LUSAKA - Police Inspector General Graphel Musamba has urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise tolerance and reject violence and intimidation during and after Thursday's General Election.
Mr. Musamba said political disputes should be resolved through lawful institutions, including Electoral Conflict Management Committees and the courts, rather than through violence.
His warning comes after the campaign period recorded a few isolated incidents of political violence, although he said the overall campaign period has remained generally peaceful.
"Democracy demands coexistence, dialogue and respect for differing political opinions," Mr. Musamba said.
He reminded political parties that Article 60 of the Constitution requires them to promote national unity, uphold democracy and respect democratic processes, while prohibiting them from engaging in or encouraging violence or intimidation.
Mr. Musamba said police would act firmly and impartially against anyone found committing electoral offences or disturbing public order, regardless of political affiliation.
Meanwhile, the police chief said the Zambia Police Service had finalised its electoral security deployment plan, with additional officers deployed to polling stations and tallying centres across the country.
Mr. Musamba disclosed that mobile patrols, crime detection operations and rapid response teams had also been enhanced to ensure voters, candidates and election officials are protected.
The Police Inspector General further warned members of the public against circulating unverified election results, rumours and misinformation on social media, saying the official declaration of results was the responsibility of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
Mr. Musamba said police patrols would be intensified, including snap security checkpoints on selected roads, as part of measures to enhance public safety.
He assured Zambians that the Police Service had fully prepared to secure the elections before, during and after polling day.
Source: Kalemba