FODEP praises PF, UPND

FODEP Acting Executive Director Mweenge Chimfwembe

The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has welcomed the commitment to peace that has been signed by the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and opposition United Party for National Development (UPND).

FODEP Acting Executive Director Chimfwembe Mweenge says the commitment is a major milestone in the restoration of peace, unity and reconciliation between the two political parties in Zambia.

Mr. Mweenge says the commitment to peace is important especially during this period of political campaigns because it will help end violence and restoration of order in the political field.

He says FODEP has observed that the two political front runners were often fighting each other in the past, as exemplified by violent acts such as tearing of each other’s campaign materials, contrary to electoral laws but that they are delighted that the parties have realized the consequences of violence and have thus committed to promote peace, unity and co-existence.

Mr. Mweenge says the PF and UPND are major political parties with a lot of members and it is their hope that the endorsement of the peace accord should help in bringing about stability and political co-existence during the campaigns.

He has further urged the two political parties to show their commitment to peace by show of practical actions that promote their commitments because merely signing a document pronouncing peace may not be enough to end difference and violence that currently characterizes the political regime in Zambia.