Chiluba gets backing for third term

President Chiluba: Set to seek third term

KABWE, Zambia -- Despite a boycott by senior members, Zambia's ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has voted to allow President Frederick Chiluba to run for a third term.

The party backed an amendment to its constitution allowing Chiluba to stand in the elections expected at the end of October -- even though the country's constitution does not currently allow more than two terms.

Robert Simeza, the MMD returning officer, told a special conference called to consider the amendment: "I have tallied and now certify this result -- 80.5 percent of the 1, 082 delegates who arrived here voted yes."

Chiluba, 58, watched impassively from the podium as supporters cheered and chanted: "Third term, third term."

Twenty minutes later he submitted his signed nomination form, making him the party's only candidate so far.

Asked whether he was confident of winning the party presidency and nomination, Chiluba, who has formally banned debate on succession, told reporters: "Not until I see any other contestants can I say safely that I am."

Political analysts have said that getting the national constitution amended could prove much tougher.

At least 62 MMD members of parliament, including 11 cabinet members, boycotted the party's vote after pro-Chiluba youths scuffled with party dissidents on Saturday, leaving one cabinet minister with a broken arm.

Their continued opposition would be enough to block passage of a constitutional amendment through the 158-seat parliament.

Those opposed include Vice President General Christon Tembo who told a rally last week ago: "Leaders must go when their time is up. Time moves on and it is not within the powers of a leader, however great he is in his moment of history, to stop the clock."

International donor nations had urged Chiluba, a former trade union leader and lay preacher, to stand down at the end of his second term.

Chiluba swept to power 10 years ago, toppling President for Life Kenneth Kaunda partly on the strength of promises to strengthen democracy and honour the two-term limit.

Zambian Government

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