STOP LYING OPPOSITION PARTIES TOLD

By SUFZ Staff

The Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has expressed disappointment at some opposition political parties that are making what they have termed as “wild and unachievable promises” to try and deceive voters ahead of this year’s polls.

Lee Habasoonda - SACCORD Executive Director

SACCORD Information Officer Obby Chibuluma said in Lusaka July, 19 that it was sad that some political parties had failed to articulate issue-based campaigns but specialised in deceiving voters through wild promises.  He said some of the provinces that some political parties  are making would be a source of conflict because it is clear that they are unachievable even if the parties were elected.

“As an organisation we are deeply concerned and disappointed at the lack of issue-based campaigns by some political leaders.  As the country draws near to the elections we are concerned at the level of debate.  The language of some politicians has not sought to address issues affecting the general welfare of the people.

“ When some of these politicians speak they make wild promises that are unachievable and only meant to deceive the voters so that they are seen as the panacea to the challenges facing the country,” he said.

Mr. Chimbuluma has called upon Zambian to be fully alert so that they are not deceived by what he termed “sweet talking politicians.”

He said Zambians should analyse the various political players and the issues that they are presenting during  their campaigns.

“ In this vein I would like to appeal to Zambians to be fully alert so that they can scrutinise and analyse the statements and promises that some politicians are making.

“ Politicians should also be cautioned that Zambians are not dull and they should stop making wild and unachievable promises,” he said.

He advised political leaders in the opposition to make realistic promises which were achievable.

“Zambians want politicians to articulate how they intend to create employment, issues of infrastructure development, housing and education.

For now we are not hearing these issues from some of these politicians,” he said.