game and report on the real issues affecting the people of Zambia.
The PANEL
Wednesday 16 April 2008
Situation in Zimbabwe
All my posts on this blog so far have concentrated on issues affecting Zambia. However, events in Zimbabew in recent weeks have prompted me to say one or two things on the matter.
It is very clear to independent observers that the MDC won the elections of 28th March 2008. I was one of the pundits who were surprised by this outcome as it is close to impossible to unseat a government via the ballot in Africa. However, Mugabe and his regime are not ready to honour the will of the people. Their arrogance is mind boggling. Why has it taken so long for ZEC to release the results of the presidential poll? My understanding of the electoral process is that votes were counted at each polling station in full view of observers from all parties. The results were then posted at each polling station. All ZEC had to do was use a simple calculator to come up with the totals from the polling stations. Such a mundane task takes minutes and not weeks.
The role of SADC in this issue is rather disappointing. Everyone expected a strongly worded statement to fire a warning shot at Mugabe after the extraordinary summit in Lusaka. Instead we were treated to some weasel words. What a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Events in Zimbabwe have clearly demonstrated that we still have elements in Africa who are not ready to embrace change. I do not believe that an 84 year corrupt politician is best suited to run Zimbabwe. Comrade Mugabe should do the decent thing and respect the will of the people. The people have spoken and they want the MDC to rule the country.
The PANEL
It is very clear to independent observers that the MDC won the elections of 28th March 2008. I was one of the pundits who were surprised by this outcome as it is close to impossible to unseat a government via the ballot in Africa. However, Mugabe and his regime are not ready to honour the will of the people. Their arrogance is mind boggling. Why has it taken so long for ZEC to release the results of the presidential poll? My understanding of the electoral process is that votes were counted at each polling station in full view of observers from all parties. The results were then posted at each polling station. All ZEC had to do was use a simple calculator to come up with the totals from the polling stations. Such a mundane task takes minutes and not weeks.
The role of SADC in this issue is rather disappointing. Everyone expected a strongly worded statement to fire a warning shot at Mugabe after the extraordinary summit in Lusaka. Instead we were treated to some weasel words. What a waste of taxpayers’ money.
Events in Zimbabwe have clearly demonstrated that we still have elements in Africa who are not ready to embrace change. I do not believe that an 84 year corrupt politician is best suited to run Zimbabwe. Comrade Mugabe should do the decent thing and respect the will of the people. The people have spoken and they want the MDC to rule the country.
The PANEL
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