ZEIC Council of Elders Condemn Political Violence
A CROSS section of society has condemned the violence that occurred in Lusaka on Friday that led to the loss of a UPND cadre.
The church and politicians have all expressed sadness over the death of a UPND cadre saying human beings are created in the image of God and therefore any loss of life not to mention unnecessary loss of life is regrettable.
Council of Elders of the Zambia Elections Information Centre (ZEIC) said in a statement that they are deeply saddened by the killing of a political cadre in Chawama constituency.
Council chairperson Leonard Chiti implored the police to exercise their duties of maintaining law and order in a professional way, and not inciting or exercising violence.
And Patriotic Front (PF) deputy spokesperson Frank Bwalya said, “we mourn the loss of life of the citizen who died in the fracas involving police and the UPND in Lusaka”.
Father Bwalya said the shooting is regrettable and as a party they condemn the political thuggery that is on the rise in the country.
“We pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased and consolation of the family and friends, “Fr Bwalya said in a statement.
And PF information committee Member Sunday Chanda said nothing justifies the loss of a vibrant young life.
Mr Chanda said the woman who died in the fracas was someone’s daughter, sister and probably a mother or spouse.
He called on the Police to carry out thorough investigations into this killing and no stone must be left unturned.
“All questions must be asked and answers must be provided hooliganism and criminality does not define politics, whether perpetrated by members of the ruling party or the opposition. That is not the path we chose for ourselves as a country, “Mr Chanda said.
He urged all Zambians to stand together and pray for peace and reconciliation in this country.
He said citizens must be reconciled one with the other beyond political affiliations because before people join political parties they are Zambians first.
“I can be PF and you are UPND, FDD, MMD or indeed any other party and our different political affiliation does not make us enemies but competitors in our quest for a better Zambia,” Mr Chanda said
He said politics come and go but nothing will ever replace this young life.