The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has commended political parties participating in the 11th September by-election for carrying out peaceful campaigns.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe observed that the peacefulness exhibited during the campaigns is a sign that political stakeholders are committed to eradicating political violence from country’s political scene.
Mr. Cheembe noted that political parties exhibited political maturity by concentrating on addressing issues affecting the people as opposed to attacking each other which should be commended.
“We would like to congratulate all the political parties that are participating in the 11th September, 2014 by-elections. These by-elections will be held in Solwezi Central and Zambezi West constituencies of the North-Western Province of Zambia, in Mkushi in the Central Province of Zambia, and in Vubwi and Kasenengwa constituencies in the Eastern Province of Zambia.
“These by-elections have been characterized by peaceful campaigns which are an indication that political parties are committed to eradicating political violence from the Zambian political scene following the SACCORD/ZCID/FES Political Party Summit. All stakeholders who want peace to continue prevailing in our country should commend the political parties for having exhibited the highest levels of political maturity by focusing on addressing issues that affect people in the various constituencies.”
And Mr. Cheembe has commended the Zambia Police Service for ensuring that peace prevailed during the campaigns and the ECZ for their preparedness in holding the elections.
“SACCORD would also like to commend the Zambia Police Service for having observed the highest levels of professionalism in the five constituencies which is evidenced by few, if any, complaints that have come from all the political contenders.
” The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) also needs to be commended for exhibiting high levels of preparedness in conducting the five by-elections.
“This has been done notwithstanding complaints from some opposition political parties who have received the news of ECZ conducting electronic transmission of results in Vubwi and Kasanengwa constituencies with some suspicion.
“Going forward, SACCORD would like to recommend to ECZ that next time where consultative meetings are held with political stakeholders, it would be important to get and have signed consent forms from political parties to avoid suspicion.
“As we have a few hours left before poll day, SACCORD would like to wish all the political parties all the best as the people prepare to make an informed choice as to which candidates and parties are best equipped to address their challenges.”
This is contained in a statement released to the media by SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe.
Would it be too naive to attribute this sudden peace to the departure of one Wynter Kabimba ?
WK was really violent