POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ZAMBIA The issue of violence is becoming more of a conspicuous as we draw towards the day of the Presidential elections. Political parties are busy accusing each other of perpetrating violence. There are also a number of pictures and video footages being uploaded on social media. Some media organizations are also constantly showing graphic pictures of violence. Violence must be condemned at all cost, especially during political campaigns. It is said that if one fails to reason they resort to violence. Political campaigns should be about reason and issues. Candidates and their supporters should articulate issues and how they will achieve them. Engaging in violence just goes to show that, a particular party has nothing to offer to the electorates. The political players must also refrain from inciting or provoking each other by their messages. It has been noticed that some political parties are being malignant to other parties and candidates in this election. This is not only an electoral malpractice, which should be condemned by Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), but also provocation or incitement of violence. Names like “Panga Family”, “N’gombe ilende” and many others should be avoided at all cost. It is preposterous to cry victim of violence when you provoked the situation. Violence is not just physical but verbal abuse too. However, two wrongs never make a right, so there can be no justification to a violent reaction. In most Countries where violence has taken root, it has been as a result of an abuse of modern communication tools such as social media, Phones, Television, Radio, daily tabloids, etc. It is therefore necessary to be conscious of the messages and pictures being transmitted otherwise it cause others to act violently depending on their conception of the message, thus setting this Country on fire. The media must at all times try verify their reports with the professional such as the police or medical doctors misleading the nation or blowing things out of proposition. We have a number of Zambians and other stakeholders outside country who are worried that Zambia is on a verge of turmoil because of what they are reading and seeing online and in the papers. Zambia is a peaceful country and people are mingling very well in their dwellings and recreation dines. The sporadic incidences of violence should not be painted on the entire Country. We must also recognize that Zambia is a sovereign State which is able to govern itself and resolve whatever difficulties we may have unless, it becomes absolutely necessary for foreigners to come in. Therefore, political parties should not be quick to call on International agencies and institution to come and sort out our differences particularly on the political violence that has recently been happening. We have a system and structures of sorting out difficulties which we should exhaust before we call for external help. The police must also be swift to act when cases of violence ensue anywhere. The police should be impartial and professional in handling cases of violence. The Police spokespersons should also be on guard to thwart rumors or speculations on violence that would degenerate into public disorder. There are a number of incidences reported in the media or social media which have not been clarified by the police. Police should not keep quite when incidences of violence are reported without verification. Given the circumstances in Zambia, the Police have tried to do a good job on a number of occasions. However, they could do better on their investigation and information dissemination to give a correct position in the Country. Citizens must also remember that it is their right to maintain peace for themselves and that of others. The safety of the citizens starts with their own actions and behavior because usually the damage or loss is more on the victim than the valiant. Look after yourselves before it is too late for you. thezambiavoice.org/2015/01/03/political-violence-in-zambia/
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 14:06:26 +0000
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