Was the people’s voice respected in recent Polls?

By Susan Mwape

If democracy is rule of the people by the majority then it is obvious
that in last elections some of the constituencies were not contested
for and won by candidates who represented the will of the people.
In Kanyama Constituency (Lusaka) for example residents are still
smarting over the fact that it was not their will that prevailed but
that of political party leaders.

Residents of the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula ward, in particular, expressed
disappointment at the re-election of the current Member of Parliament
(Patriotic Front), Colonel Gerry Chanda.

Emmy Daka, a resident, claimed that Col. Chanda has added no value to
Kanyama Constituency as an MP. She claimed that since being elected MP
has never held any meeting with the residents of the constituency.

“Ever since the MP was elected he has never been here. He has no time
to even just visit us. I live two minutes away from the MPs office but
I do not even know him because I have never seen him,” she claimed.
Brenda Banda of Bwafwano Market agreed that she too was sad that the
people had voted for Col. Chanda. She cited lack of voter education as
one of the reasons that persuaded people to vote on party lines and
under a system commonly known as ‘suiting’ and which encouraged voters
to vote a presidential candidate and those of his people standing as
MPs and councillors.

Banda recalls with fondness the era of former MP, Princess Nakatindi
Wina, who was elected MP in 1991 and who she claims was the only MP
who attempted to make Kanyama a better place.

“It was during Princess Nakatindi’s tenure that the Kanyama road was
constructed. Princess Nakatindi used to hold meetings to consult us in
Kanyama. She was able to show appreciation as a Parliamentarian and
she ably represented us,” Banda declared.

But Joshua Hara, a resident of Kanyama, was bold enough to disclose
that he voted for the current MP, Colonel Chanda, because he was
confident that the PF would emerge victorious in the elections and as
a member of the winning party the MP will be able to change things for
the better.

He expressed hope that things would improve in terms of development in
the area through the MP considering that there would be a PF President
in State House. He acknowledged that there was a lot that needed to be
corrected but with Mr. Michael Sata in office of president Col. Chanda
will receive enough support from the government to develop the area.
All the residents of Kanyama, who were asked over the matter agreed
that the role of a Member of parliament is to represent the people who
elect them to parliament.

This entails that, the Member of Parliament should play the role of a
link between parliament and the voters. Many of them expected the MP
to engage them over matters of development, social reforms and policy
formulation.

Some residents complained that the office of MP and its surroundings
were dirty and poorly cared for and she expressed hope that the
situation will be turned round.

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