President-elect, Hichilema
There is a general perception that, when an opposition political candidate running for presidency wins the election; that general election is deemed free and fair.
Last week, the African Manner published an article on the election history of Zambia and rounded up the flash back by anticipating this year's election outcome. As of today, Edgar Lungu joins his colleague, Peter Mutharika as he begins his new journey as a private citizen.
Opposition movements in Africa are redefining politics and democracy in the continent. It all began last year June when the leader of the opposition, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Lazarus Chakwera won the country's historic presidential election rerun which came after the nullification of the 2019 polls that gave President Mutharika his second term.
Chakwera won with 2.6 million votes while Mutharika came second with 1.7 million votes. In Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema (H.H) won with 2.8 million votes while Edgar Lungu received 1.8 million votes. Local and international election observers commended both countries for holding peaceful and transparent elections.
Just like Peter, Edgar says the 2021 polls are not a true reflection of the will of many people. Lungu's party, the Patriotic Front was against his decision to run for a third term. That was the will of his own political family. While the court ruled in favour of Edgar Lungu running for a third term, the ballot ruled otherwise in favour of the people.
The two elections are a fundamental indicator of how democratic processes such as free, fair and credible elections can turn around the political landscape of Africa. Mutharika's administration had failed and people just wanted change. Lungu's administration had failed as well and Zambians voted for a new leader.
Now that Malawi and Zambia have done it, political commentators have asked President Chakwera and H.H to assist their friend Nelson Chamisa as he prepares to topple President Mnangagwa in 2023. Elections in Zimbabwe are 22 months away and the pressure is now on Chamisa to replicate what his friends have done across the border.
It is prudent to remind the jovial Zambians about the story of Malawi and their new president. President Lazarus Chakwera promised the people of Malawi that, the time of free hand outs was over yet he appointed his daughter as a diplomat to Brussels.
As if that was enough, President Chakwera traveled to London to attend a virtual conference. In his 10 member-delegation, Lazarus Chakwera left his foreign minister at home only to include his wife, daughter and son-in-law. This is the very same candidate who was trusted by 2.7 million Malawians to fight corruption.
Enough of Lazarus and his chaotic first year in office, our attention shifts to H.H and his first 100 days in office. We look forward to his cabinet appointments, his actions on the Covid-19 vaccine roll out in Zambia, job creation, budget cuts and most importantly, his foreign policy.
Alas, hard work and consistency pays off in politics. The liberation of Africa came after years and years of fighting. As for Hakainde Hichilema, the president-elect has finally won an election after six attempts. Patience is surely a virtue; in a few days time, the Hichelema family will be occupying the State House.
Congratulations President H.H
@stajicesimmz