ANALYZING HH’S VISIT TO VICTIMS ATTACKED BY PF CADRES IN LUSAKA
Today we took a task of monitoring the page of the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema as he visited victims of political violence where PF cadres burnt their houses in Lusaka.
As we monitored the commentaries there, were some key issues we took note of that will be one of the key factors Zambians are eager to vote out PF this year.
The viewers were about five thousands plus and we could see people flashing watching from all the ten provinces. Here is our key points;
1. Unit. The comments across the country and outside Zambia showed that Zambians have re-united irrespective of PF efforts to divide the country on tribal line.
2. Almost every commentary was appealing to Mr HH to end violence and cadreism in the country. What does this mean? It is a clear indication that Zambians are fade up with the behavior of PF cadres who many commentaries were depicting as people who are more powerful than the police. Others went on to say we are ruled by PF thugs because even Mr Lungu is scared of them.
Violence sponsored by the state in this election will have a serious impact on the PF government. And it is our prayer that the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema will honor this request from Zambians to end violence and also find something better for party cadres than them taking over markets and bus stations ending up terrorizing citizens.
3. The police. It is now evident that the police in Zambia have lost respect as many citizens consider PF cadres more powerful. What does this mean in this election? Majority police officers will also be voting out violence so that they can earn back their integrity.
You can undermine these points yes, but results will tell you. This year it is a protest vote against PF. It is my prayer that PF analysts will advise their cadres to behave during the campaigns because should they continue these attacks then they are subtracting votes from PF technically.
Sikaile C Sikaile
Good Governance and Human Rights Activist for Zambia and Amnesty International
