CLEAN POLITICS

ZAMBIA should protect and nurture the enviable stable political status for democracy and economic growth to continue flourishing. The political landscape has thus far been clean and progressive, hence the imperative need for all citizens to reject manoeuvres from tired political elements intending to foment violence. Politicians worth their salt should this time around speak peace and development rather than championing a destructive agenda just to get into power. Evidently, political failures usually resort to violence in a desperate attempt to create an impression that a nation is in a crisis. Zambians must therefore continue to reject politicians who are full of envy and always pulling the rope in the opposition direction. In particular, the United Party for National Development (UPND) leaders have been intent on the “eye-for-an-eye” slogan. UPND president Hakainde Hichilema and his vice president Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba had made pronouncements bordering on inciting cadres, to retaliate violently when attacked. Yesterday, the UPND leader made an attempt to recant this after condemnation from the public. He now hopes for peaceful elections. Surprisingly, there is no provocation anywhere and filing of nominations was just being concluded at the time Mr Hichilema was encouraging his members to “defend” themselves through violent means. It is the same Mr Hichilema who was recently seen to be pushing for the national dialogue to address contentious issues, including political violence. In a sharp U-turn, the UPND leader got on an anthill and started screaming blue murder over imaginary violence from his perceived enemies. How can his members start “defending” themselves when they are not being confronted? This is a clear departure from democratic values cherished by other political players and the Zambia citizens at large. It is a frivolous attempt to whip up emotions among some gullible elements. The beauty however is that such attempts will not succeed because most Zambians are able to see through Mr Hichilema’s antiquated political manoeuvres. As President Edgar Lungu indicated in Ndola, there is need to protect citizens and property from marauding political failures. It appears that there is discontent within the rank and file of the UPND and their leader is working hard to divert attention from an internal revolt. He has had his time at the helm of the UPND which he could have utilised to propel himself and his party to national leadership. He has wasted that opportunity. Mr Hichilema has suffered a streak of embarrassing defeats and it is time he realised that he has lost flavour. Senior members are well aware of this fact, but have been putting up faces to show that all is well when the opposite is true. Indeed, Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo and Inspector-General of Police Kakoma Kanganja should place officers on red-alert. Yes, the Head of State is spot on to give directives to senior Government officials to ensure that law and order is maintained. At this juncture, responsible political leaders should be focused on the much-awaited national dialogue and ignore those engaging in immature political stunts. It is time politicians and the citizens at large focused on national development rather than bickering. Issuing alarming political statements is certainly not a demonstration of good leadership, but it is downright desperation and hypocrisy. All Zambians, therefore, must ignore counterproductive suggestions aimed at denting the country’s image. In fact, the scheme is also aimed at denting Zambia’s image in the eyes of the international community. It will not work! Zambia is a peaceful nation and will remain so!