4 October 2008
WHEN it comes to political campaigning it is taken for granted that a candidate should be able to address his own party members wherever they are and whatever the venue - large or small.
However, when it comes to true political campaigning - campaigning on real issues and speaking to real people in real places, then you need the experience, knowledge and understanding of the Zambian political landscape.
This is the mark of a decent politician - no notes just personality - no rhetoric just debate on the local issues that matter to people making a living day-in-day-out. The key is to be there on the ground, whichever part of the country, making sure that each and every person you meet has a chance to discuss the issues that really matter to them.
The other week, the acting President and MMD candidate, Rupiah Banda visited the 'Soweto' market in the centre of Lusaka to kickstart his political campaign having launched to the party faithfuls a mandate of 'Continuity, Good Governance and Economic Prosperity for All'. As you would expect in a market place there were many different people with many different views. It was precisely the reason for the visit in the first place. It did not matter how many MMD or opposition supporters were there - why?
Well, the point was not to just be feted by your own supporters - anyone can do that but to go into the 'heart of opposition territory' and send a very clear message.
Acting President Rupiah Banda and presidential hopeful fears nobody and nowhere in this election. He believes he is the only candidate with the inner strength and leadership to deliver for all Zambians.
Going in a local market and all the other visit opportunities throughout this short campaign will be no different. Anyone lucky enough to be there during the campaign will catch a glimpse or even a hand shake of a man who is running the country every day and continuing the policies and initiatives of the party and Government that is doing well for Zambians but knows it needs to and can do better to improve the lives of ordinary people.
Remember, MMD presidential candidate, Rupiah Banda, whilst fighting his campaign is also the acting President of the Republic of Zambia and has been doing this successfully since June this year.
'RB' has to divide his time between Government and campaigns. Whatever the hours and whatever the commitment, one thing is for certain on this issue - Zambia will be the winner every time as that is Rupiah Banda's style and personality.
So the final point - don't keep the score of the numbers of people who turn up and wave and chant (it is after all their basic political right) but perhaps remember the 'silent majority' who don't make all the noise but listen to the policies and assess the candidate on his true merit.
By discussing these policies and how they really affect their lives as ordinary people but more importantly, as Zambians they have the opportunity to vote and have a voice in a proper democratic election in Africa.
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