The University of Zambia Students’ Union (UNZASU) has called on the opposition to denounce violence and surrender any military equipment in their possession, following reports of armed supporters in parts of Lusaka during elections.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka today,UNZASU President Mwanto Kabaso expressed gratitude to all citizens who took the time to exercise their right to vote.
“Elections should be a time when people are given an opportunity to exercise their right to vote and their right to choose their leader,” Mwato said.
He added that the opposition is attempting to divide the country by accusing certain groups of people of being tribal.
“When you have spread your gospel to the people, when you have campaigned to the people, and when people understand the message you are delivering to them and the kind of development you are bringing, people will go and make their choices freely. That is what is happening right now,” he said.
Meanwhile, UNZASU President’s Commission Chairperson Benjamin Munachilau condemned a recent incident in which the president of an opposition party went on air and declared himself the winning candidate in the presidential elections.
“That incited or spiked excitement among opposition supporters, which then led to certain behavior in some places in Lusaka. These are the things we do not need as a country. In 1964, Zambia fought for freedom, and that freedom gave us peace the peace that we have been enjoying as Zambians. Now, we do not need people who are there to create confusion and to bring about the carrying and possession of machetes,” Munachilau said.
And UNZASU Ridgeway Campus President Chifunda Ephraim expressed concern over sentiments labeling people from Southern Province as tribalists.
“In the history of elections, you will see that each political party has always had a stronghold. In the game of politics, your stronghold is where you must maximize your potential,” he said.
“For example, the other camp has its stronghold in areas such as Luapula and the northern part of the country. You can see how the current government has penetrated those areas, meaning that the people there have bought into the ideas and the good policies that this government has brought forward.”