SINCE citizens are stakeholders in governance and development related issues, and if majority Zambians are to benefit from the young flourishing democracy, there should be full participation of citizens in the electoral process.
Among the principles of good governance are freedom of expression, freedom of association, free press and regular, free and fair elections. Others are rule of law, citizens’ participation and many others.
Therefore, each responsible and patriotic citizen is supposed to fully and actively participate in each of such principles of good governance if such type of governance is to benefit that citizenry.
Such an understanding springs from what one of the renowned Public Relations authors, late Frank Jefkins said that a normal organisation has at least eight PR publics.
PR publics are groups of people who determine the success or failure of an organisation.
For any democratic government to succeed in serving the masses, citizens, as stakeholders in governance and development related matters, play a critical role.
All democratic institutions can be there in a government of a specific country; but if citizens don’t play their respective roles, democracy cannot benefit majority citizens in such a country.
Among the critical principles of good governance were citizens are supposed to participate fully and actively is in free and fair elections.
This is why each time it is political election’s time, government through the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and many co-operating partners in good governance put their resources together to ensure that citizens are reminded of the importance of their role in democratic elections; and the benefits such citizens accrue from participating fully and actively in choosing leaders of their choice.
Therefore, if Zambians want to benefit from the young democratic dispensation, they should ensure that all participate in choosing political leaders of their choice during every election.
Following the demise of President Michael Sata, January 20, 2015 is an important date for all Zambians; especially for those citizens with national registration cards (NRCs) and voter’s cards. Those with NRCs and voter’s card should spare time and effort to go and vote for a presidential candidate of their choice on Tuesday.
Don’t you think that doing so is demonstrating that one is a patriotic and responsible citizen of Mother Zambia? Avoid being part of high voter apathy statistics on January 20, 2015.
Do you think that your full and active participation in elections is doing ECZ or the government of the day a favour? No! Actually, it is doing yourself, your family and many other citizens; including the future generation a favour.
Therefore, tell and ask any person you know: ‘I am a responsible citizen. I have an NRC and a voter’s card. I will vote on January 20, 2015. Will you?’
Encourage other citizens to go and vote for a presidential candidate of their choice.
Fear nothing at all in going to vote for a presidential candidate of your choice. Already, Zambia Police Inspector General, Stella Libongani assured the nation that the police will ensure that there is law and order to facilitate peaceful elections in all parts of the country.
As peace loving citizens in a democratic and Christian nation, let’s ensure that we prepare for this presidential by-election and participate in it peacefully. Each one of us, regardless of provocation, should feel proud of a peaceful Zambia; and refrain from any form of political violence.
When you see an opponent or a group of people trying to provoke you, just say: ‘Zambia is a democratic, Christian and peaceful nation where political violence isn’t part of our life.’
With such a statement, just walk or drive away from such a person or group of people. Don’t fuel political violence by trying to retaliate to provocation. Refrain from political violence. Be peaceful at all times.
When you are in the polling booth, think twice and wisely. Look at all the names and their respective political party symbols on the ballot paper. Remind yourselves of the critical qualities of each presidential aspirant; and what such a person has done before which proves that he or she can continue facilitating nationwide sustainable socio-economic development processes.
With 50 years of political independence, Zambia has enough seasoned and experienced political leadership. Zambians cannot go into a political leadership laboratory to experiment in political leadership of a republican president.
Each citizen reaps what he or she sows in political elections. Even not going to vote has a consequence on such a citizen who doesn’t vote. Therefore, vote wisely or else don’t blame anyone if a wrong presidential candidate is put in State House after January 20 presidential election.
The author is a Communication Skills and PR Trainer and Consultant.
For comments and ideas, contact:  Cell: 0967/0977 450151 E-mail:sycoraxtndhlovu@yahoo.co.uk