DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in the following article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of Daily Revelation
It was not surprising that nearly if not all political parties during the Patriotic Front’s reign had increasingly relied on their political cadres for security than the Zambia Police Service.
The debate on political caderism was always a thorny one during the previous regime because the parties especially the ruling government benefitted most from the exploit of the cadre’s hooliganism.
Hooliganism encourages political gangsterism spreading security and political terror among the general population. It was understandable though from the opposition’s perspective as there was growing public’s diminishing trust in the Zambia Police.
The ill-mannered political cadres controlled all areas of public gathering especially the markets and bus stops.
This did not only threaten public security but also deprived the local authorities of the much-needed revenue for the public good. The political cadres are always without training to manage public gathering, and this did not only increase public violence but also influenced the public to practice self defence.
Political participation was threatened and only a few courageous people defied the decree from the uncouth and ruthlessly party cadres and thereby increasing their risk of being lynched by the same cadres.
This practice raised a lot of fear among the general citizenry especially the women folk and the older generation waited to air their grievances at the ballot box.
Yet there are still a few pockets of political party members who if not restrained could continue to practice political hooliganism. The UPND government must be commended for coming out strong and making it very clear at every opportunity discouraging and restraining its members from the ‘common’ practice experienced over twenty years in Zambia.
The recent social media post showing Raphael Nakacinda, spokesperson for the Patriotic Front and Gilbert Liswaniso, UPND national youth chairman seemingly sharing pleasantries and humor is not only a positive political development but a practice which must be commended.
It reflects a new political dawn, and the government must be applauded and encouraged to promote political maturity to grow the young democracy.
The President during his ever first press conference admonished the threatening caderism which had begun to show its ugly face. The President’s call was reinforced by the Local government Minister Hon. Garry Nkombo who publicly ordered for the closure of a UPND office at InterCity bus terminals.
Francisco Mumba
Peace and Conflict expert
Specialised in Human Rights governance.
