ALLOW ASPIRANTS TIME TO CAMPAIGN, FAZ TOLD
THE Football Association (FAZ) must allow for a free and fair election process by fixing a reasonable campaign period of not less than 30 days, says a life member, Mwansa Mbulakulima.
Mbulakulima said FAZ should understand that a free and fair election was not about the outcome but the process leading to the March elections.
The former FAZ executive committee member said in an interview there must be reasonable time to allow each candidate a chance to meet the voters.
“There is no fixed time for the campaign period in the constitution, but what is expected of any grouping is that there must be reasonable time for campaigns.
“What is reasonable is what is debatable. But what is reasonable for me is that the campaigns period should not be less than 30 days. I think between 30 and 40 days. While 90 days is a bit abnormal.”
“If people are not given the opportunity to meet the voters then it’s not a fair process.
I expect FAZ to open up the campaign time to everybody in reasonable time and do not need the government to tell them what is reasonable,” Mbulakulima said.
He said the continued complaints from the councilors, including aspirants, of unfair treatment should be looked into as it tarnishes the image of the game. “I think let FAZ open up. We should not be getting complaints every time. FAZ is not a political organisation, football is a passion and we need quality leadership. We can only get quality leadership when the elections are free and fair and everyone is accorded a chance. But at the moment that doesn’t seem to be fourth coming,” he said.
Commenting on the appointment of a Chipolopolo coach, Mbulakulima said he was expecting FAZ to give the new coach a long term contract of at least three years.
He said the new expatriate coach must be assisted by a local coach.
He challenged the technical committee to give the nation the best material but advised Zambians not to expect miracles from the new coach in just three months as he needs enough time to adapt and introduce his philosophy.