.Simbyakula

By CHARITY  MOONGA –

THE Government has warned that it will not condone lawlessness regardless of who is involved in the three parliamentary by-elections set for this month end.
There have been reports of isolated incidences of violence ahead of the polls in Mulobezi, Malambo and Petauke Central constituencies.
Acting Chief Government spokesperson Ngosa Simbyakula said the confusion in Mulobezi was caused by ‘imported’ cadres and advised political parties against ferrying cadres into the three constituencies.
He said Government had received disturbing reports that some political parties were planning to ferry their supporters to the three constituencies, especially Mulobezi in Western Province.
In the past, political violence during campaigns has been instigated not by the local people but rather by ‘imported’ cadres.
“The people of Mulobezi, like in the other two constituencies, are peaceful and have continued to live together in harmony despite their divergent political views and affiliation.
“It is, therefore, unjustifiable, uncalled for and unfair for any outsider to disrupt the most cherished peace and tranquility the people of Mulobezi hold so dear to their hearts,” he said.
Dr Simbyakula urged political parties to allow the people of Mulobezi to exercise their free will and judgment in choosing a candidate of their choice to be their representative without coercion from outsiders.
“As Zambians, our collective fight must be against poverty, disease and general underdevelopment and not against each other,” Dr Simbyakula said.
Zambians should, therefore, reject anyone denting the country’s impeccable credentials of peace, unity and love.
Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga also condemned the violence that had characterised some areas in the on-going by-election campaign.
Mr Mwaanga said in an interview that election violence was unacceptable and deserved the most severe condemnation as it had the potential to undermine and destabilise the country.
“It must be recognised that election violence constitutes a serious threat to the holding of free, fair, transparent and democratic elections,” he said.
Mr Mwaanga further urged political parties to conduct issue based campaigns and stop personal attacks on opponents and strictly adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Forum for Democratic Process (FODEP) executive director Macdonald Chipenzi urged political parties to allow for a free and fair election.
Mr Chipenzi said political parties should never take the law into their own hands.
Meanwhile, Police in Livingstone yesterday picked up UPND cadre Mushaukwa Mushaukwa, who was shot in Mulobezi Constituency during the political violence last week and officially charged him with threatening violence.
Police spokesperson Charity Chanda said Mushaukwa was picked up from the hospital yesterday morning and was charged with threatening violence.
Mr Mushaukwa was receiving treatment from Livingstone General Hospital where doctors removed a bullet.
He has since been given police bond.
Violence erupted in Mulobezi and police arrested four people in connection with the attack of  the PF Secretary General Davies Chama and his entourage which happened on June 6, 2015 in Mulobezi.
The suspects included Sesheke Central Member of Parliament Siyanga Siyauya, Gerald Imanda, Likamba Godfrey and Mr Mushaukwa.