Since Tuesday, all of Zambia has been sitting on pins and needles regarding their future president. Shortly after midnight today the Electoral Commission announced that Michael Sata, is the country's fifth leader, ending a 20-year domination by MMD, the Movement for Multi-party Democracy. Sata, a Patriot Front candidate, defeated Rupiah Banda who campaigned as a "President For All Zambians". Sata's slogan, "Don't Kubeba" encouraged Zambians to take the money handed out by Banda, but "Don't Tell" that you're still voting for Sata.
People voted for Sata, nicknamed "King Cobra" because of his venomous speech, in hopes that he will bring change to Zambia. Sata, 74, has promised economic growth and development in the form of more jobs and better education.
There is definitely a different spirit in the air this morning. Yesterday I could sense the fear and anxiety in people as I took my morning walk. Violence had already occurred this past week, and there were concerns that if Sata didn't win there would be increased violence. Sata had already lost the last four elections, the one in 2008 being very close~Banda defeated him by a margin of only 35,000 votes.
Today, faces have more smiles on them and people seem lighter of heart. After the announcement in the early hours today, people took to the streets in jubilation. Zambians have been dancing and car horns have been honking in celebration.
My prayer is that Sata will bring change for Zambians~that righteousness, justice, and mercy will prevail during this time of change. May Sata be an advocate for the poor and oppressed~may God grant him grace to lead this nation with excellence and wisdom.
1 comment:
we pray that change comes for the better. So much is dependent on the leader. The Zambian people deserve an opportunity for better education and health care.
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