Organized People’s Party (OPP) Presidential Candidate Dr. Brian Mushimba has blamed existing political parties for the high voter apathy recorded in the 2021 general elections.
Dr. Mushimba said the 2.1 million voters who stayed away from the polls were a direct indictment on the manifestos and conduct of political parties that existed before the OPP was formed.
“Their absence reflected dissatisfaction. People felt demotivated because no hope was offered,” Dr. Mushimba said.
He described the non-voters as “kingmakers” in this year’s August 13 elections, saying OPP was established to restore trust and give those voices a political home.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mushimba noted that recurring challenges such as food insecurity, youth unemployment, the rising cost of living, corruption, load shedding, and unequal treatment by law enforcement have eroded public confidence in the political system.
He said parties had failed to offer practical solutions, leading citizens to disengage.
Dr. Mushimba has since unveiled OPP’s four-pillar framework “LEGO” Leadership, Economy, Good Governance, and Ownership of the Economy as the party’s response to the governance and economic gaps he observed caused voter apathy.
“We are here for the marginalized and the undecided. OPP is the solution that will not only address economic challenges but also bring healing across the country,” he added.
Francis Chipalo
