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Sata’s non-violence call impresses SACCORD

Sata’s non-violence call impresses SACCORD
Written by Mwala Kalaluka
Sunday, November 09, 2008 6:37:15 AM

THE Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has described PF leader Michael Sata's move to restrain his supporters from going on the street to protest against the presidential election outcome as mature leadership.

But MMD spokesperson Benny Tetamashimba has accused Sata of trying to create post-election tension in the country because he wants to serve in the government, as is the case in Zimbabwe and Kenya.

SACCORD executive director Lee Habasonda said in an interview yesterday that Sata's non-violence call was significant given the frustrations and anger that had characterised the nation following the presidential election.

“Really, people are frustrated and angry and for Sata to have restrained them from going to the street is a great move,” Habasonda said. “Our perception on the tension in the country is that we want to commend the opposition, particularly the PF leader, for restraining his supporters from going on the street in protest against the election. He has shown mature leadership in that aspect.”

Habasonda said by calling for a cessation of violent acts, it was a sign that Sata had chosen the option of taking his grievances towards established conflict resolution mechanisms.

Habasonda said Sata's call would help simmer down the post-election tension.

“What we can urge is for President Rupiah Banda to hold a meeting where there can be dialogue between the opposition and him. We know that the opposition snubbed his invitation during his inauguration but this time he should not communicate with them through the media to discuss these things so that the tension is minimised,” Habasonda said. “We think and believe that Rupiah Banda, being President of this country, still has the responsibility of reaching out to the opposition.”

Habasonda said President Banda should not ignore the importance of embarking on a path of dialogue with the opposition leaders, because of the fact that his was just a transition government.

“He will need the opposition on board and other stakeholders like the civil society,” he said.

Habasonda said Zambia could avoid issues of post-election tension if fears of rigging during elections were minimised and the public was made to have confidence and trust in the electoral system.

“We need to review and examine why the population is always talking about fears of rigging of elections in the country,” said Habasonda.

But Tetamashimba said the post-election tension that was being talked about was just Sata's attempt to cause anarchy in the country so that he could get a stake in the running of the country through the formation of a crisis government.

“First and foremost that tension is being encouraged by Sata himself,” Tetamashimba charged. “Sata and his PF cadres are the ones doing these things. Look at people undressing! Look at people insulting former leaders. Look at his behaviour at the (Lusaka) City Council where they were trying to verify the votes.”

Tetamashimba asked Sata not to push his luck too far.

“When there are problems in this country, the key suspect will be Sata because he is not supposed to be saying what he is saying,” Tetamashimba said. “How can he say that we rigged the election when his agents were on the ground? He was getting the results from his agents.”

Tetamashimba said if Sata wanted to proceed on his refusal to accept the outcome of the presidential election, he should go to court, but that it was so far clear from Sata's behaviour that he had no regard for the law.

“What he is doing is creating anarchy. Sooner or later, Sata should not regret that the government is hitting hard on anybody creating anarchy,” Tetamashimba warned. “He is trying to create tension so that he serves in the government, so that he serves in the government like what is happening in Kenya and Zimbabwe.”

Tetamashimba said the environment on most Zambia's streets was calm and peaceful and people from different political parties were able to put on their party regalia and walk the streets without being harassed.

“It is the people who are at the top who are power-hungry who want to create tension,” said Tetamashimba.

On Friday, Sata, who called on all PF members countrywide to desist from engaging in acts of violence, advised President Banda to work on reducing tension in the country emanating from the outcome of the October 30 presidential poll.

But Sata maintained his earlier position that he would not concede defeat given the malpractices that characterised the election, which saw President Banda emerge winner.

Labels: SACCORD, SATA

posted by MrK @ 6:39 AM