DIALOGUE FOR ALL

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 11:11:00 +0000

ANY efforts to support the impending political dialogue process between President Edgar Lungu’s Patriotic Front and opposition parties, should be welcomed with both hands by all peace loving Zambians.

This is because dialogue is a critical factor in the sustenance of harmony and
democracy in our country.

The importance of this impending process cannot be overemphasised as these deliberations are supposed to pave way for a road map of reforms ahead of the 2021 elections.

It is therefore gratifying that both President Lungu and United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema have indicated willingness to dialogue and iron out contentious issues for the good of the country ahead of the 2021 elections.

We also applaud efforts by the Commonwealth for initiating dialogue on such an important matter which borders on the
sustainability of our peace.

However, we believe that dialogue should not only be restricted to the ruling party and the UPND but should be inclusive of other opposition political parties and stakeholders such as the Church and civil
society.

It would be folly for anyone to suggest that dialogue should be between The Patriotic Front and the UPND because inclusive and wide consultation is critical to the
success of the dialogue process.

That’s why it is baffling to hear some of our cooperating partners make statements that subtly hint that the dialogue process is particularly between the PF and UNPD.

Even the Commonwealth had assured the nation that the process of coming up with the road map would be as inclusive as
possible.

So why are some cooperating partners ignoring other opposition parties and stakeholders whenever they comment on the
political dialogue process?

We find it strange that some of our cooperating partners are already showing impartiality even before the dialogue process starts.

We can only hope that the Commonwealth,who are the conveners, will handle the deliberations in a neutral manner to avoid jeopardising the process of reaping fruitful dialogue.

It is also our hope that stakeholders will go into the consultative talks with an open mind and to put the national interest first as opposed to personal interest.

This is why we find it intolerable for Mr Hichilema to give conditions for dialogue even before the process of coming up with the roadmap starts!

It is our understanding that political parties approach the dialogue process with a spirit of give and take, void of conditions that border on personal agendas.

The dialogue process is not about them, but the future of Zambians. Zambians expect nothing short of a successful and
fruitful dialogue.