The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) says Zambians have lost confidence in the country’s political parties and political process.
ZCID Executive Director Horrance Chilando said the lack of confidence was demonstrated in the just ended presidential election characterized by unprecedented voter apathy.
Mr Chilando attributed the low voter turn-out to citizens being tired of being lied to and failure of the political system to meet their aspirations.
He noted that political parties had weakened as a result of on-going political squabbles, tensions, violence and misunderstandings that engulfed the country following the death of President Michael Sata.
Mr Chilando said there is need to strengthen the political framework for the development of political parties and inter-party dialogue.
In a statement availed to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr Chilando has proposed the formation of a national democratic project that will strengthen political parties as pillars of a functioning multiparty democratic dispensation.
He said the democracy project will also provide a platform for national dialogue and engagement.
Mr Chilando regretted that stakeholders have been dragging their feet over the project and hoped that the new administration will consider implementing it.
People have become prey to political forces whose primary interest is contesting elections, and who don’t necessarily have the countries interests and the future of its people as a major concern.
Communities are vulnerable and unprepared for the challenges and consequences of new elections under the old winner-take-all political arrangements.
The smart people of the Zambian Enterprise have no confidence in ZCID, however over 1.4 million of them had confidence enough to know their votes count. They elect a new President!
My President, HE Edgar C Lungu … Once more, Congratulations Mr. President
Less than half of the population voted. Numbers are relative bwana. Stop displaying cad-ray mentality
People didnt vote because PF lied so much to us in 2011 and achieved nothing.Look at Chingola roads and one wonders why we even voted for PF.It was just a sympathetic vote.
Eyo…Zambia twase bana. I saw ba new President on youtube, his public speaking very bad such that it can e seen from his body movment. Dental formula…bwafya.
Chilando is just looking for funding of his myopic ideas. Had the ‘specialist in failure’ won, he would be talking a different story.
What is required is a legal framework to guide party constitutions. These are not ordinary clubs. Their aim is to form government which is serious business.