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Opposition Political Party leaders have called on Zambians to remain united and peaceful during the period of mourning.
The opposition leaders told ZANIS in separate interviews that Zambians should embrace peace and unity as a sign of dignity for the late president.
The leaders include United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema, National Restoration Party (NAREP) leader Elias Chipimo and Former Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) president Rupiah Banda.
Mr Hichilema said Zambians should be calm and peaceful during the funeral period and after burial in order to ensure development in the country.
He said President Sata did his best for Zambia hence the need to mourn him in peace, unity and dignity.
He condemned some members of the ruling party for engaging in power struggle at the time the whole country was mourning President Sata.
Mr Hichilema said the recent political fights before President Sata is put to rest were a sign of lack of dignity for him by the PF.
He said his party members and Zambians are mourning the president hence the need for all Zambians to be united and not engage in politics until the burial.
He has since hinted that he will contest the Presidential by elections but refused to talk about the campaign details until after the burial tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Mr Hichilema said Presidential by-elections could be avoided if the new constitution which provides for running mate is enacted.
Mr Hichilema said the running mate clause will ensure that the Vice President takes over the presidency up to the end of the term in case of a vacancy in the office of the president instead of going for a by election.
He said it is regrettable that President Michael Sata has died before concluding his term as Head of State saying the late president still had work to do.
He noted that the late President worked hard to form his party, the Patriotic Front adding that it was not easy to form a political party in an African set up.
And Former president Rupiah Banda said Zambia is known by the United Nations and the international community as a peaceful country.
Mr. Banda who regretted the loss of his successor encouraged all citizens to remain peaceful and avoid requesting for his return to politics saying such could be discussed after the burial.
Meanwhile, NAREP leader Elias Chipimo said President Sata connected well with people at various levels and knew the country intimately which made him a good servant of the people.
Mr Chipimo said Mr Sata will always be remembered for his desire to develop the country adding that he embarked on infrastructure development in all parts of the country.
The opposition leaders spoke to journalists shortly after attending an Interdenominational thanksgiving requiem Church service held by National Assembly of Zambia today for late President Michael Sata who died on 28th October 2014 inLondon.
