Maravi

‘Campaigning on tribal lines retrogressive’

‘Campaigning on tribal lines retrogressive’
By Karen Chibonga
Mon 24 Jan. 2011, 03:59 CAT

CAMPAIGNING on tribal lines is retrogressive and divisive to the country, according to a political analyst. Phineas Bbaala, a lecturer of political science at the University of Zambia (UNZA), said it was the duty of political leaders to ensure that Zambians remained united.

He said the current ethnic problems being experienced in the country were as a result of some political parties campaigning on tribal lines. Bbaala said in a democratic country, political parties were likely to gain popularity if they accommodated all groups of people.

He said it was autocratic for an aspiring candidate to be asked to withdraw from elections because he did not originate from a particular part of the country.

“In a democratic government people should be free to contest for any elections as long as they are Zambians,” Bbaala said.

He said as the country goes to the polls this year, political parties must come up with a deliberate agenda, which would unite all Zambians.

Bbaala appealed to the electorate not to cast their votes for any party that would engage in tribal campaigns.

Labels: PHINEAS BBAALA, TRIBALISM

posted by MrK @ 12:11 PM