Chilanga by-election violence sign of lack of political leadership-FODEP

FODEP Executive Director Mweenge Chifwembe

The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) says the violence that marred voting in some polling stations in the Chilanga parliamentary by-election shows the lack of political leadership in the country to end political violence.

FODEP Executive Director, Mweenge Chimfwembe has told Q-News by telephone that had political leaders demonstrated true leadership, the Chilanga by-election would not have recorded any incidents of violence.

He says this is because political leaders have the power to command their members not to engage in violence.

Mr. Chimfwembe says in some polling stations where his organization monitored the by-election some cadres where seen intimidating electorates and causing confusion which should not be the case in a democratic nation like Zambia.

He has implored political leaders to show true leadership and avoid using youths as tools of violence.

And Mr. Chimfwembe says it is not FODEP’s mandate to declare an election, “free and fair” or otherwise.

He says FODEP will continue pointing out areas which need to be addressed by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.