LUSAKA - Independent presidential candidate Given Katuta says her interactions with voters across the country have convinced her that many Zambians are seeking political change ahead of the August 13 general election, adding that many people attend political rallies primarily to watch musician Yo Maps perform rather than to support political parties.
Speaking in an interview with Crown TV, Katuta said that although she has not yet campaigned in all 10 provinces, the response she has received from the areas she has visited suggests there is growing demand for new leadership.
"The ground is very fertile for change," she said.
Katuta said her campaign has focused mainly on door-to-door engagements instead of large political rallies, arguing that the approach allows her to interact directly with citizens and better understand their concerns.
She said large rallies can create a misleading impression of political support because many attendees are drawn by entertainment rather than political conviction.
"People get entertained by the artists that sing at rallies, and it is very expensive to watch them. So this is the opportunity that they have to watch for free," she said.
Katuta said unemployment among young people remains one of the biggest concerns raised during her engagements, which she believes has contributed to increased alcohol and drug abuse.
She added that her campaign deliberately avoids large rallies to minimise the risk of political violence and allow for more meaningful conversations with voters.
"We have been avoiding rallies because we know that attracts jealousy and bitterness. We don't want to be beaten," she said.
Katuta also maintained that independent candidates are capable of governing the country, arguing that they are directly accountable to citizens rather than political parties.
She further ruled out joining any political alliance, saying she remains committed to contesting the election as an independent candidate.
Meanwhile, Katuta accused the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) of disadvantaging her campaign by allocating campaign dates that coincided with visits by President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice-President Mutale Nalumango to parts of Northern Province.
She said she has written to the ECZ requesting additional campaign days, arguing that she was denied an equal opportunity to reach voters.