On 12 August, the people of Zambia rejected a 3rd term for President Edgar Lungu, and replaced him with Hakainde Hichelema, who has just today been announced the winner of the election, under the UPND banner (United Party for National Development). Why is this good news? President Lungu and his Patriot Front party, simply put, has been like a pirate chieftain in his term of office. Corruption has been rampant. Goon squads patrolled the streets. The national coffers have been pillaged to pay for mansions, luxury automobiles, and spoils distribution. Political opponents have been arrested and imprisoned for no legitimate charges. Unlettered cronies have been appointed to high office. Sweetheart deals have been made with foreign "investors" like China. National resources have been sold off for kickbacks. The previous election was widely understood to be stolen by the PF. The national economy had collapsed. Police, doctors, educators have not been paid their salaries for years. Medical supplies have been bootlegged for personal profit. The value of the kwacha steadily dropped. The best and the brightest fled the country for better prospects elsewhere---anywhere. The populace had nearly been beaten into dispirited apathy...but they finally had enough, rose up in opposition, and trooped to the polls to vote so heavily for HH that his victory prevailed against the cheating and illegal practices. Zambia now breathes freely. The armed marauder gangs have disappeared. Peace prevails.

If it can happen for humble, out-of-the-way Zambia, it can happen for us, God willing.

On 12 August, the people of Zambia rejected a 3rd term for President Edgar Lungu, and replaced him with Hakainde Hichelema, who has just today been announced the winner of the election, under the UPND banner (United Party for National Development). Why is this good news? President Lungu and his Patriot Front party, simply put, has been like a pirate chieftain in his term of office. Corruption has been rampant. Good squads patrolled the streets. The national coffers have been pillaged to pay for mansions, luxury automobiles, and spoils distribution. Political opponents have been arrested and imprisoned for no legitimate charges. Unlettered cronies have been appointed to high office. Sweetheart deals have been made with foreign "investors" like China. National resources have been sold off for kickbacks. The previous election was widely understood to be stolen by the PF. The national economy had collapsed. Police, doctors, educators have not been paid their salaries for years. Medical supplies have been bootlegged for personal profit. The value of the kwacha steadily dropped. The best and the brightest fled the country for better prospects elsewhere---anywhere. The populace had nearly been beaten into dispirited apathy...but they finally had enough, rose up in opposition, and trooped to the polls to vote so heavily for HH that his victory prevailed against the cheating and illegal practices. Zambia now breathes freely. The armed marauder gangs have disappeared. Peace prevails.

If it can happen for humble, out-of-the-way Zambia, it can happen for us, God willing.