Fr Mukosa on unfulfilled UPND promises

By Daily Revelation Editor 

In a country where political rhetoric often strains credibility, the issue of politicians failing to fulfill their campaign promises has become a perennial source of frustration and disenchantment for the electorate. 

For decades, this pattern of unkept promises by successive governments continues to pose serious implications for our democracy, good governance, and public trust, and it warrants a critical examination of both the reasons behind such failures and the resulting impact on civic engagement.

In our Friday, November 01, 2024 edition, we carried a story in which one of the Catholic Priests Father Andrew Chewe Mukosa complained why he even woke up at 04:00 hours to go and vote for the ruling UPND. 

According to Fr Mukosa, he has not seen the benefit of his waking up early to vote for the party he thought would bring about change in the life of ordinary Zambians. 

He cited loadshedding as one of promises the UPND used as a campaign tool, assuring Zambians that it would be a thing of the past once voted into office.

Fr Mukosa represents hundreds of thousands of the Zambian electorate that equally regret waking up as early as 04:00 hours to vote for the ruling party.

We wish to stress that campaign promises are the bedrock upon which political candidates build their popularity. They are the blueprints that convey the vision for a better society, addressing issues from healthcare to education; from economic reform to social justice. Voters invest their hopes and aspirations into these promises, often viewing them as a contract – a mutual agreement between the electorate and their elected representatives. 

Yet, time and again, we find that once in office, our Zambian politicians pivot away from their commitments, providing various lame excuses.

At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental gap between the aspirations embedded in campaign promises and the harsh realities of service delivery. Most of the Zambian politicians are skilled orators who craft grand narratives to engage voters without a robust backing of policy feasibility. It is regrettable to note that most political systems globally, including here in Zambia often reward mere visions over practical solutions, leading candidates to over-promise as they seek electoral vote. This tendency is exacerbated by our polarised political landscape where compromise is viewed as weakness, prompting politicians to abandon ambitious pledges when it becomes inconvenient.

And once in power, politicians often confront the complexities of governance – bureaucratic inertia, competing self-interests, and unexpected crises that demand immediate attention. These challenges dilute the effectiveness of their agendas and ultimately lead to disillusionment among voters who feel they were lied to.Yes, when politicians fail to fulfill their commitments, it contributes to a broader crisis of trust within democracy. Disillusionment with elected officials and institutions potentially lead to decreased voter turnout in the following electoral cycle, and/or increased apathy toward civic engagement. When citizens feel their voices are ignored or their votes trivialialised, they disengage from the political process altogether, believing that their participation has no tangible impact. This is the point Fr Mukosa is driving forward to, given the current hardships Zambians are going through. In a democracy like ours, accountability should be paramount; because when politicians evade responsibility, they erode the foundational fabric of public trust.

However, the onus of responsibility does not rest solely with politicians. The electorate must also demand accountability through active participation. Voters need to scrutinise not only the promises made during campaigns but also the actions taken once politicians take office. Civil Society Organisations, Youth groups, and a vigilant media play a crucial role in holding elected officials accountable, ensuring that they remain tethered to the promises that initially won them support.

Furthermore, political discourse should foster a culture of honesty and transparency. Government should not view voices of reason such as that of Fr Mukosa as enemies.  

A more nuanced approach can facilitate understanding and patience among citizens, fostering a constructive dialogue rather than mere finger-pointing.This epidemic of unfulfilled campaign promises signals a deep-seated issue within our political system – one that needs urgent redress. As we navigate this complex landscape, we must actively demand accountability from our leaders while simultaneously engaging in meaningful dialogue about the challenges they face once elected. But they must be honest about the challenges they are facing rather being defensive.

By promoting a culture of transparency, collaboration, and realistic goal-setting, we can work towards a political environment that honours the promises made to the electorate.

Fr Mukosa should therefore be commended for raising very pertinent issues which government should listen to and embrace. Democracy and good governance thrive on the principles of accountability and trust; without them, its very foundation risks crumbling. We must ensure that politicians are held to the promises they forge during campaigns, restoring faith in the electoral process and the promise of governance for the people, and by the people. Only then shall we begin to bridge the chasm created by a hollow political bankruptcy of unfulfilled promises – and build a political reality that reflects our collective values and aspirations.