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Zambia's founding president rallies for peace ahead of polls

Xinhua, August 9, 2016 Adjust font size:

Zambia's first President Kenneth Kaunda on Monday rallied for peace ahead of general elections scheduled for Thursday this week.

Kaunda, fondly known as KK and the country's founding president, said politicians should avoid provoking each other in the run up to the August 11 polls.

According to him, political players should avoid insults, hate speech as well allowing their supporters to drink alcohol which were fueling violence.

Kaunda said political parties should allow for co-existence and have respect for each other, adding that the country has forged unity and togetherness over the years which should not be allowed to crumble.

Kaunda is known for coining the "One Zambia, One Nation" slogan which promoted unity in his 27-year reign from 1964 to 1991.

He said political players should not work on reducing violence but ensure an end to violence, adding that cooperation was a must in all political and governance activities.

"We must give violence some zero-tolerance. To stamp it out, we must monitor violence amongst us. We need to make great adjustments to some of our plans, behavior and ambitions. Violence should be out. AA culture of peace building should be practiced," he added.

Violence has marred campaigns in the run-up to the August 11 polls especially between supporters of incumbent President Edgar Lungu and leading opposition presidential challenger Hakainde Hichilema. Endit