Dear Editor, THE processes culminating into the UPND intra party selection process has been marred with well documented widespread violence, allegations of corruption and hate specch among themselves.
It is surprising that critical institutions of Government such as Human Rights Commission, the Church and the civil society have all paid willful blindness to the bloody spilling process. We need the collective voice from the various stakeholders as it has been in the past.
It is also shocking that even Mr Hakainde Hichilema and members of his inner circle have not shown leadership to condemn this inhuman behaviour. This is their vivid opportunity to redefine their reputation which has a chaotic nature and history. It is not a secret that the principal perpetrators of violence among the UPND ranks are well known to the party leadership. Moreover Zambia is a Christian and democratic nation which has established traditions on how to implement electoral processes.
As a political party which claim to be a law abiding organisation, UPND should take a proactive role and file a criminal complaint against unruly cadres and where possible hand them over to the police for action. As regards the police command, we expect them to guide the political stakeholders regarding the potential criminal liability which may arise in intra party elections. It is not acceptable for the dead silence on the violence that has been awash on social media.
The police have assured that they will be equal to the task ahead of the elections and we challenge them to show their ability by restoring intra party order. It is a grave disappointment for a political party aspiring to rule shield the perpetrators of political violence. President Lungu has consistently denounced violence and called on relevant authorities to act and we urge Mr Hichilema to emulate him by surrendering unruly cadres to the police. MARVIN CHANDA MBERI, Lusaka.
