elections

ZAMBIA GOES FOR THE POLLS IN SEPTEMBER
By Chris Habeenzu
The die has been cast and Zambians are now sure that they cast their votes on September 20th 2011.
With the dissolution of parliament and cabinet this means that legal campaigns have to kick off. For Members of Parliament and Councilors that thought that this day will not come think they are dreaming alas this is true! President Rupiah Banda Thursday July 28 announced the dissolution of Parliament and Cabinet and announced the date for the elections.
This was of course anticipated when State House released a press statement Wednesday that President Banda will host a press conference on ZNBC radio and TV. The exclusion of private media was however not received well.
Away from rather unfortunate move and discriminatory move the date has been set and people will now go flat out in campaigning and putting their manifestos known to their would be voters.
During this period MPS as well as Civic leaders will be forced to face their constituents not in a group but as individuals.
This is a God for all situation but each one for himself. This is the time when law makers become answerable to the electorate.
With the date known for the polls no opposition has announced the parliamentary candidates which political pundits say is not a good move. The pundits are saying that delays by some political parties to come up with the list of candidates will disadvantage the aspirants.
The race to Manda hill has began and Zambian voters have started putting their particulars in place.