2010 did not lay sufficient grounds for free and fair elections this year - SACCORD

2010 did not lay sufficient grounds for free and fair elections this year - SACCORD
By Chibaula Silwamba
Sat 01 Jan. 2011, 03:59 CAT

SACCORD says 2010 did not lay sufficient grounds for free and fair elections this year while political organisation was based on tribal leanings.

And the Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) noted that a number of bad precedents were set in dealing with high-profile corruption cases.

In its end of year review, SACCORD stated that although the country in 2010 continued
to enjoy peace, justice and democracy, the year had its share of conflicts whose management overshadowed the few political achievements of the MMD.

SACCORD stated that politics of violence, witch-hunting, selective application of the law, lack of dialogue and use of state institutions to embarrass, intimidate and harass government critics and opponents were used as methods of resolving disputes.

“The PF-UPND pact which had set itself as a formidable challenge to the MMD frustrated many of their supporters and sympathisers after cracks emerged in their political arrangement. Indeed part of the voter registration apathy can be attributed to this inability of the Pact to clearly define their programme and leadership for the next year’s elections,” SACCORD stated.

“We urge the PF-UPND pact to engage in constructive conflict management in order to salvage the pact and bring back hope for the people.”

SACCORD stated that the MMD exhibited the worst paranoia and high-handedness when it expelled its parliamentarians George Mpombo and Ng’andu Magande and continue to intimidate Enoch Kavindele for expressing interest to vie for the party vice-presidency.

SACCORD stated that it was clearly a wrong signal for the MMD to push for President Rupiah Banda’s sole candidacy.

It stated that 2010 witnessed failure by the government to control violence and violent elements.

It stated that the police and MMD ignored the ruling party’s crack squads in Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces that threatened violence against other citizens.

SACCORD observed that political parties harassed journalists.

It stated that this was not healthy if Zambia had to promote co-existence and peace.

It observed that the judiciary and police suffered the worst negative perceptions about their ability to manage conflict for sustainable peace and stability.

SACCORD stated that the pronouncement of the executive arm of government over high-profile cases undermined the conflict resolution role of the courts and eroded the integrity of the courts in the eyes of the public.