Former higher education minister Professor Nkandu Luo says many Zambians are reluctant to express their political preferences openly, claiming that some citizens are instead quietly signalling their voting intentions by showing voters’ cards during interactions with opposition figures.
Luo made the remarks while addressing supporters, where she reflected on what she described as growing fear among citizens when discussing political choices in public. According to Luo, the reluctance to speak openly about politics has created a situation in which many people prefer to communicate their views privately.
She said that during engagements with citizens, some individuals have been showing their voters’ cards rather than openly declaring their political positions. Luo described the gesture as a sign that certain voters prefer to express support quietly rather than through public statements.
The former minister said such behaviour reflects a wider atmosphere in which some citizens feel uncomfortable discussing politics openly. She told supporters that political expression should allow individuals to state their views freely without hesitation.
Luo argued that fear or hesitation in public political discussions can distort perceptions about voter sentiment. When people remain silent in public spaces, she said, it may create the impression that certain political views are not widely shared.
According to Luo, private interactions with citizens often reveal opinions that differ from what is expressed publicly. She said individuals sometimes feel more comfortable sharing political preferences in informal settings rather than at public gatherings.
The remarks form part of a broader political conversation about how citizens express their views during periods of active political competition. Political figures across Zambia frequently engage with communities to gauge public sentiment and mobilise supporters.
Luo said interactions with citizens in different areas have revealed what she described as quiet expressions of political support. She told supporters that the act of showing voters’ cards during such encounters demonstrates that some individuals prefer symbolic gestures over verbal declarations.
Political communication often takes different forms depending on social and political circumstances. In many settings, individuals may choose indirect ways of expressing their opinions, particularly when they are uncertain about how their views will be received.
Luo said the phenomenon highlights the importance of engaging voters directly within communities. She encouraged supporters to continue interacting with citizens and listening to their concerns during political activities.
The former minister also reflected on the role of political participation in shaping national leadership. She said the voting process allows citizens to express their preferences and influence the direction of the country.
Discussions about voter behaviour frequently arise during periods of political mobilisation. Political actors often attempt to interpret signals from communities as they prepare for electoral contests.
Luo said that despite reluctance among some citizens to speak openly about politics, the voting process ultimately provides a platform through which individuals can express their choices.
She urged supporters to remain engaged with communities and to encourage citizens to participate actively in political processes.
The remarks come at a time when political activity across the country continues to intensify as parties and leaders interact with communities to build support.
Luo told supporters that the gesture of voters showing their cards during interactions should be interpreted as a sign of quiet political expression among citizens.
But on the ground, it is clear. I was in Matero yesterday and everybody i met was saying they know who to remove but dont know who to put. Remember people have realised that there is more propaganda without their lives really changing
Only the economically illiterate expect overnight prosperity after years of mismanagement by pf.You are people who do not subscribe to the notion of sowing small seeds and waiting to reap abundant rewards for yourselves and future generations.You want to eat now and tantamika you for free money.Building an economy is one step at a time eventually the ripple will be felt by the people on the ground.HH has been making efforts to stabilize the currency, decrease inflation, rebuild reserves, and subsequently enable economic growth to take hold. You may not comprehend all of this.School is the problem with you people.
They say you removed meal allowances but even in a home when you run out of money you chop off some things. So i dont falter you for that. However my only issue with you is the painting of all public buses to blue when you were minister of transport in the MMD to create the MMD blue effect across the country.
New dawn are not the best but I don’t
Think zambians want to go back.
The same idi0t on the first 2 posts using multiple aliases to con pipo into thinking it is a mass movement………
I told you , you are too small……..
FWD2041
Fear not it always gets dark before dawn…
Shaiba law is much more oppressive than Presidential defamation law
UPND has murdered freedom of speech
You are hiding yourself in JOBURG while discussing freedom of speech without any sense or shame. May I inquire who is preventing you from doing so? People are free to express themselves.Zambia is a nation that operates under the rule of law. If you begin to insult individuals and make false accusations, the law will take action against you.
Upnd > PF etc etc Let’s stop and think that if a party is not prepforming shouldnt the hrad take responsibily ?? as far as I’m concerned ECL let his party go astray knowingly or unknowingly
he failed, same with HH he has handled his side only whilst letting his GRZ do what they want
So heads must be replaced if after the 1st 5 years promises are not kept
These people had no manifesto. So they can easily duck and dive. They would issue silly random statements like swear us in at 10h00 and at noon the Kwacha will be 1 to 1 with the dollar
This ugly cow should just shut up, her SATA led PF exposed Zambia to the most stinking tribal bigotry. The thieves stole millions buying helicopters as though they wanted to fly to heaven! Forsek!
If you start insulting its either you are cow yourself or you don’t what you are talking about. On tribalism do some research before you accuse other people.
With supporters like you UPND loses my vote.
I’m coming all the way from Europe to vote this August
@Tunyakalale when did South Africa become Europe?When did Rosebank become Europe? Guess you don’t even know what HH has achieved in Zambia
Yes voters are scared of your ugly faces Luo and Sumaili. Please dont show them in public.
Post your face to see if you are handsome or beautiful. Don’t hide behind the keyboard.
But this Nkandu guy is ugly am sorry to say that
Yes, they’re scared of you, man