US GOVERNMENT UPBEAT ON THE NUMBER OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN SEPTEMBER POLLS

The US Department of State on Africa Affairs says having more than 15 opposition political parties in the 20^th September, will give maximum impetus to the MMD to win the elections.

The department’s Bureau of African Affairs deputy Public Affairs officer, Marissa Rollens says the splitting of the opposition will give advantage to the party in power.

Ms Rollens however says the US government is encouraging as many parties as possible to contest in the election in order to widen the base for the electorate.

She has further called for factual information instead of gossips during campaigns as this will promote peace and democracy.

Meanwhile, Ms Rollens says her country will send independent election observers for the general elections.

Meanwhile, the church has been cited for failing to do enough in shaping the political landscape in the country.

Evangelical Church of Zambia Overseer, Paul Mususu says the church can do a lot in influencing the political podium ahead of the general elections.

Bishop Paul Mususu however says it is unfortunate that the church is almost failing in its role adding that there has been no official stance even on the coming polls.

He has nevertheless called on the clergy to remain steadfast in their efforts to unify the country.

Bishop Mususu was speaking in Lusaka today on the sidelines of a 4-day Lusaka Bible Church Conference.