Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has encouraged political parties to continue conducting their campaigns in a peaceful manner and strive by all means to ensure that party members and supporters abide by the provisions of the laws which govern elections in the country.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe says as the campaign mood begins to heat up, political parties in their efforts to subdue political opponents and win over voters will likely engage in all sorts of actions some which might violate the law.
Mr Cheembe says SACCORD therefore wants all leaders to ensure that they remain fully in charge of people who will be campaigning on their behalf.
He states that leaders must in the same vain consider themselves responsible for the actions of their supporters and that Zambians will not only judge the direct offenders but will also hold beneficiaries responsible for the violations.
Mr Cheembe says SACCORD also regrets the incidence at the PF rally in Kabwe when an alleged supporter of PF president Lungu engaged in politics of character assassination against the UPND President.
He however says SACCORD acknowledges the apology issued by the Acting President and the PF secretary General to the UPND President for the inappropriate language used against him in Kabwe and hopes the PF Party President will also condemn such conduct.
He states that campaigns based on verbal abuse do not help the people of Zambia have a clear basis on which to judge Presidential candidates.
Mr Cheembe says political rallies should be used as a platform for political parties to sell their ideals, ideas and manifestos to the members of the public so that they can make an informed decision on who they should vote for.
He has urged leaders, both in opposition and government, to look out for divisive characters so that they do not spoil their images just in the interest of pleasing them.
Mr Cheembe has further stated that Political leaders should be made to account for their promises during campaigns; therefore, the issue of focusing on ideas cannot be overemphasized.
And Mr Cheembe says SACCORD urges the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure that it continues to build stakeholder confidence in the electoral process by ensuring that all their actions are transparent.
He says SACCORD has noted with concern the views from various members of the public who feel that these elections may be compromised as a result of the involvement of third parties whose roles are not clear but may be interested to benefiting a certain candidate.
He adds that SACCORD also urges the stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure that these elections are properly monitored.