Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) says while tribalism is a reality that cannot be ignored, there is nothing new to the voting pattern witnessed in just ended presidential election.
ZEC President Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu in a post election statement to QFM News says it is therefore unfortunate that the just ended presidential election has been perceived by some as tribally polarized with regards to the two front runners of the UPND and PF as if the pattern of voting has radically changed in the rural areas.
Archbishop Mpundu says it cannot be ignored that apart from the very cosmopolitan areas of Lusaka and the Copperbelt, and to a certain extent the provincial capitals, the electorate has, since independence in 1964, voted for a candidate they know from their own area or region.
Archbishop Mpundu says the truth of the matter, however, is that there is nothin
g new to the voting pattern.
He states that in fact there is a clear indication that Zambia is truly one nation and is challenging the traditional voting pattern.
Archbishop Mpundu points out that the situation of 72 tribes in Zambia that speak 43 languages is not a curse on the nation, but a singular blessing from God.
He says Zambia, fifty (50) years after independence, has so fast ethnically integrated that any politician who tries to pull a tribal card in pursuit of public office or to marginalize a political opponent is hopelessly antiquated.
Archbishop Mpundu adds that the choice of leaders to public office should be based on merit and not on tribe, race, colour or even political affiliation.
Archbishop Mpundu has since called upon the Republican President and his administration to work towards national reconciliation and building.
He says President Edgar Lungu must not only talk but also, and more so, rise to the occasion, transcend partisan politics, act as President for all Zambians by working with all, even, and indeed especially with those who did not vote for him.
Archbishop Mpundu notes that the presidency and its administration is the fulcrum of national unity.
He has further challenged the unsuccessful candidates to continue and heighten their very valuable contribution to the nation building by providing the much needed, effective and constructive checks and balances to those entrusted with the responsibility to govern the nation.
Archbishop Mpundu has on behalf of the Catholic Bishops in Zambia congratulated President Lungu on his election as the Zambia’s sixth President.
meanwhile the Zambia Episcopal Conference President says in spite of its success, the 20th January 2015 presidential election event is a wake-up call to the flaw in the electoral process which, if left unchecked, poses a serious threat to the struggle to embrace constitutionalism at all levels of political organization and activity.
He says the 2015 presidential election provides lessons as the country prepares for the 2016 general election.
archbishop Mpundu says there is need to expedite the Legal Reforms with regards the Constitution and Statutory Regulation to enable in order to deal with such issues as the date of elections and the costly by-elections