ZAMBIANS must take an active role in shaping governance by speaking for themselves instead of relying on individuals who claim to represent them, says Voice of the People (VoP) chairperson Nalukui Milapo.
VoP is an organisation launched yesterday, aimed at enhancing citizen participation in national governance, democracy, and development.
Speaking during the launch of VoP under the theme “Strengthening local voices in Constitutionalism, Governance and Democracy in Zambia” in Lusaka, Dr Milapo said the organisation was formed to provide an authentic platform where citizens, especially those at grassroots level, can directly influence national decisions.
She said the country had, over the years, experienced a disconnect between leaders and citizens due to limited participation of ordinary people in governance processes.
“Voice of the People is born out of a simple but powerful conviction that every voice matters in shaping Zambia’s present and future,” Dr Milapo said.
She explained that the organisation would work to ensure inclusive, transparent and accountable governance, adding that development could not be achieved if grassroots voices were ignored.
“Poverty and underdevelopment cannot be effectively addressed if local voices are left out or if only certain narratives dominate public discourse,” she said.
Milapo noted that while Zambia had made strides in democracy since the 1991 general elections in Zambia, many citizens still felt excluded from decision-making processes.
“Zambians do not only want democracy and peace, but better economic outcomes. When leaders fail to align with their aspirations, citizens have shown that they can vote them out,” she said.
She added that VoP would focus on bridging the gap between opportunities and the grassroots by ensuring that citizens benefit from government programmes in sectors such as agriculture, mining, technology and innovation.
Dr Milapo said the organisation would collaborate with government, civil society organisations and community-based groups to enhance service delivery and citizen participation.
“We want to ensure that voices from all corners of Zambia are heard and that development is not limited to a few but reaches everyone,” she said.
She further called on citizens to take ownership of the organisation and actively engage in governance and national development.
And Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia chairperson Paul Mususu urged the organisation to remain inclusive and avoid selecting who should be part of it.
“The Voice of the People should not choose who to bring on board. For as long as they are Zambians, they should belong and participate,” said Mususu.
Kalemba March 20, 2026
