Zambian political leaders hailed for ending violence ahead of polls

Stakeholders in Zambia on Thursday commended political leaders on their decision to end political violence ahead of this year's general elections.

Eighteen political leaders on Tuesday agreed on modalities aimed at ending political violence ahead of general elections later this year.

This followed seven-hour talks brokered by church leaders following escalation of violence by supporters of political leaders ahead of the August 11 elections.

The Southern African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has commended political leaders for showing political will to ending violence in the run up to the elections.

Boniface Chembe, the organization's executive director said it was gratifying that political leaders have acted to put an end to the violence which he said was turning into a crisis.

The outcome of the meeting gives hope that the country will hold credible and peaceful elections if the outcome will be adhered to by all stakeholders, he added.

Reverend David Thomson, co-chairman of the Anglican Consultative Council also commended the political leaders for committing themselves to ending political violence.

Nevers Mumba, leader of the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), said his party was committed to zero tolerance on electoral violence.

"We are victims of political violence in the recent past which left our party secretariat damaged. We all can speak with a measure of knowledge about the ills of this vice Violence represents for the most part, if not always a failure to reason intelligently, reasonably, and respectfully. Violence is a desperate act which happens when we are not sure about our chances in the competition," he said in a statement.

But Vernon Mwaanga, a veteran politician and diplomat, said it was shameful that it had to take the church to bring political leaders together to discuss the need for a peaceful and issued-based campaign ahead of the elections.

The veteran politician however said dealing with pertinent issues such as implementation of a law that governs public gatherings and processions, electoral reforms and equal and balanced coverage by the media of all political parties taking party in the forthcoming elections will have a bearing on the holding of fair, free and transparent elections.

"It is the duty of our leaders to provide sound mature leadership and condemn all forms of violence, no matter who commits it. Pride, arrogance of power selfishness, belittling of other party leaders must remain in the comfort zone of leaders who lie in self-delusion," he said in a statement. Endit