LET’S END POLITICS OF THE BELLY

WE could not agree more with Choma Central Constituency 2026 parliamentary aspirant Trevor Mwiinde’s insights on how some Member of Parliament (MPs) change soon after being elected and completely turn their backs on the very electorates they promised a heaven on earth during the campaigns.

Sadly, this is the current state of affairs among most of the MPs, be it from the ruling or opposition political parties. There are very few MPs who understand or have embraced the concept of servant-leadership.

Most of them only become servants while they are looking for votes but the moment they are voted into power, they become bosses; they stop picking the calls they used to pick even in the night. They leave their electorates and only attend to them once their tenure is over to seek a fresh mandate and this is what makes politics look ugly in Zambia.

By this, we are not saying Mwiinde will be anything different. All we are saying is that what he has said it true but whether or not he can make a good MP for the people of Choma Central is not up to us to judge but what we are validating are his points which, unfortunately, we have heard from a number of aspirants who turned out to be the exact opposite of what they portrayed during campaigns once they are given the mandate.

Today, almost 90 percent of MPs across the country are absentee landlords. Already, we have seen pockets of differences between the incumbents and those who are trying their luck to replace them in 2026 and in most cases, the incumbents who are creating a problem are those who know that they have not done anything so far and are out to protect their seats by crushing anyone who aspires to take over from them.

In Zambia, the politics of the belly phenomenon has been a major factor in the country’s economic and social problems. Corruption and embezzlement of public funds by politicians have been widespread in Zambia, leading to a lack of investment in crucial sectors of the economy over the years.

This has resulted in poor service delivery, high levels of poverty, and limited opportunities for the majority of the population. The politics of the belly has also contributed to political instability and a lack of accountability in the Government over the years.

Politicians are more focused on amassing wealth and maintaining power than on addressing the needs of the people they are supposed to serve. To combat the politics of the belly in Zambia, there needs to be greater transparency and accountability in the Government, as well as stronger institutions to hold politicians accountable for their actions.

Additionally, there needs to be a shift in political culture towards a focus on the common good and the well-being of all citizens, rather than personal gain. Only then can Zambia truly progress and thrive.

The perception that Zambian politicians are not sincere is a common sentiment among many citizens in the country. The politics of the belly, characterized by corruption, self-enrichment, and a lack of accountability, has eroded trust in the political class and fueled this perception.

Many Zambian politicians have been implicated in corruption scandals, embezzlement of public funds, and other unethical practices. This has led to a widespread belief that politicians are more interested in serving their own interests rather than the needs of the people they are supposed to represent.

Additionally, politicians in Zambia are often seen as disconnected from the everyday struggles of the average citizen. They are perceived as being more concerned with maintaining power and privilege than with addressing the pressing issues facing the country, such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate healthcare and education systems.

To address this lack of sincerity among Zambian politicians, politicians must be held to a higher standard and be held accountable for their actions.

Additionally, there needs to be a cultural shift towards a more ethical and service-oriented political class that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens. Only then can trust in politicians be restored and meaningful progress be achieved in Zambia.

Political violence in Zambia has been a persistent issue that has marred the country’s democratic process and stability. The violence often occurs during election periods, with clashes between supporters of different political parties, intimidation tactics, and even physical attacks on opponents.

Needless to say, this almost plunged the country into civil unrest in yesteryears where we witnessed political violence leading to injuries, deaths, and destruction of property. This created a climate of fear and intimidation, making it difficult for citizens to freely express their political views and participate in the democratic process. The root causes of political violence in Zambia are complex and multifaceted.

They include competition for power and resources, ethnic and regional tensions, and a lack of trust in the electoral process. Additionally, the politics of the belly, with its focus on self-enrichment and personal gain, has exacerbated the problem by fueling a win-at-all-costs mentality among politicians and their supporters.

To address political violence in Zambia, there needs to be a concerted effort to promote peace, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law. Political leaders must condemn violence and promote non-violent means of resolving conflicts.

Additionally, there needs to be greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process to ensure that it is free, fair, and credible. Civil society organizations, the media, and the international community also have a role to play in monitoring and reporting on political violence, as well as advocating for peaceful and inclusive political processes.

By addressing the root causes of political violence and promoting a culture of peace and dialogue, Zambia can work towards a more stable and democratic future.

Indeed, Zambia is in dire need of civil politicians who are committed to serving the best interests of the country and its citizens. Civil politicians are those who prioritize dialogue, cooperation, and the well-being of the nation over personal gain or power struggles.

They are willing to engage in constructive debates, respect differing opinions, and work towards consensus for the greater good. Civil politicians in Zambia would promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in government.

They would prioritize the needs of the people, address issues of poverty, inequality, and social injustice, and work towards sustainable development and progress for all citizens. By fostering a culture of civility and cooperation among politicians, Zambia can move away from the politics of the belly and towards a more inclusive, democratic, and responsive governance system.

Civil politicians can help build trust among the population, promote social cohesion, and work towards a more peaceful and prosperous future for the country.

It is essential for Zambian politicians to prioritize the common good, engage in respectful and constructive dialogue, and work together towards building a better future for all citizens. Only through the efforts of civil politicians can Zambia overcome its challenges and realize its full potential as a stable, democratic, and prosperous nation.

It is our hope that people like Mwiinde who are aspiring to take leadership roles will not U-turn on their promises when and if they are given the opportunity to lead because politics of the belly have destroyed this country.