Kitsepile Nyathi
1 September 2008
Livingstone — In bars, coffee shops and on the streets, one topic dominates discussion in this sprawling resort town on the border with Zimbabwe: will Zambia's next president fit into the late President Levy Mwanawasa's big shoes?
"The cold hand of death has robbed us of a versatile and fearless leader," said Pastor Nicholas Sii Mwibawa in a glowing tribute to Mr Mwanawasa who succumbed to a stroke two weeks ago.
His death plunged Zambia into mourning and many doubt if among the crop of leaders positioning themselves for the top post any has what it takes to continue his anti-corruption crusade and bold economic policies that have seen the country's economy turn a new corner.
"How cruel can death be? It is with sad and heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a rare gem like him," Pastor Mwibawa adds.
But he refuses to lose hope because he believes Mr Mwanawasa had helped raise the bar in leadership such that any leader who will emerge would be under pressure to live up to expectations.
"I believe that from Zambia's crucible, a melting pot where leaders are made, someone will emerge to carry our hopes, aspirations, desires and dreams for a prosperous, healthy, informed, educated and democratic Zambia," he says.
Mr Nervous Chuchu, a curios vendor advises his countrymen to insist on continuity, an argument that is fast gaining currency in the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).
"It's better to stick to the devil you know," he said. "The opposition must just concentrate winning the 2011 elections and let the MMD continue with its policies until they are fully implemented."
Although others consider it taboo that the succession debate has reached a crescendo before Mr Mwanawa's burial on Wednesday, political parties are already racing against time.
According to the Zambian constitution, the presidential by-election must be held within 90 days of the incumbent's death.
Considering the short time frame, many feel the opposition would not be prepared to mount a serious challenge hence the focus has been on how the MMD would manage its succession.
Some MMD activists already fear the debate, which has resulted in factional clashes over procedures used in the selection of candidates would harm its electoral chances.
Others favour a national convention to select the candidate, while some want acting President Rupiah Banda to be endorsed as the party's choice because he worked closely with Mr Mwanawasa.
Then the other contenders would have to wait for 2011 when the country holds its next presidential election.
Several provincial structures have already thrown their weight behind Mr Banda who will enjoy the added advantage of incumbency against opposition candidates.
"My wish is that our party, the MMD, did not in fact invite candidates to come and stand against the vice-president, but only to reaffirm him to stand in the next election so that he is in charge during this transition," Mr Arthur Yoyo, a former top civil servant told the state controlled Zambia Broadcasting Cooperation in a special programme dubbed 'Zambia Mourns.'
Last week, Mr Mwanawasa's MMD said 15 officials had submitted applications to be considered as candidates when Friday's deadline elapsed.
Besides Mr Banda the other serious contenders are Home Affairs Minister Mr Ronnie Shikapwasha and Finance and National Planning Minister, Mr Ng'andu Magande. The names of the two former vice-presidents, Mr Nevers Mumba and Enoch Kavindele have also been mentioned among the favourites.
MMD secretary, Dr Katele Kalumba said the party's national executive committee would meet on Friday to consider the applications. However, one of the big names missing from the list is that of Mrs Maureen Mwanawasa, the late president's widow.
Since last year, there have been calls for Mrs Mwanawasa to succeed her husband but it appears taking a shot at the presidency this time around would not be ideal since she is still in mourning.
Mr Mwanawasa was credited with successfully fighting endemic corruption since taking over from Mr Fredrick Chiluba in 2001 and his economic policies made him a darling of Western donors.
The MMD has pledged to continue with his policies and Mr Banda now considered as the front runner could be the right man to provide the leadership. A career diplomat born in neighbouring Zimbabwe, he is a trained economist who shared a lot in common with Mr Mwanawasa.
Quite attracted
"I am quite attracted to the leadership of President Mwanawasa for several reasons but most importantly his fight against corruption and his openness," Mr Banda told a Zambian paper soon after his appointment as Vice President in 2006.
Reflecting on his career during an address to ambassadors he said: "The diplomatic service was a launching pad. It gave me all the experience needed in statecraft, diplomacy and governance."
However, if he is nominated by the MMD, it will not be a stroll in the park for Mr Banda to land the presidency.
His predecessor survived a major scare to win the September 2006 presidential election against the ruling party's former secretary general, Mr Michael Sata who now leads the opposition Patriotic Front.
Mr Sata, a populist who capitalised on the disgruntlement caused by some of the side effects of Mr Mwanawasa's economic reforms such as the influx of Chinese companies that allegedly exploit Zambians, grabbed 27 percent of the vote.
He accused Mr Mwanawasa of "selling out" Zambia to international interests and had even threaten to cancel all Chinese contracts to mine in the rich Copperbelt if he came to power.
But, there is even debate that the opposition should not consider fielding a presidential candidate with the ruling party's chairperson, Mr Mike Mulongoti telling the media if an opposition candidate wins, he would not be able to form a government.
The ruling party enjoys a huge majority in parliament.
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