Only Your thumb remains with You, Let’s vote wisely…

The euphoria that accompanies the festive season has finally disappeared and reality has dawned, as we get back to our normal daily lives especially that this month, our children are returning to class, the biggest headache being schools fees and other requisites. I however, believe that settling bills will not be the only headache for many Zambians, as they have been presented with an opportunity to elect their sixth Republican President following the demise of a sitting leader, Michael Sata. As usual, their desires of choosing their leader have been granted by the constitution to ensure a smooth transition of leadership for the second time in less than six years. President Levy Mwanawasa was the first Zambian leader to have died while in office in 2008. Admittedly, Zambia has undergone serious stormy moments but praise to God for His enduring mercies that the country has remained united and overcome such stormy moments. Off course another test is here, in a week’s time, a new leader will have to emerge. The campaigns presently have heightened among the eleven participating political parties currently, doling out few Kwachas, bags of rice, cooking oil and other food staffs to the poor. The poor are always told by the country’s Electoral body, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) that they have the right to vote, yet they don’t have the right to recall their non-performing leaders once elected except to wait for an election term to expire. This question always comes up on the basis that most leaders behave as bosses once elected as opposed to what they say before being elected, to serve the people with humility. It is in this vein that some scholars argue that Democracy is slavery in its literal sense especially in African sense because it does not seem to work for the ordinary citizens. I hope you will not cast your vote on expediency terms such as tribal, race or resources you may have received from those aspiring to leadership especially that it is not a guarantee for your development but rather a sell out to your perpetual poverty. I have of the opinion that t

here has never been true leadership in Zambia. I believe the country has been led by ‘chancers’ and it is time to put in place true leadership that will change not only individual outlook but policy as well. Use your card wisely come 20th January 2015.