POLITICAL violence should not be allowed to dent Zambia’s impressive electoral record.
In many, if not all incidences of political violence, they are always fueled by individuals’ insatiable and selfish desires to gain advantage over their political opponents.
What some political parties and leaders fail to take into account in this regard is the psychological and physical damage that their schemes have on people and infrastructure.
People have died, others injured and properties reduced to rubble in some places where political players have clashed.
In certain instances, many who get hurt in the violence are innocent by-standers or business owners that have their premises damaged.
While Zambia has had a relatively good turnout every time there is an election, be it parliamentary or presidential, the country risks losing this status because few people will want to participate in any election riddled with fighting.
People would prefer to stay in their homes where they are relatively safe from harm than participate in an election, where they are likely to get hurt.
Even the presence of Police officers in areas holding elections, tends to send wrong signals that violence is anticipated and that it is not safe.
It is no wonder that on Sunday, some residents in Kasenengwa complained over the high presence of Police officers in the area and their reasoning was that this could cause political violence.
But the Police command has made it clear that they are in the area to maintain law and order in view of the September 11 parliamentary by-election.
Eastern Province police chief, Grace Chipalila said the Police were deployed purely as a precautionary measure.
Ms Chipalila said people should not worry because they were only there to maintain law and order and not to cause violence.
While five constituencies, namely, Mkushi South, Vubwi, Kasenengwa, Solwezi Central and Zambezi West will hold by-elections next month and based on recent happenings, one cannot help but acknowledge the importance of Police presence in these areas for the safety of citizens and property.
Police should continue to commit the necessary resources towards stamping out any form of violence and in doing so, should not themselves be the perpetrators of the same vice.
However, political parties, especially their leaders should lead the way in discouraging their cadres against fighting each other or causing damage to the much-needed infrastructure that this country is trying so hard to develop.
They should deliver a strong message of non-violence that should reach the grassroots of their political parties and emphasise that they would not stand by any member that broke the law through violent conduct.
Political ideologies should shift from the kind of confrontation that seems to get cadres thinking that differences are settled through fights.
Issue-based political campaigns, always get people thinking and appreciating a political party’s message and subsequently attract votes as well.
A peaceful environment also ensures confidence in the economy by investors and donors, and we as a country, we need this confidence even as we seek to maintain the steady economic growth we have been enjoying.  OPINION