WE ARE glad that hundreds of Christians in Kitwe have chosen to stand up for peace. Christians from various denominations on Saturday gathered at Kitwe Playing Fields (KPF) to launch the 60 days of prayer and fasting against political violence ahead of this year’s general elections.
Zambia has been a haven of peace since independence and it is imperative that this peace should continue to prevail irrespective of the outcome of the August 11 elections.
Because of the peace this country has enjoyed, it is a shining example in Africa, a continent that has seen civil strife. Some countries are still engulfed in instability and millions of their citizens are suffering.
Some countries are still recovering from scars and ravages of civil strife. Gladly, though, God has been good to Zambia as the country has enjoyed peace from independence.
Therefore, as politicians campaign, they must at all cost resist the temptation of irresponsible utterances that can plunge the country into chaos.
Politicians whose conduct negates peace efforts should be ignored because they do not mean well for the country. Political office is not worth any drop of blood and we are glad that President Lungu has been resolute on the need for the country to maintain peace.
In the ongoing campaigns, no political party should provoke others that are also canvassing for votes. There must be mutual respect for each other.
Politicians should use civil language as they seek office as president, members of Parliament, mayors and councillors.
They should, therefore, campaign with humility and not mockingly or acting in any manner that would raise the ire of their competitors.
Peace is a very precious yet fragile commodity and could vanish if not handled properly. We have seen ugly scenes of candidates’ campaign posters being ripped, an act that is undesirable and could lead to reaction.
For instance, some posters of PF presidential candidate Edgar Lungu have been pulled down by people who least understand democracy. Parties should educate their members against such misconduct.
We, therefore, commend church members from the Praise Christian Centre, African Methodist Church, Reformed Church in Zambia and the Salvation Pentecostal Church in Zambia for taking the initiative to launch the prayers for peace.
Through prayer, God will speak to the people planning to spawn violence before, during and after the elections.
We agree with Kitwe inter-denomination committee chairperson Emmanuel Shikaputa who said there is need for the country to see the face of God as the election draws near and campaigns intensify.
Therefore, the Church, being the body of Christ, should demonstrate commitment towards peaceful elections.
All well-meaning Zambians want peace to prevail before, during and after the elections.
The launch of the 60 days of prayer and fasting before the poll is a welcome gesture and we urge other Christians across the country to join their brethren in Kitwe.
Our God, who answers all prayers, will hear His children’s wish for peaceful elections.
Last year in October, President Lungu called for prayers and God answered our supplications.
The Church, as it stands in the gap for the country, should pray against electoral malpractices in the country.
We call upon political parties to embrace issue-based campaigns and the spirit of tolerance, love and unity during campaigns.
Let God’s will prevail.