By RABECCA CHIPANTA and JANE MWANSA –
FOUNDATION for Democratic Process (FODEP) Copperbelt chairperson Mike Mushinge has urged the United Party for National Development (UPND) to stop politicking national events because such actions are retrogressive.
Mr Mushinge said that the UPND being the main opposition party in Zambia with representation in parliament  was expected to attend national events as they are meant to foster development in the country.
He said it was unfortunate that the party stayed away from national events and later on blame lack of development on the ruling party adding that it was the duty of all Zambians to help foster unity and development.
He added that the continued non attendance of national events by the UPND impacted negatively on development as opposition parties including Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media among others were expected to work together with Government.
“When they are positioning themselves in providing checks and balances it should not always be political but they can also offer solutions. An example is the opposition of the late Michael Sata who provided solutions to the Mwanawasa administration,” he said.
Mr Mushinge said it was important that whenever there were criticisms, solutions must be offered for the good of the nation.
Anti-Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) Copperbelt coordinator Poster Jumbe said opposition political parties should desist from shunning and politiciseing national events.
He said celebrations such as the international women’s day and youth day were public events and not political events.
Mr Jumbe said that it was unfortunate that some political parties had opted to stay away from national events that had that brought unity in the country.
Speaking in an interview yesterday Mr Jumbe challenged political parties in Zambia to take interest in national events and put aside their political affiliations.
“All political parties are expected to be in full support of government activities as this shows a true demonstration of unity,” he said.
In addition Mr Jumbe said that youths from all political parties should turn out in numbers and commemorate the youth day in oneness.