. Lungu

By CHILA NAMAIKO –
Government has urged the media to be agents of love and peace in keeping with the spirit of the inter-party dialogue held this week.
During the peace talks, President Edgar Lungu and other political party leaders affirmed their commitment to upholding peace ahead of this year’s elections.
Chief Government spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili has since hailed the Livingstone Press Club for embarking on the weekly public debates for all aspiring candidates.
The public debates will be featuring aspiring councillors, mayors and parliamentarians to sensitise residents on the profiles and visions of the candidates.
Mr Kambwili, who is Information and Broadcasting Services minister, said the media would play a crucial role in disseminating messages of peace before, during and after the August 11 general elections.
“Government urges aspirants from diverse political persuasions and the public at large to take the debates seriously in deepening the country’s plural democracy,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Mr Kambwili said the initiative by the Livingstone Press Club was commendable as it was in line with the Government’s desire and commitment to see issue-based politics take centre stage ahead of the elections.
“Government urges other Press clubs and media institutions at large to emulate the Livingstone Press Club in championing issue-based politics by providing a platform for political aspirants to interact with the public on various issues of national interest,” he said.
The minister said constructive and decent political discourse, as embarked upon by the Livingstone Press Club, was a hallmark of a thriving democracy such as Zambia’s.