POLITICAL PARTIES ­ SPLITTING – Workers and Peasants Party

I have been following with interest, the recent squabbles within the PATRIOTIC FRONT.
For the sake of political stability, I welcome the intention by Mr. Miles Sampa to split from
PATRIOTIC FRONT to form his own political party. I consider this move as one way of strengthening
the opposition. Strong political parties in opposition are one way of measuring the democratic and
stability process in the country. There is also another way of ensuring peace and democracy within the political party.  Mr.  Miles Sampa could as well form a faction which can go under his own name
PATRIOTIC FRONT – MILES SAMPA and in this way be able to participate in the elections as a Presidential  candidate. The present situation whereby two leaders are claiming to be legal representatives is not necessary. This would lead to unreasonable people to capitulate on the situation and cause unnecessary bloodshed. When the acting President , Mr. Guy Scott an appeal to Mr. Edgar Lungu to think over his activities, he knew what he was talking about . Political disputes between two people can erupt in more violence and deaths. In the same Zimbabwe was spared the instability when ZANU  in the  late 70’s got splitted into ZANU – Ndabaningi Sithole and ZANU – Robert Mugabe. Both leaders were able to contest in the elections. And the most popular leader was able to obtain the majority.
In Africa, we can learn one thing from the principles of democracy. It is not always necessary to fight at all means to become President. Fighting issues from opposition benches are one of enhancing correcting the mistakes of the ruling party and enhancing the democracy. In the Netherlands, there are a number of political parties. Some political parties like the SOCIALIST PARTIES are such strong parties that would participate in forming the government if they had that wish to form a coalition with other political parties. But by preferring to remain in opposition, they have been able to achieve more than what  they would have achieved if they were in government . It is also important for all political party to come up with political plans. In this way the voters can learn to see and differentiate
what each political party want to change or achieve to the benefits of Zambians. In this way people can learn to vote for leaders on basis of their merits and not on tribal lines. Such plans must also be realistic to be implemented. Our political party, WORKERS AND PEASANTS PARTY, is the only political party which has until now, been able to present its plans. What we Zambians need is a strong ruling party and strong opposition parties, with the possibilities of forming coalitions if no party gains the absolute majority. I would like to call upon the two leaders, Mr. Edgar Lungu and Mr. Miles Sampa to come to realistic terms for the sake of peace and stability.

Dr. B. Mwansa Kapika
President – Workers and Peasants Party