Voter apathy a sign of loss of faith in ECZ – East SP
By Staff Reporter
Socialist Party member in Eastern Province says the voter apathy experienced in the just ended by-elections across the country is a sign of people losing faith in the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
In a statement on Saturday to newsdayzambia.com Kennan Phiri also said the voter apathy was also a clear indication that citizens had lost hope or trust in politicians with their unfulfilled promises.
Phiri said it was sad to see that out of 55,000 registered voters in Chipangali constituency, for example, only 8,000 registered voters cast their votes for the council chairmanship.
“It’s same in Chasefu and Kasenengwa. Above all this gives an answer to those that argue when we say capitalism has failed. Because the system only favors the ruling elite of which is a small percentage of our population, leaving the majority citizens in abject poverty, because the nature of the system is all about greediness, exploitation and injustice,” said Phiri.
He said citizens are beginning to realize that their obligation to vote is not in any way translating into their economic well-being.
“it’s not changing the material conditions for any better, this frustration is not unique to Eastern Province or Chipangali constituency alone, it’s visible countrywide. To change this sad scenario and remotivate our electoral college, a human centered revolution is needed and that’s where socialism comes in,” he said.
Phiri said the answer to all these and other social challenges lies in a socialist revolutionary party.
“Comrades or citizens, we bring to you comrade Fred M’membe as our presidential candidate for 2021 and our manifesto is anchored on Justice, Equity and Peace. It’s only the socialist party that can give you hope for a Just Equitable and Peaceful society,” he said.
“Justice in the communities and the judicial system, Equity in service delivery for example in Education, Healthy and Peasant agriculture, Peace, no more political violence because it’s a danger to the peace we have enjoyed for the past years. Our main aim is to promote and defend the interests of the Zambian workers, peasants, students, poor people, marginalized groups and progressive intelligentsia”.
