By MOFFAT CHAZINGWA –

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has won praise for assuring Zambians that he will not risk plunging the country into chaos by clinging to power and will not use violence as a means to win re-election next year.

. Mwanza

Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) president Pukuta Mwanza commended the Head of State for this commitment.
Reverend Mwanza said Mr Lungu’s message was important particularly that elections would be held next year.
Rev Mwanza said the message from President Lungu was timely because of the need to ensure that all fears of political violence were addressed by making sure that all the players subscribed to the tenets of democracy.
He urged all political party leaders in the country to emulate Mr Lungu by preaching messages that reduce tension and foster peace and unity.
“President Lungu must be emulated by all political party leaders that they are going to use a legitimate process through peaceful campaigns and free and fair elections to ascend to power,” he said.
Rev Mwanza said the fact that multitudes of people on October 18 came together for national prayers, peace and reconciliation was testimony of Zambia’s commitment to upholding peace and unity.
Rev Mwanza’s praises were echoed by Martin Banda, a Kitwe-based clergyman with el-Shaddai Assemblies of God, who commended the President for assuring everyone that there was no room for bloodshed in the country.
“We all understand that power is sweet, but it takes a man with a vision to guide, protect and lead the nation and show them the way to prosperity, liberty and peace,” Rev Banda said.
The cleric quoted Chronicles 7 verse 17, which states: “If people called by my name shall humble themselves, pray and turn away from wickedness, I shall hear and forget their sins and heal their land”.