Opposition nod talks

By NATION REPORTER AS Movement for National Transformation (MNT) we are in support of the dialogue process, says party president Daniel Shimunza.

In an interview, Mr. Shimunza said the dialogue process was a welcome move.

“To deal with national issues bordering on electoral reforms, amendment of the Public Order Act, constitutional amendments, post- 2016 election problems; and any other national concerns in a constitutional democratic State, the dialogue process must be supported.

“We therefore contend that the following must be considered to advance this dialogue agenda. Firstly, stakeholders must select who leads the dialogue to avoid bias and immature rivalry in the process. So far it seems all stakeholders agree that the Church must lead. We need a unified voice of the Church mother bodies. The Church must not divide the nation,” Mr. Shimunza said.

He said the process must include all national key stakeholders beyond political parties. “This is critical to consolidate all pending issues of national interests. These must include NGOs, labour unions, civil societies, corporate leaders, and any others concerned. There must be no pre conditions by any stakeholder.

“Openness and patriotism will be required to put partisan interests aside for the sake of national interest. All issues must be addressed without hypocrisy, and pretence. Everyone must be heard,” he said.

Mr. Shimunza added that maturity would be required on the part of all political party leaders, especially the United Party for National Development (UPND) and the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) to set a good example of multi-party politics.

“We must cross the aisles of self- preservation, peer rivalry and pettiness, and take responsibility for national issues. Conflict management and resolution principles must be the goal of all stakeholders in the process,” he said.