ZAMBIA: Political Parties resolve to end violence
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| President Edga Lungu and Lusaka Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu shares a word outside the meeting venue |
Political Parties in Zambia met on Tuesday, 29th March, 2016 to discuss how to
end violence as the country heads to the polls on August 11, 2016. The inter
party caucus was convened by the Catholic Bishops under the auspices of the
Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) and Council of Churches of Zambia (CCZ) which
includes the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia who were invited to attend as
mediators.
end violence as the country heads to the polls on August 11, 2016. The inter
party caucus was convened by the Catholic Bishops under the auspices of the
Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) and Council of Churches of Zambia (CCZ) which
includes the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia who were invited to attend as
mediators.
Republican
President and leader of Patriotic Front (PF) Edgar Lungu, Hakainde Hichilema of
the United Party for National development (UPND), Nevers Mumba of the former
ruling Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD ), Edith Nawakwi of Forum for
Democratic Party (FDD) were among the notable figures from Eighteen political
parties present.
President and leader of Patriotic Front (PF) Edgar Lungu, Hakainde Hichilema of
the United Party for National development (UPND), Nevers Mumba of the former
ruling Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD ), Edith Nawakwi of Forum for
Democratic Party (FDD) were among the notable figures from Eighteen political
parties present.
The seven
hour meeting resolved to end political party violence ahead of the August 11
general elections also noted that the media has contributed to the polarisation
of political parties through its conduct, and recommended initiation of a
platform for dialogue to encourage positivity and inclusive coverage of all
political parties.
hour meeting resolved to end political party violence ahead of the August 11
general elections also noted that the media has contributed to the polarisation
of political parties through its conduct, and recommended initiation of a
platform for dialogue to encourage positivity and inclusive coverage of all
political parties.
Reading out
the communiqué Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu of the Catholic Archdiocese of
Lusaka said the political parties agreed to ban the now common adornment of
military like regalia by party cadres.
the communiqué Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu of the Catholic Archdiocese of
Lusaka said the political parties agreed to ban the now common adornment of
military like regalia by party cadres.
“The
indaba unanimously affirm the following over and above all other interests:
Committed to ending political violence through various political leadership
structures as a way of addressing the issue starting from the party structures
and amongst political parties,” Archbishop Mpundu said.
indaba unanimously affirm the following over and above all other interests:
Committed to ending political violence through various political leadership
structures as a way of addressing the issue starting from the party structures
and amongst political parties,” Archbishop Mpundu said.
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| Group Photo of the meeting participants |
The meeting
also raised the selection application of the public order act by the police
with a call for the toning down on the use of hate speech.
also raised the selection application of the public order act by the police
with a call for the toning down on the use of hate speech.
Archbishop
Mpundu said the meeting also recommended that political party leaders agree to
hold a follow-up meeting before the elections as a way of keeping the momentum
created in addressing political violence through the meeting called by the
Church.
Mpundu said the meeting also recommended that political party leaders agree to
hold a follow-up meeting before the elections as a way of keeping the momentum
created in addressing political violence through the meeting called by the
Church.
“In
view of the above we the political party leaders present shall endeavour to
advocate for a violent free political environment ahead of this year’s
elections as a way of expressing our political tolerance for the development of
the country,” said Archbishop Mpundu.
view of the above we the political party leaders present shall endeavour to
advocate for a violent free political environment ahead of this year’s
elections as a way of expressing our political tolerance for the development of
the country,” said Archbishop Mpundu.
The question
of the use of machetes and pangas by party cadres was also discussed.
of the use of machetes and pangas by party cadres was also discussed.
The Church
in Zambia, particularly the Catholic Bishops had expressed concern over
escalating political party violence that has caused shivers as Zambia builds up
for the August 11, 2016 elections. They called for a meeting in which political
parties could come and resolve the issue of violence.
in Zambia, particularly the Catholic Bishops had expressed concern over
escalating political party violence that has caused shivers as Zambia builds up
for the August 11, 2016 elections. They called for a meeting in which political
parties could come and resolve the issue of violence.
By Mwenya Mukuka, ZEC Communications Officer
