9 November 2009
editorial
THE announcement by the ruling MMD and the opposition UPND-PF Pact in Solwezi to end violence is refreshing news because at the rate the campaigns were proceeding, it was only a matter of time before we witnessed loss of life.
The maturity exhibited by the leaders of the two opposing camps is laudable and we hope it is the beginning of a new chapter in the way political campaigns are being conducted.
The announcement to end the violence that has rocked the town from the day of nominations is timely, especially that the countdown to next Thursday's elections has began and campaigns are heating up.
The tendency during such periods is that some may resort to violence and name-calling instead of addressing issues.
The joint announcement bythe MMD and UPND-PF yesterday is what sets this nation apart from some countries in the world that resort to fighting each time elections are held.
Zambia has earned a name in the region as a haven of peace because of the approach by its leaders of sitting around a table to resolve their differences peacefully.
It is now up to the political party members to heed the warning from their leaders that anyone who shall perpetrate violence from henceforth will be doing so as an individual and will be dealt with by the police.
As observed by MMD campaign manager Kabinga Pande, the two camps which had their daggers drawn were after all one and the same people.
The people of Solwezi, be they Kaonde, Luvale, Lunda or Mbunda are all related in one way or another but may have differences of opinion through their choice of a political party.
Looking at the bigger picture, regardless of tribe, creed or race, we are all Zambians at the end of the day whether one belongs to MMD or UPND-PF or whichever political party.
It is said multi-party politics is about unity in diversity.What this means is that we must learn to co-exist while tolerating and respecting each other's viewpoints based on issues and not personalities.
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