Academia joins political fray through Political Science Association of Zambia (PSAZ)

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By Francis Mwiinga Maingaila and Derrick Sinjela

WITH exactly 218 days before the Thursday 12th August 2012, Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Elections, academia is increasing its voice through formation of a platform called Political Science Association of Zambia (PSAZ).

The Political Science Association of Zambia composed of academician, fellows and professional bodies specialized in research and science, was officially unveiled on Wednesday 6th January 2021 at Cresta Golfview Hotel in Lusaka.

PSAZ president Biggie Joe Dambwa (BJD) told journalists during the official launch that their aim is to champion political science literacy on politics and public affairs in Zambia.

Mr. Dambwa said the existence of this body is long over due to avert challenges affecting the Zambian nation today.

The Zambian academician observed that the country is facing serious governance challenges but the Electoral Commission of Zambia has managed to pull through.

Dambwa regretted that the political environment in Zambia is toxic and citizens do want not to change how the people and by the way people behave and act when making political demands.

With the second wave of the COVID-19,  Dambwa suggested, that Political Science Association of Zambia expects civil and political stakeholders will work with the them to ensure elections are done in the more credible manner.

The Political Science Association of Zambia urged the Electoral Body and all interest groups work together to ensure complete adherence to health guidelines.

The Political Science Association of Zambia leader commended the electorates for registering as voters and urged them ensure to vote to make the Elections Environment credible.

Dambwa said the Political Science Association of Zambia will be on hand to ensure that necessary information required for the credible elections are held in Zambia is provided to the electorate.

Political Science Association of Zambia commended President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for seeking speedy police reforms ahead of the coming elections.

The Political Science Association of Zambia leader said the investigation to establish the cause of the killing of National Prosecution Authority (NPA) Prosecutor Nsama Nsama Chipyoka and United Party for National Development (UPND) member Joseph Kaunda on Wednesday 23rd December 2020, is done fast and a solution to police brutality is found to allay fear among citizens.

“We implore President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to come up with a detailed terms of reference that will guide the police on how to go about the investigations on the matter surrounding the killing of the two Zambians. And we advise citizens to take responsibility by ensuring safety during politically charged events,” admonished Dambwa.

Dambwa disclosed that soon two journals being written will outline political activities in Zambia.

And Political Science Association of Zambia Secretary General Aaron Siwale said his group will fill the void to stop people from commenting on issues from an ignorant point of view.

More than ever, Siwale observed, the Political Science Association of Zambia is needed at this point in time when the country is preparing for the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government elections.

The objectives of the Political Science Association of Zambia is to improve and promote political science discipline on governance related issues.

“We want the institution to become a point of reference to for the dissemination of political science issues,” bragged Siwale

Siwale said the core values of the Political Science Association of Zambia are based in excellence, leadership and diversity as provided for in the national constitution.

He said the Political Science Association of Zambia has put in place a strategic plans that will run from now to 2026.

Siwale indicated that the Political Science Association of Zambia will began voter education from now to the time of election.

“All interested parties including electorates will be engaged as the Political Science Association of Zambia wants people to win elections based on the ideas and not violence and hate speech,” Siwale said.

Siwale said various research activities both locally and internationally will be employed for the purpose of promoting and creating a future which is desirable.

Siwale said the Political Science Association of Zambia will also endeavor to contribute to the police reforms as recommended by President Lungu.