This month May 2010 Change Life Zambia (CLZ) celebrates its first anniversary having been registered on 22nd May 2009. As we observe this occasion we praise God for sustaining us in the midst of hostility. We trust that God will continue to guide us in the struggle for a just society.
We believe that our country requires radical change to usher in upright, patriotic, innovative, pragmatic and selfless leaders that should accelerate development and steer our country to the kind of prosperity that offers a better life for all Zambians especially vulnerable citizens. Against this background, we reiterate the importance of mobilizing people to transform Zambia’s social, economic and political landscape for improved living standards for all.
UNVEILING THE 2010 THEME
We wish to inform the public that the theme for 2009 namely “Change or Die, Zambia” has transformed into a new theme for 2010 namely “The Change We Want”. We are very happy to observe that the theme for 2009 has achieved its objective of raising awareness on the vital need for change. It is now clear that many Zambians appreciate the inevitability of positive change for Zambia to reverse its serious situation of regression and hopelessness. Moreover, poor people in our compounds and villages also know that the only solution to their suffering is change.
For the next one year under the new theme “The Change We Want”, CLZ will implement programmes and activities to facilitate the drawing up of a People’s Manifesto (PM). This will be a document that will outline some cardinal and priority changes that the government to be formed after 2011 should implement to move the country forward. We shall lobby voters to demand adoption of the PM as a condition for them to vote for any party or candidate that will take part in the 2011 general elections.
NEED FOR A PROACTIVE ELECTORATE
CLZ desires to see a proactive citizenly that should not wait for politicians to state what they would do if voted into office but a situation where the people would demand desired changes in exchange for their vote. We believe that time has come for Zambians to demand critical changes as a condition for any political party to get their valued vote.
NEED FOR FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS
For many years now our people have been denied a genuine and happy national election victory party where supporters of the losing party or candidate would share a drink and make merry with those of the winning party or candidate. Instead we have sporadic violence after elections and the reason is that majority of our people believe that elections are rigged in favour of the ruling party.
Against this background, CLZ demands affirmative action by government and other stakeholders to ensure free and fair elections in 2011. We believe that failure to implement drastic measures to guarantee free and fair elections will be a great danger to our peace and stability.
Hence, we repeat our condemnation of electoral violence and other forms of politically motivated violence. Moreover, we add our voice to that of various organisations and eminent citizens calling for action to stop electoral violence.
Therefore, we are scandalized and shocked to note that the MMD party has concerned itself more with the loss of the Mufumbwe seat to UPND/PF pact than with the loss of blood and life that happened in Mufumbwe.
CONCLUSION
We call upon our members and sympathizers to continue praying for justice in our country conscious of the reality that peace and development are fruits of justice. We also urge them to pray for national leaders committed to establishing a just society where all live in harmony as brothers and sisters.
Fr Frank Bwalya
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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