LUSAKA - The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has warned that the recent increase in political violence threatens the credibility of the August 13 General Elections, calling on law enforcement agencies and electoral authorities to act decisively and impartially against all perpetrators regardless of political affiliation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, LAZ said reports of assaults on candidates, attacks on campaign convoys, intimidation of political supporters, and destruction of property represent a direct attack on Zambia's constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
The association said Zambia already has adequate legal provisions to address electoral violence, but stressed that the main challenge lies in the consistent, timely, and impartial enforcement of existing laws.
LAZ cited Article 45 of the Constitution, which requires elections to be conducted freely and fairly without violence, intimidation, or other electoral malpractice, as well as provisions under the Electoral Process Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct, which criminalise the use of violence or threats to influence political participation and voter choice.
The association said acts of political violence should not be treated as ordinary campaign disputes but as criminal offences that have the potential to erode public confidence in the electoral process.
LAZ called on the Zambia Police Service to investigate every reported incident professionally and independently, insisting that perpetrators, sponsors, and those who incite political violence must be held accountable irrespective of their political affiliation.
The association further stated that equal application of the law is essential to maintaining public confidence in law enforcement institutions and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
As one of the organisations accredited to observe the elections, LAZ also expressed concern that escalating violence could hinder election observation efforts, stressing that a peaceful and secure environment is necessary for observers to perform their duties freely and independently.
The legal body further urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to strictly enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct by imposing appropriate sanctions on candidates, political parties, or supporters found to have violated electoral rules.
LAZ also appealed to political leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their members and supporters, warning that they should neither encourage nor tolerate violence.
The association urged members of the public to reject political violence, avoid participating in unlawful acts, and report incidents to both the Zambia Police Service and the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
It concluded by stating that political competition should remain a contest of ideas rather than force, emphasising that Zambia's democratic tradition can only be protected through respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, human rights, and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
Source: Zambia Reports