Sun, 24 Dec 2017 12:29:07 +0000
By CHITE MTONGA
THE proposed dialogue between political parties is a flop because the United Party For National development (UPND) have to date refused to accept the reality that President Edgar Lungu is the duly elected president of Zambia.
Feira independent Member of Parliament Stephen Miti said it was sad that satisfying the egos of some opposition leaders was seemingly more important than the welfare of ordinary
Zambians,
In an interview with the Daily Nation Mr Miti disclosed that selfishness by some opposition party leaders had hindered unity of purpose and constructive dialogue between the opposition parties and the ruling party.
He said the biggest opposition political party, UPND should not disadvantage the ordinary citizenry by advancing their personal agendas and envy of President Lungu at the expense of Zambians.
“This proposed dialogue we talk about is not about personal differences and ambitions, the UPND represent Zambians and so does the PF, so this dialogue affects all of us and it is selfishness for people to think it is about their personal battles.
“And the issue of recognition should not arise, unless you are talking about another country because in Zambia we are all aware that President Edgar Lungu is Head of State, so why should the UPND be so rigid and hold the nation at ransom,” Mr Miti said.
He said self-centeredness and envy was what was hindering some opposition political party leaders from engaging government in developmental matters.
Mr Miti further said that opposition political parties should offer criticism and solutions if the country was to be progressive. He said the major cause of conflict in the political scenario was failure by political parties to communicate.
Mr Miti said government should be able to explain and account for whatever decisions they made.
“Communication is very important, and you see the government of the day should not struggle to give explanations on certain matters, this is what causes confusion and the opposition will start to suspect that government is hiding something, do we urge government to communicate whenever need be,” he said.
