Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga has condemned the violence that had characterised some areas in the on-going by-election campaign.
Mr Mwaanga said in an interview that election violence was unacceptable and deserved the most severe condemnation as it had the potential to undermine and destabilise the country.
“It must be recognised that election violence constitutes a serious threat to the holding of free, fair, transparent and democratic elections,” he said.
Mr Mwaanga further urged political parties to conduct issue based campaigns and stop personal attacks on opponents and strictly adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct.
And Government has warned that it will not condone lawlessness regardless of who is involved in the three parliamentary by-elections set for this month end.
There have been reports of isolated incidences of violence ahead of the polls in Mulobezi, Malambo and Petauke Central constituencies.
Acting Chief Government spokesperson Ngosa Simbyakula said the confusion in Mulobezi was caused by ‘imported’ cadres and advised political parties against ferrying cadres into the three constituencies.
He said Government had received disturbing reports that some political parties were planning to ferry their supporters to the three constituencies, especially Mulobezi in Western Province.
In the past, political violence during campaigns has been instigated not by the local people but rather by ‘imported’ cadres.
“The people of Mulobezi, like in the other two constituencies, are peaceful and have continued to live together in harmony despite their divergent political views and affiliation.
“It is, therefore, unjustifiable, uncalled for and unfair for any outsider to disrupt the most cherished peace and tranquility the people of Mulobezi hold so dear to their hearts,” he said.
Dr Simbyakula urged political parties to allow the people of Mulobezi to exercise their free will and judgment in choosing a candidate of their choice to be their representative without coercion from outsiders.
“As Zambians, our collective fight must be against poverty, disease and general underdevelopment and not against each other,” Dr Simbyakula said.
Zambians should, therefore, reject anyone denting the country’s impeccable credentials of peace, unity and love.
Why has the person that fired the gun with intent to kill not been arrested yet. Was it Davis Chama, the PF Secretary General or his driver that shot at and wounded a person. Why is the Police not effecting arrest? Is it because a senior PF official may be implicated? The gun used is registered in Davies Chama’s name.
No licenced gun handler would shoot just for the sake of it. The guy who was accidentally shot at deserved it because he aimed at killing the SG. Slot of people carry guns but they don’t just shot at anything unless in self-defense and a serious incidence like the one mushaukwa and group mounted.
Please let us be fair in our submissions. It is a well known fact that Chama was waylaid with panga welding UPND youths who did not want him there. Apparently word had already gone round that Chama was in the area and so they plotted to teach him a lesson he would never forget. That is how come he was trapped on that road, imagine if it were you in that situation. UPND are living like in ancient times, the ba maibuye era in the 60’s when there was a lot of mayhem especially in Mufulira. Where is ba maibuye now?
If the intent was to kill he would have aimed at chest or head
Importers use.less carders like Chama is a disgrace.
meant to write “importing”
HH should tame his cadres. He never condemned violence.
It is pf who are known for such behaviour
this is the only problem i also find in hh, if he cn also condemn violence the way others do like in the ruling party they condemn violence in the strongest terms and hh does the same this country cud hav bn peaceful bt since upnd think a always right and a violence free upnd cadres will neve change
There is no problem in HH. We know that the culture of violence is practised unshamedly by Pf. They have done itin mongu, mufumbwe, Lstone, Solwezi, kabwe everywhere.
Let us do away with “imported” campaigners regardless of rank except for presidential elections. Let local people campaign among themselves during by-elections. That is a major ingredient for a free and fair election. Chama and all those people from Lusaka should go back to their homes and leave the local people alone.
Dean, very good comment – but when you say Chama should also stay away, you are going astray. Chama is the SG of PF. He is the chief executive of the party. He needs to be on the ground to perform on spot checks on how the party organization is going on, particularly where campaigns are taking place.
Hilda Malama is true that you are actually a man and that your father committed suicide because he found you on top of your mother and that you produced both your younger “brother” and “sister” with your mother.
Leave HH alone, you *****s and your PF