Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
ZEC President Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu
The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) has observed that Zambia is paying a great price through political hooliganism and apparently the leadership in all political parties has failed to uproot political violence.
In a pastoral statement on the State of the nation 2016, the Catholic Bishops note that in some cases political leaders seem to encourage and fan political violence by inflammatory speeches, perpetrators of violence in political parties not punished by their own leadership.
They have appealed for a new political spirit and a democratic culture among political leaders and their members, by making 2016 different in terms of providing a better and tolerant political environment.
They have called on Political party leaders at all levels to commit themselves to a peaceful electoral process and the control of their members.
The Catholic Bishops have urged leaders in government to be the torch-bearers in the promotion of true reconciliation and peace.
They have also stressed the need to watch and seriously scrutinize the role of the District Commissioner in this electoral process, stating that District Commissioners should not act and work as party cadres wherever they are and using government resources.
They have also expressed deep concern over the selective application of the Public Order Act by the Police Service, which they note in many cases is applied almost always in favour of the ruling party and those they favour.
The Bishops note that this disadvantages opposition political parties, urging Police to sternly, but impartially apply the law to quell violence.
They have also advised the youths to claim their genuine political space in the electoral process, and refuse to be used as mere tools of violence by politicians.
They have also called upon the media to be professional by reporting truthfully, objectively and factually as they inform the public.
The media is being urged to provide equitable coverage in the electoral process and avoid being fronts of partisan politics.
The Catholic Bishops have also called upon other church leaders to remain non-partisan yet vigilant, and denounce all forms of electoral malpractice and political violence.
They have appealed particularly to catholic priests to remain non-partisan,stating that it is morally wrong for the catholic priest to use the pulpit to campaign for, or de-campaign any political party or parties or to give politicians any platform to speak during liturgical celebrations.