By MELBOURNE MUSHITU –
TWO civil society organisations have backed President Edgar Lungu’s call for issue-based campaigns ahead of general elections next year.
Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) and the Zambian Voice share the opinion that issue-based campaigns should be the cornerstone of politics in 2016.

. Lungu

TIZ executive director Goodwell Lungu said the issue-based campaigns called for by President Lungu would curb violence by political parties in the country.
Mr Lungu said in an interview that issue-based campaigns would give every political party an opportunity to express themselves freely.
“This call shows that President Edgar Lungu is a President for all Zambians. It shows that next year’s elections will be peaceful,” he said.
Mr Lungu also said political parties in the country should abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct for people to have confidence in their parties.
Zambian Voice executive director Chilufya Tayali said it was important for all political parties to engage in sober campaigns to help develop democracy in Zambia.
Mr Tayali said the country would greatly benefit from politicians articulating matters that affect the people and helping to scale up development.
“The opposition political parties should act as the alternative government by providing alternative solutions to govern the country,” he said.
Mr Tayali urged political parties not to be in conflict with the Government at all times, but to contribute to national development by maintaining peace and meaningful proposals that would drive growth.
The organisation praised President Lungu’s efforts in maintaining peace in the country.
Mr Tayali also said opposition leaders should desist from politicising every statement made by the ruling party and concentrate on issues that would develop Zambia.