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TAME CADRES, POLITICAL LEADERS URGED

By NOEL IYOMBWA

IT is political leaders who can tame their cadres against political violence during and after elections, Bishops council of Zambia general secretary Able Kaela has said.

Bishop Kaela said political violence can only be stopped by political leaders by denouncing violence and advising their cadres to be tolerant towards other political parties.

He said political leaders should denounce political violence in their respective parties this year’s elections.

Bishop Kaela said political leaders political must be held to account, for any political violence.

 He called on political leaders, in particular and media to unequivocally reject conspiracy theories and the actions of cadres who use violence.

“Safeguarding security, and rights of people and communities requires political parties whose leaders can accept the election results, bridge divisions that can be ironed out and stand up for democracy.

“We call on political leaders to protect the country’s democracy by ensuring that the country holds peaceful elections this year, “ he said.

He further called on youths to avoid being hired by politicians to perpetuate violence against opponents.

Bishop Kaela observed that it is common for some politicians to hire youths to cause violence.

The clergy man noted that political violence is a coercive and deliberate strategy used by some political actors to advance their interests or achieve specific political goals in relation to an electoral contest.

He called on the church to play a leading role in ensuring that the country holds peaceful elections by denouncing and condemning political violence during and after elections.

“As a church we have a role to play in ensuring that there is peace during and after elections by denouncing political violence and praying for the country.

“Youths in the country should avoid being used by selfish politicians who sometimes hire them to cause anarchy during campaigns and after elections, “ he said.

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