Maravi

Mwata Kazembe calls for peace

Mwata Kazembe calls for peace
Written by Chibaula Silwamba in Kazembe, Mwansabombwe

MWATA Kazembe of the Lunda people of Luapula Province has said post-election violence must be nipped in the bud wherever it occurs, following, Thursday's presidential elections. And Mwata Kazembe attributed voter apathy to poverty.

In an interview soon after he cast his vote at Kazembe West council polling station, situated just outside his royal palace in the Lunda capital of Mwansabombwe, Mwata Kazembe called for peace and unity in the country after the election.

"That is archaic and violence wherever it occurs, it must be curtailed in the bud," said Mwata Kazembe, who wore his royal headdress.

He urged whoever wins the elections to look at all the nine provinces equally.

"Zambia comprises nine provinces, 'One Zambia, One Nation.' I think that is the spirit," Mwata Kazembe said.

On voter apathy that has characterised the presidential elections and the Mwansabombwe parliamentary by-election, Mwata Kazembe said there was need for people to be sensitised on the importance of electing their leaders.

"In elections, I think poverty goes with apathy," Mwata Kazembe said. "If at all there is any apathy noticed, it's because people are not encouraged because people should be there to see the essence of having a leader, then they will get on board."

Mwata Kazembe, who was the last person to vote at the polling station at about 18:08 hours, said his decision to vote at the end was fatherly.

"Normally when there is food, I think the parent should be the last person to have the share. First you let your kids take their shares, you being the parent you should have the last share," said Mwata Kazembe. "Exactly, this is what I have done."

Labels: LUAPULA PROVINCE, Mwata Kazembe

posted by MrK @ 3:32 PM