Women’s Lobby condemns political violence

The Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) has condemned the violence exhibited by suspected Patriotic Front cadres on the opposition in many parts of the country during ongoing campaigns.

Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe in a statement the Zambia National Women’s Lobby is particularly saddened by attacks on former First Lady Dr Maureen Mwanawasa and former Deputy Speaker of the National assembly Mutale Nalumango, who is also UPND National Chairperson, during their campaign trail in Shiwan’gandu district.

Ms Katebe says the vicious attack on two unarmed women who were merely exercising their democratic right of belonging to a political party of their choice was appalling.

She adds that what makes the whole scenario sad is that these two women are supposed to be held in high esteem in the nation as they once held high positions in Zambia.

Ms Katebe says two do not deserve the embarrassment and loss of dignity they were put through, especially that they were merely exercising their democratic right.

She wonders if women of such high status cannot be respected, what would happen to the ordinary women out there.

The ZNWL Board Chairperson notes that many women will be discouraged to come out and participate in politics as a result of such behaviour by cadres .

Ms Katebe has however urged Dr Mwanawasa and Mrs Nalumango not to relent, but to forge ahead in participating in politics and pursuing their democratic rights.

She laments that despite Zambia having past the 50 year mark; the country is still continuing to witness incidences of violence during elections which have resulted in voter apathy as many voters shun violent elections.

She states that electoral violence is a cancer that must be eliminated as it robs elections of their very essence and further discourages stakeholders especially women from fully participating in the electoral process.

Ms Katebe has implored the Police command to perform their duties diligently and without favour by censuring unruly cadres who may wish to disturb the peace and stability that the country has enjoyed in the past 50 years are brought to book.

She has further urged political leaders to strongly condemn violence and ensure that their members adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct.