AS the campaign period starts this week, politicians and other players must reflect on the imperative need to respect one another in the political arena, which is usually fraught with character assassination.
Some politicians resort to half-truths and blatant lies in their desperate urge to win support in the highly charged political arena.
In other cases, politicians perpetrate violence through youths as a way of intimidating their opponents, whose supporters quiver in fear.
They throw to the wind the provisions of the law and behave in a manner that is not consistent with societal norms.
Therefore, it is important to observe the provisions of the laws such as the Electoral Process Act number 35 of 2016.
This particular Act states that a person shall not cause violence or use any language or engage in any conduct which leads or is likely to lead to violence or intimidation during an election campaign or election.
Further, this piece of legislation prohibits a person from carrying or displaying weapons of any kind at a political meeting or other public gathering of a political nature.
All political stakeholders must realise that it is not in order, under the same legislation, to make false, defamatory or inflammatory allegations against any person or political party in connection with an election.
It is expected that political leaders will have by now acquainted themselves and their followers with the laws of the land especially those pertaining to campaigns and the conduct of elections
It is also imperative for leaders and their followers to look at the principal legislation – the Electoral Commission of Zambia (Amendment) Act number 5 of 2019.
It spells out the functions of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), which are very important to understand so that politicians appreciate the extent to which the commission can serve them.
Recently, there have been attacks on the integrity of the ECZ over matters that are not under the ambit of the commission.
At the risk of sounding repetitive, it is important to run through some functions of the ECZ as spelt out in the Electoral Commission of Zambia (Amendment) Act number 5 of 2019.
Section 3(2) of the Act states that the functions of the commission is to conduct elections, education and information programmes aimed at promoting public awareness on electoral matters.
Other functions are to provide information and advice to State organs on electoral matters
It is also the function of the ECZ to conduct and promote research into electoral matters and to establish and maintain liaison and cooperation with political parties.
Therefore, politicians must not unnecessarily throw a gauntlet at the ECZ and their opponents as this has the potential to scuttle peaceful campaigns.
Politicians ought to respect their competitors, the ECZ and other stakeholders such as election monitors and observers.
Respect must also be extended to the voters, who should not be taken for granted through lies and false promises.
All political stakeholders must learn to respect others instead of aiming for populist posture.
As famous American, Julius Erving, said: “I firmly believe that respect is a lot more important, and a lot greater, than popularity.”
