Kabwe resident urges oppossition to work harder in rural areas

Kabwe resident urges oppossition to work harder in rural areas
Written by Inonge Noyoo and Katwishi Bwalya in Kabwe
Sunday, November 02, 2008 12:01:00 AM

OPPOSITION political parties need to work harder in rural areas, Kabwe resident Joseph Mulimi has advised. And the visibly upset Mulimi charged that it was clear from the voting pattern that rural Zambians were still willing to sell their votes in exchange for fertiliser and foodstuffs. In an interview, Mulimi a businessman and PF member said he was disappointed by the rural voters.

"It is clear that our lifestyles are very different to those of our rural friends. One wants to believe that they are not feeling the high poverty levels, the high taxes or that maybe they are just ignorant or scared of change," he said.

Mulimi said the rural populace had proved that they were easily appeased.

"We are disappointed with our rural brothers. For once it's important that they move in line with everyone. It is clear that we are all suffering and maybe they are even worse but we do not know what motivates their votes. They should get over this obsession with the MMD for the sake of our country," said Mulimi. "Our neighbouring countries including Angola which has been at war are doing fine but we don't seem to be making meaningful progress and this is because we have not tried other people who can also deliver."

Mulimi, who is a businessman and was in the company of more than eight call boys, warned the MMD not to be too excited with the rural areas because they had been neglected.

"As you can see, obviously you have data...you know history and it has shown that the MMD has been rejected by the educated majority for more than once. So there is nothing to be happy about because we are sad," said Mulimi.