FODEP BLAMES FAILURE BY ECZ AND POLICE TO CURB ELECTORAL VIOLENCE TO INTERFERENCE BY EXECUTIVE ARM OF GOVERNMENT
By Michael Kaluba
The Foundation for Democratic Process-FODEP says the institutional failure to curb electoral violence by the Electoral Commission of Zambia and Zambia Police is due to alleged interference from the executive arm of government which has subdued the autonomy of the two institutions.
FODEP Executive Director George Chimembe says while the recent statement from President Edgar Lungu is admission of institutional failure by ECZ and the police, the head of state can also be cited for double standards arguing that the police are made to wait for instructions from him before discharging their duties.
Mr. Chimembe also feels the church has been compromised and cannot act as an impartial mediator between the ruling Patriotic Front and opposition UPND as most clergy keep receiving donations and money under the guise of empowerment from government.
And Mr. Chimembe has challenged President Lungu and UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema to initiate dialogue and for the ECZ to decisively deal with the ongoing acts of political violence to ensure free and fair August polls.
The head of state warned that he will not hesitate to use his constitutional powers to address electoral violence if state institutions like the ECZ and Zambia Police failed to do their work to stop the violence.
PHOENIX NEWS