Civil Society Praises UPND for Promoting Political Peace

Civil society organisations in Livingstone have praised the United Party for National Development (UPND) government for promoting peace during over the course of its first three years in office.

Esther Mwikisa, Livingstone Chapter point person for the Governance Elections Advocacy Research Service (GEARS) intitiative, said that since the UPND came to power in 2021, by-elections have been conducted peacefully, in stark contrast to the previous government when local by-elections were often marred by political violence.

“Previously we could see a lot of political violence, especially when it comes to by-elections; the parties that are in opposition and the ruling party used to have a lot of conflict. But at least with the advocacy from the President himself, who has been advocating for peace, and also stakeholders like civil society organisations … we have seen that this peace has really been practised by the people of Zambia,” Ms Mwikisa said.

She attributed the more peaceful political atmosphere to the precedent set by President Hakainde Hichilema in rejecting violence and tribalism and promoting faith in democratic institutions.

Meanwhile, Foundation for Democratic Process’ (FODEP) acting Southern Province chairperson Ernest Kalumbi praised the UPND for not enforcing a strict ‘no tolerance’ attitude towards violence by political party cadres.