POLITICIANS WARNED OVER CHIEFDOM VOTES

By Adrian Mwanza

POLITICIANS should cease stifling confusion in chiefdoms to solicit votes because this trend has the potential to breed anarchy, African Union Interfaith Dialogue Forum (AU-IFDF) Co-chairperson Bishop David Masupa has said.

Bishop Masupa, in an interview, said that politicians needed to halt the tendency of creating confusion in chiefdoms just because they want to gain political mileage at the expense of the country’s peace.

He stated that it was common knowledge that some politicians were causing confusion, such as taking sides in succession disputes, rather than following the right procedures.

“Government and politicians should not interfere in matters involving succession just because they want to solicit and garner votes,” he said.

He also mentioned that the recent move by the Litunga to invite the Chitimukulu at the just-ended Kuomboka was good for inter-chiefdom relations.

Furthermore, he emphasized the need for the government to develop a policy that would grant chiefs authority and autonomy over land rather than following bureaucracy.

He expressed disappointment that certain areas like Lufwanyama, despite being the largest producer of emeralds, still remained very poor due to bureaucracy.

He stressed the importance of chiefdoms working hand in hand and sharing knowledge to enhance the country’s cultural diversity.

In conclusion, he advocated for chiefdoms to closely engage with each other to preserve and share culture.