ZRP OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO STATE HOUSE ON POST-ELECTION DIALOGUE
The Zambia Republican Party (ZRP) has noted with surprise the statement from State House, through Chief Communications Specialist Mr. Clayson Hamasaka, that there is no need for post-election dialogue without formal proposals.
As ZRP, we find it unfortunate that State House would take such a position. Dialogue and reconciliation after a disputed election is a national imperative that should be led by the Head of State himself, not reduced to a matter of paperwork.
The issue of national dialogue and unity cannot be trivialized in the manner Mr. Hamasaka and his team are doing. Lives were lost, people were brutalized and people’s property was damaged before, during and after the general elections.
Our country needs healing and unity as a matter of urgency.
Nonetheless, as a patriotic party that believes in peace, we will take the lead and propose the roadmap State House is asking for:
1. As a starting point and confidence-building measure, all political prisoners must be released unconditionally.* You cannot talk about dialogue and reconciliation while others are in detention for political reasons.
2. We propose that an Indaba be convened and led by our neutral and respected institutions – Our Paramount Chiefs, His Royal Highness the Mwata, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), Civil Society Organisations, and prominent church leaders including the Catholic Bishops.
This Indaba should bring together all Political Party leaders in Zambia with President Hakainde Hichilema.
3. We further strongly propose that the Registrar of Societies be part of this process.* This is one institution, apart from the Police and now the Army, which the current Government has used to fix opposition political parties. Its conduct must be part of the dialogue.
4. We also propose that credible and highly respected personalities such as Hon. Given Lubinda, Mr. John Sangwa, SC, and Ms. Linda Kasonde be in attendance* to help guide the process with wisdom and legal counsel.
The question of who should participate and what should be discussed should not be difficult for Government to know. The country knows the issues.
We remain ready for genuine dialogue in the interest of Mother Zambia.
Wright Musoma
President – Zambia Republican Party (ZRP)