CCZ urges MMD to restrain cadres

CCZ urges MMD to restrain cadres
By Fridah Zinyama
Sun 10 Oct. 2010, 04:03 CAT

COUNCIL of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) general secretary Reverand Suzanne Matale has asked the ruling MMD to show leadership by restraining their overzealous cadres to avoid acts of violence.

In a statement, Rev. Matale stated that she was saddened by the reported return of political violence as exhibited during the filing in of nominations for the Chilanga by-elections on Thursday. She stated that it was sad that the MMD cadres had the audacity of manhandling national leaders without restraint and show of respect.

“...The ruling party should teach their cadres to respect national leaders be they opposition MPs or leaders of a political party. The reported manhandling of Mr Hichilema by MMD cadres shows lack of respect for national leaders and lack of appreciation of the constitutional role that these leaders play in our democracy,” Rev. Matale stated.

She stated that the Council would like to urge political parties to develop a culture of tolerance and respect for divergent views and political choices.

“Zambians should be free to support the ruling party or any opposition party without the fear of being beaten or hounded out. The happenings in Chilanga should not be encouraged and the MMD should join us in condemning the harassment of national leaders in the hands of hooligans regardless of which party they belong to,” Rev. Matale stated.

She commended the police for the professional role they had played in ensuring that Hichilema and his entourage were protected from the MMD cadres.

“We would like to encourage the Zambia Police to continue providing law and order in a professional manner without being cowed into fear or favour by the MMD cadres. The way they brought sanity in Chilanga yesterday (Thursday) is commendable and we encourage them to stay firm. Our memories are still fresh from the Mufumbwe electoral violence,” said Rev. Matale.