By Daily Revelation Editor
It is depressing how as a nation we are fast degenerating into a nation of idiots who are always inclined to reason through partisan lenses rather than simple logic and common sense.
We seem not to fathom that sense can come out even from those who don’t share our thoughts and perspective on matters. We tend to instantly dismiss those we don’t agree with at the first instance of hearing their names, without reflecting on the substance of their contributions. We seem to instantly de-gazette our minds from any semblance of common sense and reason when dealing with those of a different political grouping or different view point to the ones we hold.
It is clearly evident in our every day interactions and thought that something is clearly amiss in terms of how we conduct ourselves when it comes to debating the substance of any national matter before us. We only agree with those who agree with what we think. It is something we as a media organisation have noticed too, where we have posted stories, content which have elicited strong feelings from those who feel that the story is not portraying their interests in positive light, while winning praise from those who feel the story is in line with their wishes.
The nation has in the recent past been debating the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to bar PF candidates Bowman Lusambo and Joe Malanji from standing in the Kabushi and Kwacha by-elections respectively. You see, in this country there are individuals or organizations who fondly refer to themselves as activists of something or civil society specializing in this and that area, which have come to be seen simply as ‘surrogates’, which those wielding political influence, from either the ruling or opposition parties, use to set in motion their positions on matters. The majority of these ‘civil society organisations’, or may we say those with amplified voices, usually align themselves with those in power. If you are new to what we are saying, from now onwards whenever there is a hot topical issue in the country, be attentive to the voices of those from some civil society organisations and instantly you will get clarity on the position those holding political office have on a matter. The surrogates usually set the ball rolling, of course having already discussed extensively the matter with those sending them, to test the waters. Once the idea has been brought into the mainstream, the real masters will now come out to back that position with full force.
It has mainly been like this from the Frederick Chiluba era, and the nonsensical culture has only blossomed with each successive administration, despite promises during electioneering that things will be done differently.
It is good to note that this administration has provided some level of independence to the judiciary to do things differently from the administration. It is indeed heart warming, given how most hot topical issues especially those in which the powers that be may have some interest. Of course, no retribution should be discounted when such things happen. Remember, the same courts not too long ago allowed Edgar Lungu to actually run for a third term in this Republic. We shudder to think what would have happened if his wishes were not fulfilled.
Malanji and Lusambo have got their democratic rights in this country, just like any other Zambian, and any infringement on their rights is an infringement of the rights of all the other Zambians.
However, there are still questions that need answers over Malanji and Bowman’s candidatures, which again renders credence to the argument on how we are rapidly degenerating into the abysses of absurdity as a country. We call the action of those supporting Bowman and Malanji’s candidatures. Please take note, we are talking about their candidatures and not their eligibility as we have already handled the eligibility aspect.
Again, it is a well-known fact that both Malanji and Lusambo are facing corruption allegations before the courts of law. They of course and those who sympthise with them have called the actions against them as persecution, and we are not here to pronounce judgement upon them. They are innocent until proven guilty as the adage says, but that still doesn’t rule out the fact that they are facing corruption allegations before the courts of law. But we ask those supporting them, yes, they say they are being persecuted, but how about just for a moment opening your minds up to reflect on those with the other arguments, those who have seen it fit that they be prosecuted? And what message is the PF sending to Zambians by adopting candidates who are facing corruption charges? What are we learning as citizens by just buying into the persecution message and totally de-gazetting our minds from the prosecution arguments? Is the PF short of numbers that the only candidates they have for adoption in Kabushi and Kwacha are those facing corruption charges?
And what message is Socialist Party (SP) leader Dr Fred M’membe, an ardent anti-corruption campaigner over the years, sending with his unflinching support and promising to work towards ensuring that Malanji and Lusambo are re-elected into office? Is he doing so genuinely from a pure heart or out of political expediency to harm the prospects of Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND? Has Dr M’membe considered that the people he is supporting are facing corruption charges, and that with those charges there are only two alternatives, either they will be acquitted or they will be pronounced guilty.
We are honestly sure, that our arguments about this senselessness we have entertained as a nation where we use political inclinations to reason rather than reflecting on the merits of the substance will be proved true again. Some will just read the headline and a few sentences, and their swift political antennas will automatically denounce everything without reflecting upon that which is being raised. Others will also read a few sentences and will agree but as they get to the parts which do not align with their political reasoning, they will dismiss everything in this opinion as garbage.
Countrymen and women, nations are never built on political opportunism but the magnanimity of citizens to agree on what is right while eliminating the wrong.
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