POLITICIANS in Zambia must demonstrate maturity and their ability to serve the citizens with utmost sincerity.
Honesty and sincerity must always define politicians during campaigns, which are an effective vehicle through which appropriate and convincing messages can be relayed to the electorate.
Therefore, politicians must put forth proper campaign strategies that are user-friendly and easy to understand as opposed to engaging in helter-skelter that confuses the masses.
All campaigners ought to realise that many Zambian voters are experienced enough to distinguish rhetoric from realistic targets.
Many a time, politicians erroneously believe that voters are gullible to the extent that they will accept any propaganda including outmoded political schemes.
Firstly, it is worth noting that information on many topical issues abound, especially with the advent of advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
In this digital era, information can easily be obtained at the click of a button.
This means that the citizens, even those with the most basic education, are able to conduct some research to cross-check the details or ideas being propelled by politicians during campaigns.
Secondly, most Zambians have been following political and social trends keenly and, therefore, they cannot be fooled or hoodwinked anymore.
It is also true that some Presidential candidates are just making up numbers, exuding fantasy in full glare of the public after forking out K95,000 nomination fees.
Realism will dawn soon!
It is against this backdrop that politicians, who have hit the ground running, must espouse honesty, integrity and fairness in their discourse and conduct.
In any case, Zambia is a Christian Nation where politicians should not only speak about Christian values, but also demonstrate Christianity in all their deeds.
The Bible in the book of Proverbs 12:22 says: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Since some political players have branded the August 12 general elections as ‘crucial’ they should even be more truthful and steadfast in their words and deeds.
Zambians do not deserve lies, deception and outright propaganda; they should be treated with respect!
Political party leaders at different levels ought to expound the contents of their manifestos, which appear attractive on paper.
Surprisingly, there are very few political leaders, who take their time to explain the steps they would take if they were given an opportunity.
Most of them rarely refer to their manifestos during campaigns, but waste time speaking ill of their opponents.
There are so many areas of discussion which political leaders can explore such as the potential in aquaculture, tourism and mining as it pertains to small-scale operators.
Zambia has gold deposits in many areas and one wonders why politicians do not give out their plans on improving gold mining. Is it that they are not aware?
This country is endowed with vast natural resources and it is up to politicians to convince the Zambians that they have plans to explore such resources from raw to finished products and ensuring that local people benefit fully throughout the value chain.
Author
