Reject Violence and Vote Peacefully Former President Rupiah Bwezani Banda 18 January 2015, Chipata, Zambia His Excellency the Fourth Republican President of Zambia Rupiah Bwezani Banda is calling upon citizens of all political dispositions to abstain from violence and peacefully attend the polls to vote this coming Tuesday. In a statement issued to media houses, Former President Banda pleaded for calm and order in the lead up to Election Day, reminding citizens that no matter who they support, they have a right to vote without fear or intimidation by others, and should also respect the rights of others to do the same. FULL TEXT My brothers and sisters, in a few days we again will attend to the polls and exercise our constitutional right to select a new leader. In fulfilling our democratic duty, we must also take a moment to reflect on our responsibilities. I have had the unique experience of having been on both sides, winning and losing an election, and I know that it takes strength and fortitude to maintain peace, but I also know that it is worth it and I know that we can do it. No matter who you are voting for, no matter which party or candidate you support, we must show respect toward one and other and defend our rights to participate in the election without fear or intimidation from anyone. We must remember that we are all equal, and that we are all Zambians united in purpose even if our ideas and beliefs may be diverse. Passions may run high, but let us channel those passions in a positive manner to reject violence in all its forms. What we need is calm, not confrontation. Peace, not pangas. Understanding, not anger. And respect, not provocation. Our democracy is a treasure, but it does not come for free. We must all work hard to ensure that we have a peaceful vote and peaceful acceptance of the results. We must put the interests of the nation ahead of our own selfish interests, and work together, united as one nation, one Zambia. I hope that you will join me in this firm commitment to peace and absolute rejection of violence this coming Voting Day, and that we can all embrace our differences with mutual respect during this important civic duty. God bless Zambia. Rupiah B. Banda Fourth President of the Republic of Zambia Mwebantu New Media Lusaka Times Daily Mail Zambia Reports State House Press Office - Zambia
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 05:43:06 +0000
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