Police told to keep the peace during elections
By Joy Nyambe
Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis has directed the police to ensure that tomorrow’s nominations for the Petauke Central Constituency Parliamentary by-election are conducted in a peaceful and fair manner.
Ms. Zaloumis emphasized that the police must also ensure incident-free elections and zero tolerance for violence during the forthcoming Petauke Central Constituency Parliamentary by-election.
She noted that there can never be a free and fair election without the active involvement of law enforcement officers.
Ms. Zaloumis urged the police to remain dedicated, professional, and committed to their duties, stressing that their role is pivotal to the success of the election process. She made these remarks during a briefing to uniformed staff in Petauke today, ahead of the nominations scheduled for tomorrow.
Meanwhile, ECZ Commissioner Major General Vincent Mukanda has called on the police to be firm but fair in the execution of their duties.
Major General Mukanda also urged officers to maintain discipline and create a conducive environment to ensure public safety throughout the election period.
Nominations for the Petauke Central Constituency Parliamentary by-election are scheduled for tomorrow, with voting set to take place on February 6, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Zambia -ECZ -Vice Chairperson ALI SIMWINGA has urged the Zambia Police Service in Mpongwe to be professional and ensure that there is no violence during the Ntanda Ward local government election.
He says the police should maintain public order and protect every citizen’s right to engage in the electoral process without fear and intimidation.
Speaking when he addressed men and women in uniform in Mpongwe ahead of the filling in of nominations in the Ntanda Ward by election tomorrow, Mr. SIMWINGA urged the police to ensure that the election is held in a safe and peaceful environment.
He reminded the officers that elections are a cornerstone of Zambia’s democracy and that they must be conducted fairly, peacefully, and transparently.
The by elections in the area will be held on February 6th, this year.
