FODEP calls on politicians to practice what they preach regarding political violence

Foundation for Democratic Process FODEP has called on politicians to practice what they preach regarding political violence.

And FODEP has called for the immediate cease fire of political rivalry between the ruling Patriotic Front and the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND).

Speaking at a Media Briefing in Lusaka today, FODEP Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi said politicians have been preaching peace but at the same time engaging and encouraging their cadres to engage in political violence.

Mr. Chipenzi said some politicians are part and parcel of fanning violence in elections which he condemned and called on all politicians to stop the act.

Mr. Chipenzi was reacting to the recent reports of violence in Mangango where there will be a by-election on 19th August 2014.

And Mr. Chipenzi said if electoral confrontations do not come to an end, the 2016 general elections is likely to be marred with confusion.

Below is the full statement by FODEP Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi.

FOUNDATION FOR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS (FODEP)

STATEMENT ON THE FORTHCOMING MANGANGO BY-ELECTIONS IN KAOMA DISTRICT IN WESTERN PROVINCE SLATED FOR 19TH AUGUST, 2014 ISSUED IN LUSAKA ON 10TH AUGUST 2014 AT FODEP HOUSE.

Dear Colleagues,

Introduction

We have decided to call this briefing to update you on the goings-on in Mangango ahead of the by-election in a week’s time scheduled for the 19th August 2014 especially with increasing reports of electoral and political violence being reported almost on daily basis as the day of the vote nears.

On Friday, 8th August 2014 Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) officials travelled to Mangango for the following reasons 1) to ascertain reports of electoral and political violence being reported in the area and 2) hold a discussion forum dubbed “Race to Manda Hill Discussion Forum” which was held on Saturday, 9th August, 2014 with the aim of bringing together all aspiring candidates to face the electorates and make their plans for the area.

FODEP is happy to report that in the two days that FODEP spent in Mangango and Kaoma areas respectively, it never witnessed any incident of violence. The people there were complaining of lack of development and the state of the main road to Mangango.

The electoral environment was peaceful and tranquil as political parties went on with their business of canvassing for votes.

Race to Manda Hill Discussion Forum: FODEP is glad to report that all the candidates, save for the United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate, Godwin Putu, featured at the Forum held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church grounds on Saturday, 9th August 2014. A number of issues were raised by the aspirants.

Among the issues promised by the candidates to do if elected, were; improved and quality social services such as water, health and education. Others include working on the Katunda-Mangango-Lukulu road which is currently in bad state. At the end of the discussion which took almost three hours, the aspirants and their supporters pledged to promote and conduct peaceful and issue based campaigns ahead of the by-elections.

The Forum which attracted hundreds of Mangango residents of all sheds, accorded the residents an opportunity to meet and ask questions to their prospective members of parliament which the aspirants ably responded to.

FODEP Observations on the electoral campaigns

However, the following were FODEP’s observations on the Mangango electoral campaigns:

? Some participating political parties, candidates and supporters are engaged in smear campaigns of discrimination based on age and language;

? Treating of voters through the provision of philanthropies such as meat and food is said to be common;

? Presence of pockets of political party officials from others parts of the country such as Lusaka;

? Allegations of involvement of District Commissioners in the campaigns despite them being civil servants

Political violence

However, reports of violence emerged from Luampa where suspected UPND and PF cadres crashed on suspicion that the latter was harboring alleged “thugs from Lusaka” who they accused of causing problems in the area ahead of the local government by-elections and that one of the sub-chief and District Commissioner in the area were allegedly campaigning for the ruling party.

This resulted in the alleged beating of a sub-chief by suspected UPND cadres. Fortunately, Hon. Josephine Limata is said to have freed the area after sensing danger. On Sunday, the 10th August, 2014, FODEP received another report of violent campaigns right in Mangango which happened on Saturday 9th August, 2014 at night.

The violence is said to have been ignited by suspected PF and UPND cadres over among other things allegation that PF was camped at a government House for their partisan activities leading to UPND cadres wanting to force them out of the premise and also on allegation that PF cadres wanted to block the UPND from holding a campaign rally on account that UPND candidate, Godwin Putu snubbed the public forum FODEP organized in the day that brought together all candidates. This attracted angry reactions from the UPND camp hence fighting ensued.

All these incidents could be avoided if the top leadership of the two political parties could be sincere and practical steps are put in place to curbing electoral violence and in promoting electoral harmony and co-existence.