MUTUAL RESPECT

ZAMBIANS must be concerned and demand disciplinary action if those aspiring for political office at what ever level engage in politics of insults.

They are not doing the country’s democracy any good, but destroying what the founding fathers built - a united and stable nation.

The concern raised by Chief Chikwanda of Mpika over the manner in which some aspiring candidates are going about their campaigning is a source of worry.

Chief Chikwanda said the level of insults among aspiring candidates was alarming and could be a source of chaos if not addressed.

He said those aspiring for various political offices from both the ruling and the opposition had resorted to use of disrespectful language against each other.

We wish to remind the culprits in the first place that they are yet to be declared official candidates by their respective parties. They are merely aspirants wishing to be adopted by their political parties.

It means therefore that whoever they are insulting must be from their own parties also vying to be adopted.

If this is the case, then we implore the various political parties to take disciplinary action against their members for sowing seeds of disunity. Let there be mutual respect.

Chief Chikwanda said it was important for aspiring candidates to state what they would do as opposed to character assassination.

“We want those who aspire for political office to refrain from the use of disrespectful language and insults against each other because people are interested in development and not otherwise.”

Since the campaigns in all the political parties is still amongst their members, some of whom are still serving, the message should be on how differently they will serve the electorate.

Let their ideas sway the people to win them adoption before they go on the national stage. As Chief Chikwanda said, people should compete on the basis of ideas and not insults.

“We want those aspiring for political office to bring out issues that would help bring development, not demeaning insults because that would not bring positive change,” Chief Chikwanda said.

He urged political parties to be peaceful in their mobilisation ahead of the August 12 general elections.

As we have stated before, the August 12 general elections must not be regarded as a do or die affair but as a contest of ideas.

The Patriotic Front top leadership is on record as having directed aspiring candates not to insult the incumbents even while they were allowed to market themselves on the ground.

This was after some overzealous aspirants started to undermine their colleagues who were restrained because they were still serving.

To this end, Eastern Province PF chairman Andrew Lubusha should be commended for his mature approach as he eyes the Chipangali parliamentary seat held by Mr Vincent Mwale.

Mr Lubusha, speaking on Breeze FM Radio said his mission was not to de-campaign the incumbent MP.

Mr Lubusha said he and Mr Mwale were on speaking terms and had noted the good that he had done in the constituency.

That, we feel, is what must prevail in all the parties, brotherhood and sisterhood as the aspirants vie for adoption.