Go mobilise in rural areas, you are good in urban, opposition advised

By NATION REPORTER

THE Christian Coalition Zambia (CCZ) has urged opposition political parties to expand their campaign activities beyond urban centres and intensify their outreach in rural areas if they hope to establish a stronger nationwide presence ahead of the August 13 general election.

Christian Coalition Zambia president Clergy Chombela said opposition parties had mounted effective campaigns in major towns and cities, particularly through messaging focused on accountability and the cost of living, but needed to strengthen their visibility in rural communities.

In a political campaign assessment issued yesterday, Mr Chombela observed that opposition campaigns had gained traction in urban areas where their messages appeared to be resonating with voters.

“Opposition parties have run effective campaigns in urban centres, with strong messaging around accountability and the cost of living. Their mobilisation is visible and resonating in cities,” Mr Chombela said.

“We encourage the opposition to extend outreach into rural areas to ensure nationwide presence,” he said.

Mr Chombela noted that the ruling UPND was anchoring its campaign on infrastructure development and economic stabilisation while promoting a message of continuity.

He, however, observed that only a limited number of ruling party former Members of Parliament had been visibly engaging with constituents on the ground.

“While campaign activities are ongoing, they are constrained by limited funding and less distribution of political regalia compared to previous election cycles,” Mr Chombela said.

The coalition also noted that campaigns across the political divide appeared to be operating under resource constraints, describing the limited availability of campaign materials as unusual at this stage of the election period.

“Campaigns across the political divide appear under-resourced. The absence of political regalia at this stage is unusual,” he said.

On security, Mr Chombela expressed concern over isolated incidents of political violence reported in Lusaka’s Chawama constituency and Mazabuka and called on political players to exercise restraint.

“We condemn all forms of political violence and urge all parties and supporters to uphold peace,” he said.

Mr Chombela also observed that independent and former opposition Members of Parliament were currently more visible in community engagement activities than their ruling party counterparts.

Ends.