CSOS CALL FOR DEFENCE FORCES TO BE ON STANDBY OVER POST-ELECTION TENSIONS
By Elesani Phiri
The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum is urging the defence forces to remain on standby during and after the voting process to help maintain peace and order, citing concerns over the Zambia Police Service’s handling of political disputes.
Forum Chairperson Solomon Ngoma alleges that the police have demonstrated bias in dealing with political disputes, particularly through what he describes as a pattern of arresting opposition members while alleged offenders from the ruling party are left to go scot-free.
Mr. Ngoma tells Phoenix News in an interview that giving the police sole responsibility for maintaining law and order during and after the elections could fuel public anger and encourage citizens to retaliate against what they may perceive as selective enforcement of the law.
He has also challenged President Hakainde Hichilema to critically assess the performance of the Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba, particularly in relation to the handling of political disputes.
Mr. Ngoma says the Zambia Army and Zambia Air Force should be placed on standby to intervene, where necessary, should disputes arise and threaten peace and public order.
Meanwhile, Zambia Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi says the police have put in place adequate measures to effectively maintain law and order during the electoral process.
Mr. Chilabi says although there is currently no need to deploy the defence force, the decision to do so remains the prerogative of the Commander-In-Chief, President Hakainde Hichilema.
PHOENIX NEWS