Political parties commit to peaceful campaigns

THE Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND) have rea rmed their commitment to conducting peaceful campaigns during and after the Katuba by-election in Chibombo District.

PF Campaign Manager, Remember Mutele told the media in Katuba yesterday the party would ensure that all its members adhered to the laws and conduct their campaigns peacefully.

Mr Mutele said it was the wish of the PF party President Mr Edgar Lungu that the Katuba by-election stood out as an example that it was still possible to hold peaceful and violence free elections in the country.

He commended the UPND for also conducting their campaigns in peaceful and violence free manner.

Mr Mutele, who is also PF Member of the Central Committee, said Zambian people wanted to see issued-based campaigns and not violence and intimidation.

And UPND campaign manager, Cornelius Mweetwa, commended the police for ensuring there was peace during the campaigns.

He said there was no need for violence as elections were about competition which was the hallmark of any democratic dispensation. Mr Mweetwa said his party was also committed to delivering a peaceful and violence free campaign during and after the Katuba by-election.

He said the people of Katuba Constituency deserved better and a new start which was only possible through a peaceful and violent free election.

Mr Mweetwa said at no time should electoral violence become synonymous with elections.

“It is a bad vice which should be gotten rid of now,” he said.

He commended the Zambia Police for ensuring that the political party members and the people of Katuba Constituency were protected.

Deputy Inspector General of Police for Operations, Bonny Kapeso, said one of the core values of the Zambia Police was to ensure that lives and property of the electorate were protected during elections.

Mr Kapeso assured the voters that police would ensure peace prevailed during and after the elections.

He said the police were there for all the electorates regardless of their political a liation so that the country witnesses peaceful elections in Katuba.