Your Vote, Your Future:
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 -- 16-07-2026 -- The Civil Society Alliance on Legal Reforms (CSALR) has urged Zambians to take ownership of the country’s future by making informed and responsible choices in the forthcoming general election.
The Alliance says the power to influence the direction of national development rests with citizens through the decisions they make at the ballot box, urging voters to carefully consider policies, leadership records, and development plans before casting their votes.
Speaking during a town hall meeting in Rufunsa District, CSALR Alliance Chairperson Dr. Caroline Katotobwe said elections provide citizens with an opportunity to shape the future of the country by choosing leaders who can address their concerns and advance national development.
Dr. Katotobwe said voters should look beyond political slogans, party loyalty, and personalities, and instead focus on the policies and commitments presented by political parties.
She encouraged citizens to critically examine party manifestos and assess whether proposed programmes respond to the challenges affecting communities and contribute to improving the lives of Zambians.
“Citizens must take time to examine party manifestos and assess proposed policies in key areas such as the economy, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, governance, infrastructure, employment, and social protection. By reflecting on past performance and development outcomes, voters can make informed choices that protect Zambia’s gains and ensure that no one is left behind,” said Dr. Katotobwe.
She explained that an informed electorate is essential for a strong democracy because citizens who understand policies and development priorities are better positioned to hold elected leaders accountable and demand meaningful results.
Dr. Katotobwe noted that voting should not only be viewed as a constitutional right but also as a responsibility that requires citizens to consider the long-term impact of their choices on the country’s economic and social progress.
She stressed that protecting Zambia’s developmental gains requires citizens to elect leaders whose plans are realistic, inclusive, and focused on addressing challenges affecting communities across the country.
The CSALR Chairperson further called on citizens to participate peacefully in the electoral process, urging them to reject misinformation, hate speech, and electoral violence.
She said maintaining peace during elections is critical to safeguarding Zambia’s democratic values and ensuring that every citizen can freely exercise their right to vote.
Dr. Katotobwe said the CSALR civic awareness initiative is aimed at empowering communities with knowledge and encouraging citizens to make electoral decisions based on facts, policies, democratic principles, and respect for the rule of law.
She added that a well-informed electorate remains a cornerstone of accountable leadership and democratic governance, calling on Zambians to recognise the power of their vote in shaping the nation’s future.
Comments
Post a Comment