Statement from the Socialist Party on the political violence in Kaoma

The political violence in the Kaoma council chairperson by-election that has left a fellow citizen dead is very disturbing, annoying.

No one’s life is worth a council chairperson’s election. Life is sacred.

It’s necessary to continually remind ourselves that politics must be for the good of the country, and not for the political survival of any individual or party.

If that spirit of the primacy of the common good were to animate all the political parties, we would not witness the violence, killings which leaves the public dismayed and disheartened.

The quality of democracy is determined by the establishment of proper structures and more just, fare and humane practices which facilitate freedom of thought, expression, association and assembly.

As we approach the 2021 elections we must start to express concern regarding the frequent instances of intolerance, intimidation, violence and lust for power.

In the present atmosphere of fierce competition and character assassination, we remind the nation of the noble goals of political activity.

Politics should aim at promoting the common good and not intolerance, violence and killings. Political discourse should concentrate on programmes to improve the life of the nation rather than on intolerance, violence and killings.

Politicians should look for the common good of all the people and enter into sincere dialogue with opponents, even in cases of political divergence.

Violence must be avoided because the electoral campaign should not be confused with a battlefield where the aim is destroy the other.

Real political victory lies on the ideals proposed, on the ethical values of candidates, on the respect for the freedom of choice of all citizens, and not on any form of moral pressure or intimidation of political opponents or voters.

Issued by Fred M’membe on behalf of the Central Committee of the Socialist Party