Pray for the peace and prosperity of our nation
Jubilee Centre October 8th, 2008
Zambia will elect a new president in twenty-two days. Whether you vote or not, the next President will determine the future and well-being of this nation. Here are some talking points to help you decide how %20(2).jpg)
you can vote. Which candidate has best dedicated his time toward explaining what he will do to: reduce personal or property tax; spur business development and job creation; support innovative programs to fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and preventable diseases; reduce mortality rates in children and expectant mothers; improve road networks and reduce traffic congestion and accidents in our cities; improve water and sanitation systems; promote quality education; curtail excessive international travel by the executive office and pursue greater efficiency; improve ethics, transparency and hard work in the government; pay urgent attention to the constitution making process; address environmental challenges and land ownership policies; reduce government spending; build more houses; address the needs of the disabled and elderly; address the Chinese economic re-colonization of Zambia.
Mr. Michael Sata and Mr. Rupiah Banda have spent the last forty years of their lives in public service. Which of these two men has been able to produce tangible results that have improved the well-being of Zambians? Who has been most consistent in mobilizing and educating Zambians on what they ought to be doing to develop the nation? Whom would you choose to stand up for the best interests of our country?
.jpg)
Mr. Hikainde Hichilema is young man and a new comer to the Lusaka political scene. He has no experience in public service, and, in my opinion, we know very little about his past experiences of fighting for the good of the common Zambian that will help determine his credentials. However, he has this going for him: he is a successful businessman and an intelligent thinker.
The last question we must answer is which of these three men has the integrity, intellect, wisdom and insight to manage our great nation? Good political speeches help voters to make a good judgment on whom to vote for, but it will take a principled person to make realistic goals and to carry out his commitments. Christians choose leaders because of their orientation toward principles and virtue. We elect leaders for their tender hearts and for their resolve to respond rightly to the challenges of a fallen world. We elect leaders who seek to be like Jesus and who are willing to be held accountable in that journey. How can we apply these principles to an election when those who are standing do not confess Christ as their model of leadership? We must evaluate who has best demonstrated concern to serve others as well as the direction he has taken in serving them. “Here is my servant, whom I uphold … he will not stop or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth, in his laws the islands will put their hope.” (Isaiah 42:1, 4).
Lawrence Temfwe
