By MILDRED KATONGO –

ABOUT 35 leaders from six political parties on the Copperbelt have apologised to victims of political violence and called for zero tolerance of the act ahead of the August 11 general elections.
The parties include the Patriotic Front, United Party for National Development (UPND), Forum for Democracy and Development, Rainbow, MMD and United National Independence Party.
UPND provincial chairperson Chris Nyirenda, who represented the other leaders, said the political parties had regretted and apologised to the victims of violence and families who lost their loved ones during the time when their members were engaged in violent activities in the province.
Mr Nyirenda also apologised specifically to journalists in Eastern Province who were attacked by members of the political parties.
He said during a meeting organised by the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) on ending political violence that there was no justification by cadres to beat journalists from the Post and a radio station in Chipata during execution of their duties.
“Eastern Province will not allow anyone to beat or kill each other on political basis. We shall discourage any form of violence from our members and encourage anyone to campaign freely,” he said.
Mr Nyirenda said political party leaders hoped to see justice prevail and that the perpetrators of violence regardless of their political affiliation should be brought to book.
He said political violence robbed families and children of their loved ones, hence the need to denounce it at all levels.
“We are ashamed that people are dying because they were attacked and beaten by our members. We shall liaise with provincial and national leaders in discouraging the practice of importing people from outside the province for political campaigns,” he said.
YALI president Andrew Ntewewe encouraged youth leaders to keep interacting and engaging in joint activities that would send the message of unity in the country.
“Your country is in need of leaders from the grassroots who are committed to putting the interests of the nation ahead of narrow partisan interests,” he said.
Mr Ntewewe praised both the opposition leaders and President Edgar Lungu for keeping up the pace in preaching peace and called for effective implementation of resolutions national leaders made in Lusaka recently.