From CHRISTINE CHISHA in Zambezi
VICE-PRESIDENT Guy Scott has directed the police not to condone any form of violence during the forthcoming Zambezi West parliamentary by-election.
Dr Scott said Zambia is a peaceful country that must maintain its tranquillity.
“There should be no excuse for violence in any election. This is not war, but politics.
“I’m challenging the opposition, especially the UPND (United Party for National Development), to condemn all forms of violence in this campaign. As Patriotic Front (PF), we will not shield our cadres once they are involved in violence. We will ensure that the law takes its course,” Dr Scott said.
The Vice-President was speaking in Zambezi yesterday when he addressed PF cadres who welcomed him at the airstrip.
Dr Scott is in Zambezi to drum up support for the PF candidate in the September 11 parliamentary by-election, Christabel Ngimbu.
He said PF expects peaceful campaigns so that people can freely choose a person to represent them in Parliament.
Dr Scott said apart from conducting campaigns, he is in Zambezi to check on the development projects, listen to what the people of Zambezi want and attend the Likumbi Lya Mize traditional ceremony taking place tomorrow.
The Zambezi West parliamentary seat fell vacant after the Supreme Court nullified the election of UPND’s Charles Kakoma on grounds of electoral malpractices.
Mr Kakoma is recontesting the seat on the UPND ticket.
Dr Scott is accompanied to Zambezi by PF national chairperson Inonge Wina, and PF Central Committee members Jean Kapata and Emmanuel Chenda.
He was welcomed at Zambezi airstrip by Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata, former Lusaka Mayor Daniel Chisenga and senior PF officials.