9th January 2015 SACCORD Statement on Election Violence The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) would like to reiterate its continued calls for political parties to observe the highest levels of tolerance during the on-going presidential election. Despite commitments from party leaders, we have continued to witness increasing levels of political violence which is a threat to holding free, fair, credible and peaceful elections. This doesn’t not only undermine the electoral process and its outcome but also threatens the physical well being of many people that have in the past fallen victim to this violence. We condemn violence that is perpetrated by the ruling or opposition political parties. Therefore, we want to condemn the violence that has continued to be perpetrated by alleged cadres from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) with the latest violent act taking place in Mongu. The violence is a clear violation of laws that govern elections and criminal in nature. At this era in this century, Zambia does not need stone-age politics but politics of persuasion. We want to further urge the police to ensure that the perpetrators of violence are made to account for their actions and that violence must not be justified by any well meaning Zambia as violence only breeds violence. The Zambia Police Service must continue exhibiting the highest levels of professionalism and ensure that perpetrators are made to account which helps prevent impunity. SACCORD further wants to urge political leaders from the opposition to continue campaigning peacefully so that the property and lives of the Zambian people are protected. We further urge the leaders to ensure that they report all the incidents and keep record of the perpetrators of this violence so that they are made to account when the situation in the country returns to normal and the police run by genuine police officers. As Zambia votes on 20th January 2015, it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that the country votes in peace and that the election doesn’t create an opportunity for selfish leaders to seek higher office through employing violence. Boniface Cheembe Executive Director SACCORD
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 08:30:19 +0000
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