Kabanda urges end to election violence

By CHALI MULENGA in Livingstone

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Livingstone Constituency chairperson Thomas Kabanda has called for the depoliticisation of the electoral process and urged stakeholders to work together in ending political violence.

Mr Kabanda said Zambia’s national values and principles, as enshrined in Article 8 of the Constitution of Zambia, should guide the conduct of political players ahead of forthcoming elections.

He said the country cannot speak about democracy and development without safeguarding life and human dignity.

“Nothing can have value without life. When we talk about national values and principles, we must start by protecting life,” Mr Kabanda said.

He cited morality and ethics, patriotism and national unity, democracy and constitutionalism, human dignity, equity and social justice, good governance and integrity, and sustainable development as key pillars that must be upheld.

Mr Kabanda urged political parties to bury differences and focus on fostering unity under the One Zambia, One Nation motto.

He appealed to the Church, civil society organisations and traditional leaders to advise political players on the need to find sustainable solutions to election-related violence.

Mr Kabanda said although there have been statements suggesting that political violence has reduced, there are incidents that require clarity from law enforcement agencies.

He cited the alleged harassment of a lawmaker in Kabwe, an attack on the PF secretariat and other incidents of violence reported in various parts of the country.

In Livingstone, Mr Kabanda referred to disturbances that occurred during voter registration exercises at Mbita Market, where a police officer was reportedly shot and suspected cadres allegedly brandished pangas.

He said the public needs to know the status of investigations and whether suspects have been apprehended.

Mr Kabanda has since appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to ensure that the forthcoming elections are conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner.

He also called on the Church to continue speaking out against injustices, noting that religious leaders have previously addressed issues affecting citizens, including the high cost of living during the tenure of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

Mr Kabanda said free and fair elections can only be achieved if political parties restrain their cadres and allow electoral officers and polling agents to carry out their duties without intimidation.

He said once people cast their votes, they should be allowed to return home peacefully and wait for results instead of congregating at polling stations.

Mr Kabanda emphasised that national development will only be realised if political players accept shortcomings and collectively work towards unity and sustainable progress.