Politics is not war, but a contest of ideas

The language being used by some politicians is disturbing, disgraceful, distasteful and derogatory. Politics is not war

By Dr. Vernon J. Mwaanga.

Lusaka, Sept. 9 – I have been observing Zambian politics from a young age, as a freedom fighter. It has been my view that politics is not war, but a contest of ideas. I long realised that honest differences of opinions should be expected and respectfully treated as normal.

We now have our 7th Republican President since we gained independence on 24th October, 1964. All the leadership and political party changes, have come through democratic electoral processes, which have been closely watched by international and local observers and monitors. Aggrieved parties have always had the option to go to appropriate courts, to seek redress by producing evidence.

Recently, however, I have become increasingly concerned about the declining levels of civility in our politics. The language being used by some politicians is disturbing, disgraceful, distasteful and derogatory. Increasingly, the public is made to endure intensely negative public discourse that abuses, demeans and vilifies others.

This sad development should not be allowed to continue. It undermines our democratic credentials and disrespects our ancestors who sacrificed so much for us to free ourselves from the yoke of colonialism. Even in their Graves spread all over Zambia, I can hear their voices, saying that we have let them down.

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Those following “Koswe” will have noted how filthy and hateful the language has become. If it was just any other gutter publication one would quickly ignore and dismiss it. However “Koswe” originates from State House.

Through public discourse and using existing institutions such as the Center for Inter-Party Dialogue, we want to hear politicians discuss policy options in a civil manner and come up with possible solutions to our country’s problems, for the public good. Crudity reduces the level of seriousness.

Some politicians I have talked to, think that by using crude language, it enhances their popularity and attracts new members to their respective political parties. On the contrary, they scare young people and others, who may want to join active politics and make a meaningful contribution to our country’s advancement.

In this age of advanced technology, comments made in public space, quickly spread worldwide through social media. How can we teach our children, grandchildren great grandchildren, to respect others, when they are able to listen and read about the foul language being used by their elders?

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I appeal to all the politicians to desist from offensive personal attacks and focus on issues. In our beautiful and beloved Zambia, there should be no room for vitriolic discourse.

They undermine democratic values, which we fought for. Violence, hate speeches, offensive language and bitterness should be confined to the dustbin of history.

To make well-informed and thoughtful decisions, one must be able to see things from perspectives other than one’s own. Gain new perspectives by following Woodpecker’s Digest! Reading does open up a world of possibilities.