You are not Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)

 August 8, 2016

VIOLET MENGO

I am not a politician nor a political analyst but I cannot hold it any more seeing people fooling themselves in the name of particular political parties. I love environment reporting and that is where my passion is.

I know many political leaders vying for different positions have not voiced out their stance on how they will improve the environment nor have they pledged environmental sustainability, none the less that is for another day.

To be a follower of a particular political part or should I

Violet Mengo. Environmental Journalist

say cadre as it is popularly known in Zambia in my understanding simply means  you belong to that team- sharing the norms, ideologies and whatever that political party believes in.

It also means that you will in the absence of not being with the party members, uphold the values of that particular party you support.

To support a particular party does not mean one has to lose their integrity and moral standing. It also does not mean that one has to look down on others as though they have nothing to offer.

All political parties participating in this 2016 elections have something to offer only that we have found ourselves associating with those that we share  similar ideologies,  and as supporters/cadres’ roles is to share the ideologies with others so they too could be convinced  to be part of that team or party.

Today is Monday, August 8, 2016 and needless to say, people in possession of voter’s card will surely be voting. However, it is wrong for anybody in their right frame of mind to declare their party winner before the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) does that… how do you know you are headed for victory? Is it the crowd misleading you? Are you convinced the people prefer your party?  Are you in the group where you are telling people to vote No/Yes to the referendum without telling them what the referendum is all about? Do you understand what exactly you want?

It is important for all of us to be wise. Cast thy vote and wait for the commission to do their job, not for you or myself to corrupt other people mind by thy shallow thinking that thy party has won.

My advice is for all of use to analyse the candidates thorough in the remaining two days, look at the pros and cons of having such a person in the highest office of the land. The one with potential of offering the Zambian people good inclusive governance, one that can be held accountable for their actions, fight corruption and better the lives of the people deserves thy vote.

Stop deceiving yourself by declaring your party winner before ECZ does that, Zambia is my country and I love it and your actions can change this peace loving country for good…. Be responsible Zambian citizen by casting your vote and encourage others to do the same.

And to the Referendum question, “Do you agree to the amendment to the Constitution to enhance the Bill of rights contained in Part III of the Constitution of Zambia and to repeal and replace Article 79 of the Constitution of Zambia?

ECZ writes that according to the Constitution of Zambia, any alteration in the Bill of Rights and article 79 requires that a referendum be held where citizens to either accept or reject relating to the Bill of Rights and article 79. The Bill of Rights is contained in part three of the Constitution of Zambia.

The Bill of Rights protects and guarantees one’s rights which include civil and political rights such as freedom of expression, movement, residence and justice.  It also contains economic, social, cultural and environmental rights. These are right to healthcare, safe clean water and decent sanitation. They also contain right to education and social protection among others. The choice is yours.