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The Zambian government has warned against reckless and inciteful statements aimed at disrupting the country’s peace and stability ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary and local government by-elections.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Jack Mwiimbu, urged political players in areas holding by-elections to report incidents of actual or planned violence to the nearest police station.
Speaking during a media briefing at his office in Lusaka on Monday, Mwiimbu expressed concern over what he termed “irresponsible statements” by certain individuals and political groupings attempting to incite unrest.
The minister specifically referenced a resolution by the Tonse Alliance, announced by its spokesperson Sean Tembo, which stated that any perceived or actual aggression would be met with “equal and proportionate force,” regardless of whether it came from the UPND or law enforcement.
Mwiimbu noted that Tembo’s remarks appeared to respond to a warning by Police Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, who cautioned political players against taking the law into their own hands.
“As government, we want to assure the public and stakeholders involved in the Pambashe and Petauke Central by-elections, as well as ward-level elections, that law and order will be maintained by security agencies to ensure peaceful elections,” Mwiimbu said.
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While not disclosing the number of police officers deployed, Mwiimbu assured that security forces were fully prepared to uphold peace before, during, and after the elections in line with electoral rules and regulations.
He also cautioned political players against actions that could undermine the current peace, particularly in areas hosting by-elections.
“I must emphasize that the Zambia Police Service is not a partner of the UPND but an independent government department responsible for maintaining law and order in the country,” Mwiimbu clarified, dismissing accusations that the police were acting as “partners in crime” with the ruling party.
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