By Arnold Tutu
Inspector General of Police GRAPHEL MUSAMBA has warned social media users against spreading misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and unverified election results ahead of the 2026 General Election.
Mr. MUSAMBA says members of the public should obtain election results only from official and authorised sources and avoid circulating rumours and speculative announcements that could create panic, fear or public disorder.
He says individuals who use digital platforms to commit criminal offences will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with Zambian law.
Mr. MUSAMBA says the Zambia Police Service has deployed officers to polling stations and tallying centres across the country as part of its electoral security plan.
He says the deployment is aimed at strengthening police visibility, improving response times and ensuring voters, candidates and election officials can participate in the electoral process without intimidation.
Mr. MUSAMBA says mobile patrols, crime detection operations and rapid response teams have also been strengthened across all provinces to respond to emerging security situations.
He states that the overall campaign period has remained generally peaceful, despite isolated incidents involving campaign venues and political violence in some parts of the country.
Mr. MUSAMBA says the Police Service has worked with the Electoral Commission of Zambia –ECZ- to safeguard election materials, polling stations, election officials and the integrity of the electoral process.
He says the Police Service has also maintained engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, cooperating partners and local and international election observer missions as part of preparations for election security.
The Police Chief has urged voters to return home or continue with their normal lawful activities after casting their ballots and avoid loitering around polling stations unless they are accredited by the ECZ.
He has further called on political leaders, candidates and their supporters to exercise tolerance and restraint, saying disputes should be resolved through lawful institutions, including electoral conflict management committees and the courts.
Mr. MUSAMBA says political parties have a constitutional responsibility under Article 60 to promote national unity, uphold democracy and respect democratic processes, while Article 60(3) prohibits them from engaging in or encouraging violence or intimidation.
He warns that the Police Service will intervene against unlawful assemblies, road blockages, destruction of property, attacks on individuals and other conduct that threatens public peace.
Mr. MUSAMBA said in a statement that police will act against anyone found committing electoral offences or disturbing public order, regardless of political affiliation.
He said members of the public should expect an increased police presence, including snap security checkpoints on selected roads, as part of preventive measures to protect public safety.
Mr. MUSAMBA said all provinces have been reinforced with additional manpower and operational resources to enable the Police Service to respond promptly to security threats.
He has directed police officers to discharge their duties professionally, impartially and in accordance with the Constitution, while respecting human rights and dealing firmly with criminal conduct.
Mr. MUSAMBA has called on all Zambians to reject violence and play their part in preserving peace and stability before, during and after polling.
He said the Zambia Police Service is prepared to secure the elections and ensure that the country’s democratic process proceeds peacefully.
