UNREGULATED DOOR TO DOOR CAMPAIGNS IS A RECIPE FOR INTER-PARTY VIOLENCE – POLICE IG
POLITICAL parties undertaking door-to-door mobilisation are required to notify police because failure to do so has resulted in clashes between rival cadres, Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has directed. The directive has been welcomed by the main political parties.
Mr Kanganja says unregulated door-to-door campaign activities and processions have resulted in political cadres clashing, with some getting injured.He said some politicians are deliberately disregarding provisions of the law by conducting activities outside the requirement.
Mr Kanganja has directed regulating officers to be firm on the ground and ensure law and order prevails at all times.This is according to a statement issued yesterday by Police spokesperson Esther Katongo.“In as much as Zambia Police acknowledges that we are in an election period, all such activities have to be conducted in an orderly and coordinated manner and within the confines of the law,” he said.
Mr Kanganja said some political players disregard advice by regulating officers by going ahead with public activities.He said police will not condone such misconduct as it has the potential to instil fear in communities. “I wish to warn that all those that would want to disregard the law should do so at their own peril,” he said.Mr Kanganja reiterated that those intending to conduct public activities should have public health certificates and notify police of their intentions.