- Chief Chikwanda said he was concerned with the growing trend of political violence and will not hesitate to take on political leaders who will be seen to be promoting violence.
By PETER SICHALI
I Will not allow violent political parties to campaign in my Chiefdom, Chief Chikwanda of the Bemba people of Mpika has said.
And Chief Chikwanda has challenged UPND president Hakainde Hichilema to emulate President Edgar Lungu condemn violence regardless of who was involved.
Chief Chikwanda said he was concerned with the growing trend of political violence and will not hesitate to take on political leaders who will be seen to be promoting violence.
He said violence if not curtailed has potential to degenerate into civil war.
Chief Chikwanda said he will de-campaign any political leader who will be found promoting political violence in his chiefdom.
“We have been calling political leaders to denounce violence for a long time now, so this time around I will personally decampaign violent parties. I do not want my subjects to be turned into thugs because you are buying them beer,” Chief Chikwanda said.
Chief Chikwanda said it was important for politicians to safe guard the peace of the nation stressing that there will be no country to govern if it is plunged into chaos.
“It should be a responsibility of every politician to safe guard the peace that this country has enjoyed over the years, no one should die because of election,” the traditional leader said.
Chief Chikwanda said political parties should compete on the basis of ideologies and should avoid personal attacks which he said has been the major cause of political violence.
“Let people compete on basis of party manifestoes and the agenda for the country not insults and such politicians will not be allowed in my chiefdom,” he said.
And Chief Chikwanda said he was impressed with the increase in the number of people acquiring voter’s cards.
He said the chiefdom has recorded tremendous progress following the heightened voter education in the chiefdom.
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