WITH barely a week before Zambians vote in the August 13 general election, the rising incidents of political violence are deeply troubling. What should have been the final stretch of peaceful persuasion is slowly being turned into a contest of stones, roadblocks, tear gas and intimidation.

The confrontation in Luampa, where suspected UPND supporters allegedly blocked the convoy of NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and pelted it with stones, must be condemned. The retaliation by NRPUP supporters was equally wrong. Once stones begin flying from both sides, nobody controls where they land. A cadre, police officer, journalist, child or innocent resident can be injured or killed.

However, we cannot ignore the disturbing pattern emerging from some ruling-party supporters. As has happened under previous governments, cadres belonging to the party in power are beginning to behave as though political dominance gives them authority over roads, districts and provinces. In several incidents, UPND cadres appear to have been the aggressors.

What is even more worrying is that this violence is continuing despite President Hakainde Hichilema expressly ordering supporters to stop it. The President has correctly stated that every political party has a lawful right to campaign during the period allocated by the Electoral Commission of Zambia and that anyone disrupting that process is breaking the law.

Why, then, are some UPND youths refusing to listen to their own President? Why are they still blocking opposition convoys even after some cadres have been arrested? Either these youths no longer respect the authority of the party leadership, or they believe that their political identity will ultimately protect them from consequences. Both possibilities are dangerous.

The President’s condemnation must now be translated into visible enforcement. Orders from State House mean little if cadres on the ground can ignore them and continue intimidating opponents without swift, public and equal punishment from the police.

Political campaigns are part of the democratic process. If the campaign timetable places Mr Mundubile in Western Province, he must be allowed to campaign there. Western Province does not belong to the UPND, just as Northern Province does not belong to the NRPUP. Every province belongs to Zambia, and every candidate has the right to take a message to voters. There is no such thing as a bedroom for anyone.

The police must explain why people blocking an opposition convoy were not immediately arrested. Their duty is not merely to disperse the resulting confrontation after violence has started. They must identify and remove those creating illegal roadblocks, regardless of the colours they are wearing. The law must be enforced without fear, favour or partisan calculation whatsoever.

There was no justification for disrupting Mr Mundubile’s Mongu rally with tear gas if it was proceeding peacefully and lawfully. Police action that appears designed to frustrate an opposition campaign only increases tension and gives the candidate publicity that he may not otherwise have received.

As we have previously observed, the UPND is spoiling a golden opportunity to emerge from this election with a cleaner democratic record than the Patriotic Front. Mr Mundubile did not begin this campaign with the level of public attention he now enjoys. Those blocking his meetings and the officers tear-gassing his supporters are helping to build his political profile. They are turning him into a victim and giving credibility to his claim that the system fears him. This is unnecessary political self-harm.

If Western and Southern provinces are strongholds of the UPND, why should its supporters panic when Mr Mundubile visits? They should welcome him, allow him to campaign and let him leave peacefully. When voting day arrives, residents will choose their preferred candidates in the privacy of the polling booth. That is democracy.

Mr Mundubile must also exercise responsibility. Claims that snipers were deployed to kill party officials are extremely serious and should not be made without evidence. He should submit whatever information he has to the police, ECZ and accredited election observers. Exaggerated allegations may inflame supporters and create further confrontation.

Zambia has an opportunity to conduct one of the least violent elections in its history, but we are in danger of blowing it in the final days. Political parties must control their supporters, while police must enforce the law impartially and update the nation on arrests. There is ample video footage from several incidents. Those responsible can be identified.