4 November 2009
editorial
POLITICAL leaders from various political parties should guide their members to co-exist and at all costs refrain from physical confrontation during campaigns in any election.
In other words, political rivalry should not at any time degenerate into violence during a contest such as a by-election. The contest should be about policy differences.
Instead, political leaders should sell their programmes to the electorate, clearly outlining their development agendas, as that is what citizens expect from those in leadership and those wishing to represent them at ward and constituency levels.
The ugly scenes that characterised the nominations of the Solwezi Central parliamentary by-election last week are definitely not a good example of political maturity and conduct expected of political players.
Arising from the goings-on thus far, the police command has been prompted to deploy more officers in Solwezi as political parties jostle for the seat which fell vacant following the death of Benny Tetamashimba, who was member of Parliament on MMD ticket.
Home Affairs Minister, Lameck Mangani has thus advised contesting political parties to be level-headed in their campaigns and ensure a violence-free atmosphere.
This is wise counsel which all participating parties should heed as going against it may result in ugly scenes resurfacing.
The law-enforcement officers are not in that area to intimidate the electorate but to protect political players from both the ruling and opposition parties.
Political party leaders, members, and other people should, therefore, cooperate with the police and report anyone involved in violence.
In any case, violence is not part of the election process and it is usually disgruntled people ferried from other areas that involve themselves in uncouth activities.
Our appeal is that all should campaign peacefully and base their messages on development while adhering to the provisions of the electoral code of conduct.
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