Forum for Democracy and Development By Derrick Sinjela The Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) is a political party in Zambia. The FDD was founded in 2001 by former members of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), disaffected by Frederick Chilubas efforts to change the constitution to allow him to stand for a third term.[1] At the legislative elections on 27 December 2001, the party won 15.3% of popular votes and 12 out of 159 seats. Its candidate at the presidential elections, Christon Tembo, on the same day won 13.2%. Three FDD politicians were later invited by President Levy Mwanawasa to serve in a unity cabinet, and expelled from the party for accepting the invitation. In 2005 the FDD chose Edith Nawakwi, a former MDD minister, as its president. However, in 2006 the government de-registered the FDD, on the grounds that it had failed to submit an annual report. The FDD joined the United Democratic Alliance, supporting the United Party for National Development presidential candidate, Hakainde Hichilema, in the 2006 elections.[1] In the 2011 General Elections, FDD president, Edith Nawakwi got a mere 6,833 votes (0.24%) and the party got 1 seat in parliament (Chifumu Banda - Chasefu Constituency). Former Zambian Vice-President, the late Lietenant General Christon Tembo was founding leader of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD). Ms Nawakwi, or Edith Zewelani Nawakwi is Zambia’s first elected woman president of a political party - the Forum for Democratic Development ((FDD) formerly led by retired army general, Christon Tembo). She was also Zambia’s first woman Minister of Finance, in 1998, after 33 years of Zambias independence and the first in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Nawakwi is among the women pioneers that opened the door for gender equality and representation in Zambian politics and development. Other pillars include Inonge Mbikusita Lewanika, Gwendolyn Konie and Professor Nkandu Luo (Zambia’s first woman professor). Born in 1958, Nawakwi has a degree in economics and business management and a post-graduate diploma in the economics of energy and development from the University of London Imperial College. Her tough minded personality has enabled her to survive the male-dominated political environment. The Zambian political environment, influenced by long followed societal norms, is still in its infancy in embracing gender equality. Says the Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL), “Very few women in Zambian Politics survive the wrath of a volatile, partisan, highly commercialised political system. Very few, indeed, stand up against injustices that have been targeted at them. Most women would rather “die quietly.” Not with Zambias first woman Minister of Finance (Edith Nawakwi).” Political Positions Held by Edith Nawakwi: * President - Forum for Democracy and Development (Apr 2005 - ) * Secretary General - Forum for Democracy and Development (2001 - 2001) * Vice President - Forum for Democracy and Development (2001 - 2005) * Minister of Labour & Social Security - Government of Zambia (1999 - 2001) * Minister of Finance - Government of Zambia (1997 - 1999) * Minister of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries - Government of Zambia (1996 - 1997) * Minister of Energy & Water Development - Government of Zambia (1993 - 1996). https://blogger/blogger.g?blogID=4162910895103434409#editor/target=post;postID=2767169234185662976;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=0;src=postname * Minister of State for Energy & Water Development - Government of Zambia (1992 - 1993)
Posted on: Sat, 05 Jul 2014 10:21:35 +0000
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