It is highly regrettable that despite the church’s attempt to stop the violence through the consultative meetings held, we have continued receiving reports of violence from selected parts of the country, says governance activist David Kapoma.Yesterday, a mob of armed PF cadres in Shiwang’andu District attempted to bring down a helicopter carrying a UPND entourage as they made their way to a planned campaign rally in the area. The cadres threw sticks stones and other objects at the helicopter, previnting it from landing. Police had to use teargas to disperse the cadres and restore order.
However, the ruling PF have refused to own up to the attack, instead accusing the opposition UPND of staging the incident.
But Kapoma has noted with sadness that politicians have continued to use the young people as tools of violence with impunity and without shame.
“It is disappointing that most political parties contesting in this years elections have failed to explain to the voters what they intend to do if voted into office. They have instead concentrated on name calling and hate speech. This has resulted in politicians denying the voters an opportunity to know the party manifestos, a situation that may cause voter apathy,” Kapoma said in a statement made available to Zambian Eye.
“It is the responsibility of every political party to ensure that peace and unity prevails before, during and after elections. The amount of hatred among politicians is worrying and must be a source of concern for every peace loving Zambian. We have for a long time enjoyed peace and stability as a country and it must be the interest of every political leader, especially presidents of the different political parties to ensure that they play a role in promoting peace and unity. Supporters of different political parties must also refrain from any form of political violence or electoral malpractice.
“I urge the youth to resist from being used as tools of violence during the campaigns. It is very important for us to realise that we are one people despite being members and supporters of different political parties. The youth have the power to stop the violence if they worked together and refuse to be used in the manner they are currently being used by selfish politicians.,” he added
He appealed to political leaders to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence, diversity and divergent opinions as the country gets closer to the elections, adding that this is the surest way to hold August 11 elections in a free, fair and corrupt free environment.
He further reminded civil society organizations, the church and ordinary citizens that the biggest asset the nation has is the fact that Zambia is known world over as a peace loving nation and must therefore strive to ensure that the country keeps this banner in the right place.
Kapoma has since commended the police for being professional so far during the official campaign period and called on the police command to continue providing its services in a professional manner without being intimidated by political players.