90 DAYS OF CAMPAIGNS SHOULD NOT CREATE PERMANENT ENEMIES SAYS THOMAS SIPALO.
United Party for National Development (UPND) aspiring Munali Member of Parliament Thomas Sipalo has appealed to politicians and their supporters to ensure that the 90-day campaign period does not destroy friendships or create lasting divisions.
Sipalo made the remarks after meeting independent Lusaka mayoral aspirant Simon Mwila, who was putting up his campaign posters in Munali.
The two aspiring leaders took time to interact and emphasized the importance of patriotism, unity, and peaceful political competition.
Popularly known as the “Compound President,” Sipalo said elections are temporary, but the peace and unity of Zambia should remain a priority.
“You are welcome in our constituency to campaign freely without any form of intimidation. Zambia belongs to all of us,” Sipalo said.
He added that there was no reason for politicians to become enemies over an election campaign.
“We have been friends for a long time. The Electoral Commission of Zambia has only given us 90 days to campaign. Why should we become enemies because of politics? Campaigns will come to an end, but our friendship and our country will remain.”
In response, Simon Mwila said political competition should never lead to hatred or violence, describing Sipalo’s gesture as a good example of the Zambia many citizens want to see.
“I met my elder brother here in Munali while I was putting up my posters, but look at us—we are together, smiling and talking. This is the Zambia we all need,” Mwila said.
He also wished Sipalo well in his parliamentary bid.
“I appreciate my brother, and I wish him all the best. I believe he has what it takes to become the next Member of Parliament for Munali.”