Church group calls for rights-based enforcement of public order act ahead of Kawambwa by-election

The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has called on the Zambia Police Service to enforce the Public Order Act (POA) in line with human rights standards during the Kawambwa Constituency by-election, scheduled for December 20, 2024.

The by-election followed the incarceration of former Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament, Nickson Chilangwa, and would take place in Kawambwa District, Luapula Province.

In a statement issued on Friday, CCMG Steering Committee Chairperson, Andrew Mwenda, stated the need for equitable security provision by the police during the campaign period.

“The police should provide equitable security to all contesting political parties and candidates during the campaign period according to the agreed campaign schedule,” Mwenda stated.

He stressed that law enforcement must act swiftly, fairly, and use de-escalation methods when addressing violations, regardless of the political affiliation of the individuals involved.

Mwenda urged the police to avoid favoritism toward the ruling party, a trend observed in previous elections.

He cited incidents from the July 12, 2024 by-election in Chirundu and Sikongo Districts, where United Party for National Development (UPND) supporters reportedly attacked a police officer and an Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) staff member.

Mwenda called on the ECZ and police to enhance security at polling stations to protect voters and election materials during the by-election process.

He also urged the ECZ to engage religious and traditional leaders to ensure they refrain from endorsing candidates or exerting undue influence on voters.

“This is in recognition of the influence that religious and traditional leaders have on their followers and subjects respectively,” Mwenda said.

The CCMG Chairperson stated the importance of adherence to the Electoral Code of Conduct by all stakeholders.

“The Code serves as a framework for a credible and peaceful election,” Mwenda said, urging political parties to avoid hate speech, vote buying, voter intimidation, and violence.

Mwenda reiterated the need for the ECZ to enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct effectively and address any violations promptly to maintain credibility and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

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