“Democracy extends beyond preparing voters for elections; it’s about building accountable institutions that serve the people consistently, regardless of election outcomes or leadership! ” – Amb. Gonzales.
Lusaka, Nov. 11 – The recent call for a political reform agenda by Mansa Central Member of Parliament and former Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, received the backing of the U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Mr. Michael C. Gonzales, who equally emphasized that true democracy is about building accountable institutions that serve the people, regardless of political changes.
Also Read: Opposition Leadership: For the People, Not at Their Expense. Examining Dr. Chitalu Chilufya’s call for political leadership that champions dialogue and service for the nation, rather than one using the struggles of ordinary Zambians for self serving political ambitions.
Dr. Chilufya, when responding to misplaced accusations of him deflecting to the ruling United Party for National Development, called for a political reform agenda that envisions a Zambia that is centered on service delivery and poverty eradication, in which every citizen benefits from the nation’s prosperity.
“Let’s reset our politics and recalibrate our collective agenda to service delivery and poverty eradication and pursue a vision where Zambians can see a tangible benefit from the nation’s prosperity!” he said, further clarifying that his recent participation in President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to Mazabuka District did not signify a defection from the Patriotic Front but a practical example of his political reform agenda that calls for collaboration with the Executive to achieve meaningful progress.
Also Read: Resetting Zambia’s Political Compass: Dr. Chitalu Chilufya’s Bold Call for Unity and Development! Dr. Chilufya’s call to reset our politics and recalibrate the national agenda toward service delivery and poverty eradication through dialogue and unity deserves full support to foster national development.
The Mansa Central lawmaker emphasized that real change stems from dialogue and unity, not unrest. This approach to politics, he is convinced, calls for a constructive opposition focused on service delivery and poverty eradication, ensuring that all Zambians share in the nation’s wealth.
Recently, on the U.S. election day, Ambassador Gonzales hosted members of the Zambian government, opposition, and civil society at a Celebration of Democracy reception. In his remarks, which echoed Dr. Chilufya’s reform agenda, the Ambassador stated, “Democracy is not only about preparing for the next elections by providing information to potential voters. It is about creating democratic, accountable institutions that serve the people no matter the outcome of an election or who is in charge.”
In view of the fact that Ambassador Gonzales’s statement may be too deep for some to grasp, we have decided to amplify it because it is a powerful reminder of Dr. Chilufya’s call for an end to divisive politics as it equally advocates for a politics that acts as a tool for development, serving people regardless of election outcomes. This approach deserves the support of every patriotic citizen because ultimately what it is doing is calling for a complete mindset shift as it urges us to use politics for the nation’s progress, not personal gain.
Also Read: The Truth Untangled: Holding Leaders Accountable in the Face of Political Lies! True journalism must uncover the truth behind false promises, hold leaders accountable, and prioritize the nation’s needs over blind political loyalty.
Amb. Gonzales’s statement calls us to embrace patriotism in its truest sense. Patriotism does not mean blind loyalty to any political leader or political party; it means standing up for the country’s best interests, even when that requires speaking out against those in power.
A patriotic citizen would not support President Hichilema’s meddling schemes in the Patriotic Front leadership wrangles because his actions are the surest way of destroying democracy.
Consequently, a patriotic Zambia’s support for President Hichilema would only go as far as his actions align with the well-being of Zambia. When he falters in his duty to serve the nation, it would become our duty to oppose him. This is not unpatriotic – it is, in fact, the highest form of patriotism, where the love for one’s country overrides allegiance to any individual.
A strong democratic Zambia is only possible if, today, we choose to reset our politics and recalibrate our collective agenda to service delivery and poverty eradication and choose to pursue a vision where Zambians can see a tangible benefit from the nation’s prosperity! Yes we agree with Dr. Chitalu Chilufya.
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