The Zambia Police has recalled all its officers on leave
until after elections to beef up the security situation in the country.
Inspector General Stella Libongani said the move had become
necessary because of the high incidences of violence and also the weight of
security responsibility in view of the January, 20 presidential elections.
Libongani said the cancellation of leave days will increase
manpower in the country to curb possible political troublemakers in the heat of
the campaigns.
The political sphere has recorded heightened incidences of
violence in the recent past mostly involving UPND and PF cadres.
"I have cancelled all leave days to beef up security
before and during elections. So all officers are active now everywhere,"
she said.
Meanwhile, The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has
appealed to the Police to firmly deal with the perpetrators of electoral
violence if the country is to have free, fair and credible election next week.
FODEP Executive Director Macdonald Chipenzi has expressed
concern over the continued violence among political party cadres who are
seriously ignoring the electoral code of conduct.
Chipenzi says it is extremely worrying to see cadres break
the law with no fear a few days before the country goes to the polls.
He wonders why political violence is taking centre stage
when the electoral code of conduct does not allow anyone to display offensive
weapons during the election period.
Chipenzi adds that it is surprising to note that the
perpetrators of violence are engaging in such acts with impunity.
He says the violence being witnessed if left unchecked will
make the country a lawless society.
The FODEP Executive Director has since appealed to political
party leaders to strongly condemn violence and tame their cadres by encouraging
them to promote peace and unity ahead of the presidential election.
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