KALUMBA CALLS FOR DIALOGUE AMONG POLITICIANS

By ADRIAN MWANZA

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema should bridge the gap with some credible opposition leaders so that the country’s democratic space does not degenerate, former Cabinet Minister Katele Kalumba has said.

Dr. Kalumba in an interview said that the President had a huge role in engaging the opposition so that they could find a lasting solution to the various problems and that the opposition should also put their differences aside and look at the bigger picture for the sake of national unity and peace.

He said that the current political pace was not conducive hence the need for players to dialogue as the frosty relationship between the ruling party and the opposition was creating unnecessary tension among citizens.

“I want to urge President Hichilema to take the step of bridging the gap between him and the opposition in a bid to have a good democratic space,” he said.

He urged the Government to ensure that it created a positive environment for the opposition rather than shrinking their space.

He said that there was a need to also ensure that the Government institutions followed the proper channels of governance.

“The problem is that there is too much mistrust between the Government and the opposition but this can change if President Hichilema can engage his colleagues,” he said.

He said despite coming from various political parties, there was a need to find a common ground for them to interact.

He said that they did not have to like each other or friends but that there was a need to find a lasting solution.