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Levy Patrick Mwanawasa

Levy Patrick Mwanawasa was the third president of Zambia, serving from January 2002 until his death in August 2008. He is widely recognized for initiating a robust anti-corruption campaign aimed at tackling the pervasive corruption that plagued the country. Mwanawasa’s presidency was marked by efforts to promote good governance and economic reforms, which contributed to Zambia’s development during his tenure. Before his presidency, he served as the fourth vice-president of Zambia from 1991 to 1994 and was an elected Member of Parliament for the Chifubu Constituency.

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LEVY PATRICK MWANAWASA

Levy Patrick Mwanawasa was born on September 3, 1948, in Mufulira, Northern Rhodesia, as the second of ten children. He pursued a law degree at the University of Zambia and began his career working for various private law firms from 1974 to 1978, after which he established his own firm, Mwanawasa & Company. In 1985, he took on the role of Solicitor General in the Zambian government but returned to private practice a year later.

Mwanawasa gained significant recognition in 1989 when he successfully defended Lieutenant General Christon Tembo, who had been accused of conspiracy against the Kenneth Kaunda government, a case that garnered widespread attention. His growing prominence within the anti-Kaunda opposition led to his appointment as vice-president under President Frederick Chiluba in November 1991. Although Mwanawasa was initially seen as a leading candidate for the presidency of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy, he declined to run, citing concerns about his age and experience, instead winning a parliamentary seat in Chifubu with a substantial majority.

On December 8, 1991, Mwanawasa was involved in a serious car accident that claimed the life of his aide. He suffered multiple injuries and was hospitalized in South Africa for three months, resulting in a lasting slur in his speech. A commission of inquiry was established to investigate the circumstances of the accident, which was rumored to be an assassination attempt. After serving as vice-president, he resigned in July 1994 and stepped back from politics until the 2001 elections.

In August 2001, the National Executive Committee of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) selected Mwanawasa as its presidential candidate. He won the election held on December 27, 2001, with 29% of the vote, defeating ten other candidates. His presidency began on January 2, 2002, but the election results were heavily disputed, with allegations of irregularities such as vote rigging and biased media coverage. Despite these controversies, the Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that the irregularities did not alter the election's outcome.

Mwanawasa's first term was marked by a commitment to national reconciliation. He appointed opposition lawmakers to his cabinet, though he faced criticism from some within his party. By January 2005, he acknowledged the severe poverty affecting Zambia, where approximately 75% of the population lived on less than a dollar a day. He was re-elected as president of the MMD in 2005.

During the presidential election on September 28, 2006, Mwanawasa faced a strong challenge from Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front. His re-election on October 2, 2006, with 42.98% of the vote, was met with skepticism, but he was sworn in for another term on October 3. Mwanawasa's administration was characterized by an anti-corruption stance that attracted foreign investment, and he prioritized economic growth, especially in the mining sector. His policies contributed to lowering inflation and promoting tourism, turning Livingstone into a key destination near Victoria Falls.

Mwanawasa was also known for his outspoken criticism of Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe. He experienced health challenges during his presidency, suffering a mild stroke in April 2006 and a more severe stroke in June 2008 while attending an African Union summit in Egypt. He was airlifted to France for treatment, where his health fluctuated.

Despite initial optimism regarding his recovery, Mwanawasa's condition deteriorated, and on August 19, 2008, he passed away at the Percy Military Hospital in Paris. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levy_Mwanawasa

GOVERNING TIME LINE

Levy Patrick Mwanawasa assumed office after winning the presidential election in December 2001, following the presidency of Frederick Chiluba.

Mwanawasa's tenure lasted 6.5 years and was marked by significant efforts to combat corruption and improve governance. He left office upon his death on August 19, 2008, while still in power, leading to the succession of his vice president, Rupiah Banda.

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