PF, UPND ‘truce’ applauded

...It’s a step in the right democratic direction, say bishops

A PEACE treaty to end political violence signed between the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) is a step in the right democratic direction, the Bishops Council of Zambia (BCZ) has observed.

Representatives from the PF and UPND on Friday unanimously resolved to hold a joint press conference at which they announced measures aimed at tackling political violence ahead of the mayoral elections set for July 26.

Both parties agreed to a truce and to disarm their militant members.

BCZ secretary general, Able Kaela said the move by the nation’s top two political parties was a step in the right political direction.

Bishop Kaela said that the peace treaty was what the Zambian people had be looking forward to following years of political violence between the two parties.

“Yesterday (Friday)’s peace treaty between PF and UPND needs applauding. That is what we want to see and it is a step in the right democratic direction,” he said.

According to the communique by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), the PF and UPND say they will not clash or disrupt campaigns of other political parties. The parties have agreed to let the police execute their work professionally without any political interference and arrest any person carrying offensive weapons or perpetrating violence.

The parties will demilitarize their political groups going forward and allow the electorate to move around and vote freely without any threats of violence, force or intimidation.

Apart from the PF and UPND, other parties that have signed the communique are Rainbow Party, the United Peaceful and Prosperous Party of Zambia-UPPZ, the Forum for Democracy and Development and the United Party.