Corruption should be main campaign issue - Amnesty

Corruption should be main campaign issue - Amnesty
By Misheck Wangwe in Kitwe
Mon 20 June 2011, 07:30 CAT

AMNESTY International Zambia says the high levels of corruption in the country should be the main campaign issue for political party leaders. In an interview, Amnesty International Zambia national coordinator Zebbies Mumba said it was an undisputed fact that corruption was the main cause of widespread poverty in the country.

Mumba said the general citizenry and various stakeholders in governance, expected the MMD and all political players to intensify the fight against corruption particularly in the run-up to the general elections.

“As we go to the polls, politicians should be mindful that poverty, underdevelopment and many other challenges the country is facing is due to corruption because resources are there for everyone to benefit if well utilised,” Mumba said.

He said it was sad to note that political leaders were preoccupied with giving people handouts ahead of the polls instead of intensifying the fight against corruption.

Mumba said the ruling MMD must be inspired by the legacy of the late president Levy Mwanawasa who vigorously stepped up the fight against corruption and other vices that were detrimental to the attainment of good governance.

He said the general citizenry should not expect to see democracy and good governance if there was no real commitment from the incumbent leaders and political parties in the fight against corruption.