Mwale rebukes violent youths

By Staff Reporter, LUSAKA 

Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development Vincent Mwale has called youths to turn up in large numbers to vote for leaders of their choice in the general election. 

In an interview on Tuesday Mr Mwale said youths should be responsible and should not perpetrate violence before, during and after the August 11 general elections. 

He advised youths to vote for leaders of their choice in the general elections instead of perpetrating violence. 

“It breaks my heart when the youth are the main perpetrators of violence. They are being used as tools of violence by politicians. I urge all youths to avoid engaging in violence during elections but to instead exercise your rights to vote and participate positively in the elections,” Mr Mwale said. 

The minister encouraged political party leaders to sensitize the youth in their respective parties on the dangers of violence. 

Mr Mwale urged political party leaders to hold joint seminars to discourage youths from violence. 

“Leaders of political parties, please ensure that you do not allow violence in your parties. Make sure that you take responsibility and educate the youth on proper developmental issues that will contribute to the country’s economic growth as the youth are agents of change. 

 “No one will hide behind any political party. The law will take its course on anyone who breaks it regardless of who you are. Offenders will be prosecuted to deter would-be offenders and to ensure that we have a peaceful election this August,” he said.