Zambians believe in the ballot, not violence – NGO

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 08:25:50 +0000

By MUKOSELA KASALWE

ZAMBIANS will not be coerced into a revolution or to unseat a duly elected republican president because they have a stronger voice through the ballot box and courts of law, says Africa Justice Union general superintendent Howard Banda.

Mr Banda said that the recent behaviour by the UPND was uncalled for and a sign of political immaturity which he said had undermined peace and security which the country was enjoying.

In an interview yesterday, the non-governmental organisation said that UPND president Hakainde Hichilema had been issuing statements which were treasonable, such as “We are now getting closer to enter State House” and which had a potential to cause unrest and incite citizens against President Edgar Lungu who was legitimately elected.

Mr Banda said that the country would not have a revolution or unseat a duly elected president due to coercion by selfish politicians, saying Zambians had a stronger voice through the ballot and courts of law.

He said that Mr Hichilema was ‘‘politically frustrated’’ and that he should have taken a leaf from founding UPND leader Anderson Mazoka who chose a path of non-provocation.

“The Zambian people will not be coerced by selfish politicians to start a revolution or to unseat a duly elected President because they know that they have a stronger voice through the ballot and courts of law,” he said.

Mr Banda said that the UPND should utilise other lawful avenues to express their grievances unlike engaging in acts of lawlessness, saying there was need for law and order in the country.