Ferrying cadres to election zones will incite violence – Chama

THE Patriotic Front (PF) has appealed to political parties participating in the Petauke Central, Malambo and Mulobezi parliamentary by-elections not to ferry cadres from Lusaka to go and campaign because this has potential of inciting violence.
PF secretary general Davies Chama said political parties must conduct their campaigns in a peaceful manner and also desist from character assassination ahead of the June 30, parliamentary by-elections.
Mr Chama said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that political party members must adhere to peaceful campaign methods and desist from violent confrontations.
“We are appealing to all the political parties that will participate in the three parliamentary by-elections to ensure that they conduct their campaigns in a peaceful manner.
“Let us repeat what happened in the Chawama and Senga Hill by-elections, where there was no violence before, during and after the elections. Let us also avoid transporting cadres from Lusaka to areas where there are by-elections because this has potential of promoting violence,” Mr Chama said.
He said it is important that peace prevails so that the electorate cast their votes in a free and fair atmosphere.
Mr Chama also said he is confident that the PF will win the three seats because of the massive support it is receiving from the people of Zambia.
The PF secretary general said he is happy that the people of Zambia have continued to support President Lungu in his quest to develop the country.
“We are happy as PF to note that the people of Zambia are now interested in development and not just politics.
“We are also happy that the people of Zambia have continued to give their support to President Lungu and his administration. This is helping him to develop all the parts of the country,” he said.
The PF has adopted former Petauke Central member of Parliament Dora Siliya to contest the seat, Patricia Mulasikwanda to contest the Mulobezi seat and Jack Shuma for Malambo.
After the 2011 general elections, the Malambo and Mulobezi parliamentary seats were held by Maxwell Mwale (MMD) and Hastings Sililo of the United Party for National Development, respectively.

ZambiaDailyMail