Nice engages communities on election case ruling

National Initiative for Civic Education (Nice) Trust has underscored the need for stakeholders in Mzimba to uphold peace as the country awaits court ruling on the May 21 presidential election results case.

Nice Trust national programmes manager Gray Kalindekafe made the remarks on Wednesday at a meeting with political parties, religious leaders and civil society organisations in the district.

In an interview after the meeting, Kalindekafe said they seek to urge political stakeholders to prepare themselves for the court’s ruling and accept it.

He said: “We are not saying that demonstrations are bad, because it is a constitutional right.

“But, we are against violence as it results in the destruction of property and loss of life.”

Kalindekafe also urged journalists in the district and the country at large to exercise professionalism in reporting on the presidential elections case to avoid confusion and incite violence among the citizens.

On his part, M’mbelwa District Council director of planning and development Precious Kamtsitsi said violence will affect the district negatively.

“Violence can lead to loss of lives, property and scare away development partners. We should work together for peace to prevail,” he said.  

Nice created a stakeholders network at the meeting to work with in managing conflicts and  sensitising  communities on peace-building in the district before and after the court’s ruling.