Emulate PF manifesto, parties urged

By STEVEN ZANDE –

THE Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has urged political parties to emulate the Patriotic Front (PF) by drafting practical manifestos which outline their planned actions to improve people’s living standards if elected into office on August 11, 2016.
CSPR executive director Kryticous Nshindano said his organisation conducted a research which showed that only PF and UNIP had updated manifestos while other political parties were using defective documents.
He challenged political parties contesting the election to produce inspiring manifestos because the document was a social contract which citizens could use to hold leaders to account for their commitments.
“Apart from the PF and UNIP, other political parties still do not have manifestos which explain what they will do for the people if elected.This lack of a clear development road-map explains why we have seen poor  accountability among the politicians,” Mr Nshindano said.
He said political parties needed to have workable development plans to be achieved within a specific time frame for them to successfully deliver development when elected into office.
Mr Nshindano said without a social contract it was difficult for politicians to remain focused on development because there would be no base for voters to question them.
He said politicians should consider addressing social and political inequalities which was a hindrance to citizens’ participation in development programmes.
Mr Nshindano said there was need for aspiring candidates to explain how they would address inequality because ordinary people could not participate in national affairs if they did not enjoy access to basic services such as education and good health.
He urged political parties to remain focused in explaining themselves to the electorate to help voters make informed decisions onAugust, 11.