Dear Editor,
THERE are 16 presidential candidates participating in the forthcoming general elections slated for this Thursday, August 12, 2021.
The other positions being contested for are those of the Members of Parliament, councillors, mayors and council chairpersons.
In the presidential race, there is general inequality in that there is only one female candidate, Ms Chishala Kateka of the New Heritage Party. Ms Kateka is battling it out against the 15 male contenders.
These candidates have been traversing the country, campaigning so as to convince the electorate to vote for them based on their respective manifestos.
When one listens to what each of these candidates promises, it raises the question: Who is the right candidate to vote for?
This question arises because it is not easy to make an informed decision on who to vote for due to many candidates contesting. Hence, the need to evaluate the candidates and vote wisely.
Before delving into the nitty gritties, let me make one point abundantly clear. To vote wisely does not mean voting for the ruling political party or the opposition.
In a nutshell, voting wisely means voting for the candidate who has what it takes to lead the people. In this context, the character of the person aspiring for public office is cardinal.
Leaders from various opposition political parties and one from the ruling party have been intensifying their campaigns on the campaign trails ahead of this Thursday’s polls. Ultimately, the best presidential candidate will garner the majority votes and emerge victorious in the forthcoming general elections.
Articulating issues affecting the majority Zambians has been the order of the day. In some instances, presidents of political parties have been trying by all means to entice the potential voters with money and materials. This is tantamount to electoral malpractice and it is an offence punishable by law.
There is no guarantee that when the aspiring candidate gives money and materials to the electorate, then the electorate will vote for him or her. This is because voting is secret and the electorate has the democratic right to vote for their preferred candidates.
Some candidates will be contesting the elections for the first time while others will be re-contesting such as Hakainde Hichilema, president of the United Party for National Development, and Dr. Nevers Mumba of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy, among others.
President Lungu is re-contesting the presidency in a bid to defend the republican presidency and uphold late President Sata’s legacy of national development, coupled with continuity of leadership mandate.
On the contrary, the opposition parties are yearning to win the forthcoming polls on the backdrop of reviving some mistakes of the ruling party and improve them in order to uplift people’s well-being.
Whatever the case, the best candidate will carry the day as there can only be one Republican President at any given time. It is one thing to contest an election, and another to be an ideal candidate worth the salt. By and large, this year’s general elections are very important in that they will afford the electorate an opportunity to elect the credible leaders who can shape the destiny of our country. Indeed, there is power in voting.
The benchmark for determining the credibility of the aspiring candidates is performance regarding past track-record for those who once served at various portfolios namely republican presidency, parliamentary and local government.
In conclusion, I implore the electorate to evaluate the candidates and vote for the proactive leaders. The proactive leaders will promote national unity with an agenda to develop the country and are ready to embrace all tribes through the “One Zambia One Nation” motto.
ELEMIYA PHIRI,
Lusaka.
Author
