UPND AND VIOLENCE

FINALLY, the United Party for National Development (UPND) has found its voice by warning some of its cadres against violence.

We hope this is not merely a public relations exercise, but an honest attempt at reining in rogue UPND cadres.

The UPND has warned that it will not take kindly to its cadres indulging in violence as the Kabwata by-election campaigns gathers momentum.

The party’s Secretary General Mr Batuke Imenda said yesterday they were aware of some cadres who are frustrating both government and the party’s commitment to a free and fair by-election.

Mr. Imenda said the party has since distanced itself from the said cadres as per presidential directive to stay away from violence as it affects the people.

But why should Mr Imenda distance the party leadership from the violent conduct of its cadres when they are ferried to campaign rallies in vehicles hired and paid for by the party?

The violence that was seen on Wednesday during the filing in of nomination papers by candidates for the January 20 Kabwata by-election was started by youths transported to the nomination centre by the UPND itself.

The party should therefore take responsibility for what transpired in Kabwata. In fact, the unruly conduct spread to Chilenje Township where those who flashed symbols of other political parties were physically attacked.

What the nation expects from the ruling party is to take decisive action and stop engaging in activities that promote violence.

It must stop playing being the victim for now it is in the driving seat and other political groupings expect it to lead by example.

The values that the top leadership preaches about political tolerance must be spelt out to the foot soldiers.

But then, this is what happens when cadres get conflicting statements from their leaders. They come to believe they must crush their rivals as one of their top officials, Mr William Banda warned the Patriotic Front in the run-up to the by-election.

And surprisingly, the UPND has remained quiet over the violence being propagated by Mr Banda, the party’s chairman for special duties.

There is reason to be wary over Mr Banda’s statement considering his violent background from his UNIP and MMD days and the era of vigilantes.

Yesterday, Mr Imenda asked the police to act swiftly and ensure that the cadres who were involved in the violence that took place in Kabwata on the day of nominations are brought to book.

But we doubt if this will be so considering that UPND cadres have of late been involved in several incidences bordering on lawlessness – even within the vicinity of police stations – and no arrests have been made.

Could it be they enjoy “immunity” for actions done in defence of their governing party?

They ought to realise that they are embarrassing President Hakainde Hichilema, who after winning the August 12 presidential election promised that his administration would run the affairs of the nation strictly under the rule of law.