Now PF launches ‘Wako ni wako’ campaign

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has launched another campaign slogan in the run up to August 11 general elections called ‘Wako ni wako.’

The slogan, which has been unveiled on social media by ardent party cadres like Media committee members Sunday Chanda and Brian Hapunda simply encourages voters to vote for someone from their ethnic group.

Wako ni wako is an Eastern Province common saying in admitting that you must do some one a favour on the basis of you being connected to such a person by tribe.

In this particular slogan, the PF is preaching that Easterners and their tribal cousins the Bembas and all Northers must vote for PF on the basis of tribe.

The party is calling this operation as ‘Counter Nega-nega (CNN)’, in apparent reference to Nega-nega area in Mazabuka district, where Opposition UPND scored more votes with a bigger margin against incumbent Edgar Lungu during 2015 Presidential Bye Election.

In the recent past, the PF has abandoned its 2011 slogan which led them to state house coined ‘Donchi Kubeba’. The party adopted another slogan called ‘Sela tubombeko’.

And during the manifesto Launch, PF unveiled another slogan called ‘Sonta epo wabomba’ which came with a different sign from a PF traditional clenched to a clenched fist with an extended index finger.

Perhaps realising that all these slogans are not proving to be as effective as they had hoped, the ruling party has identified tribal campaign messages as a sure way of extending its stay in power for another five years.

In the past, countries like Rwanda have experienced bloodshed and worst genocide as a result of tribal politics