‘When Power Begins to Panic’
By Linda Banks
#BanaBaabo- This campaign has become a political buffet,everything has been tried except giving Zambians a reason to trust him again.
First, it was buying endorsements and parading defections.Then came insults for political opponents.That wasn’t enough, so women found themselves in the firing line. Then people with disabilities. Then a young girl became the latest target of political theatre.
When the crowds refused to change, the campaign went back to towns it had already visited, hoping voters would somehow forget why they had made up their minds in the first place.
When citizens started funding the opposition in unprecedented numbers, controversy followed over the fundraiser. When the conversation refused to change, it became, “The boys are talking about ECL’ at rallies.”that landed flat. Now new recruits have been enlisted to cris cross radio stations with a self soothing song, “Why haven’t they buried ECL” What’s that got to do with you? Focus on selling yourself, why should Zambians vote for you again? What have you achieved in the time they lent you?
Besides, last time I checked, Edgar Lungu had a wife, children and an extended family. Makebi Zulu and Brian Mundubile are not his next of kin.
And now, as the campaign clock ticks louder, reports of cadre violence are becoming part of the political conversation.
A government that came promising “new dawn” now seems to wake up every morning looking for a new distraction.
Zambians aren’t looking for another stunt. They’re looking for leadership. And no amount of last-minute student allowances, recycled rallies or political drama can perfume what people have already smelt
As we say in Zambia, if the nshima is burnt, adding more relish won’t save the meal. The people have already tasted it. Ubwali, na bulungula kale kalumbwana.