Civility in politics ahead of 2021 general elections

Dear Editor,

THE recent pledge by high ranking officers from the Zambia Police that they are prepared to deliver a peaceful poll is welcome and a positive way to stimulate public confidence.

The further assurance as per the directive by Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja (who was given a six-month performance-based contract to reform the police) to all provincial Commissioners of Police to engage political parties and other players is the route worth taking in a country that thrives on democracy.

On our side, this is a wake up call for civility in politics and this entails political players must preserve the institutions responsible to administer and enforce the rule of law such as the courts, the police, among others.

The recent sustained attacks on the judgement of the Constitutional Court which declared President Edgar Lungu as being eligible to seek a second term undermines democratic governance. Democracy demands every eligible candidate offer themselves for election, so is

ECL.

As regards the Police assurance, there is need for corresponding undertaking to supplement the police effort to guarantee our highly cherished peace.

It is therefore shameful for the new UPND spokesperson Mr Cornelius Mweetwa who is also among the longest serving MPs seeking to prolong their stay in Parliament justifying the harassment of police officers in Kitwe.

It is inexcusable that the legitimate efforts the police made to safeguard public order can be undermined and contemptuously referred to as “defence against provocation from the police.” The actions by the police cannot be termed as provocation as they are merely a legitimate law enforcement operation. This fragrant disrespect of the institutions of the government and the police in particular is lack of civility on the part of UPND and Mr Mweetwa.

The perpetual walkouts of UPND MPs in the outgoing National Assembly as opposed to being courageous enough and present their disagreements over proposed legislation is not civility.

Worse still, it is immoral for them to accept allowances over the Parliamentary proceedings they have stayed away from.

To promote civility, political parties with a fair following have a duty to take responsibility. There is need to inculcate the values and sense of patriotism. The process leading to the elections cannot be left to the police or Government institution alone, it is the collective responsibility of all democracy loving citizens.

MARVIN CHANDA MBERI, Lusaka.