The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has expressed disappointment with the manner political parties especially the opposition are handling controversial issues pertaining to elections.
FODEP President, Stanley Mhango told ZANIS in Mazabuka yesterday, that it sad and disappointing to note that the opposition parties are now concentrating on trading insults at the expense of lobbying government to address legal impediments that hinder the holding of free and fair elections.
Mr. Mhango said currently, the department of National Registration is carrying out a countrywide issuance of national registration cards but regretted that opposition political parties are not doing enough to encourage their members to obtain the NRCs.
He said the insults, accusations and counter accusations on government concerning the issuance of NRCs in their strongholds is not inspiring voters to participate in the electoral process.
He said the issuance of NRCs is crucial in the electoral process as people cannot register as voters without NRCs.
Mr. Mhango said the opposition only wanted to complain at the eleventh hour.
He said real issues such as the enforcement of the electoral code of conduct, access to public media have been ignored by the opposition but want to bring them up during election period.
Mr. Mhango observed that holding elections under the current legal regime will be disastrous unless the opposition political parties engaged government in serious dialogue on reviewing the electoral laws.
He, however, said instead of offering alternative policies, checks and balances the opposition are concentrating their efforts on hurling insults.
ZANIS
They all want power and want to win elections but none of them has told you Zambians what they will do to improve your living.Why dont you journalists here and other forms of media, ask everyone aspiring for higher office tough questions? why i ask!
Although Iam anti MMD, I totally agree with Stanley. The opposition should now concentrate on ensuring that all eligible Zambians get their NRCs and also register as voters. Lets not waste time on fighting Kunda at the expense of senstization of citizens on their rights.