By ALICE NACHILEMBE
People’s Alliance for Change has accused the Police of abusing their Authority for advising political players to notify police to conduct public activities.
PAC was reacting to the statement issued by the Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja advising political players seeking to conduct public activities to notify the police.
PAC Media Director Patience Chisanga said the statement is aimed at undermining the freedom of association and assembly as enshrined in the constitution.
Ms Chisanga said the statement by the police command contravenes the electoral processes act.
She said all political parties are supposed to meet supporters and address them in accordance with the schedule provided by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
Ms Chisanga said the police is overstepping its jurisdiction by guiding political players on what it terms as ‘unregulated door to door campaign activities’ because this is the sole responsibility of the Electoral Commission of Zambia during this election period.
“The Inspector General of Police is exhibiting double standards in his directives and guidance because the ruling Patriotic Front continues to disregard the law on Covid-19 regulations and provisions of the Public Order Act with impunity, yet he comments, when the opposition is in question. We are aware that several attempts are being made to block the opposition from conducting free and fair campaigns during this period using the Covid-19 pandemic but authorities must be made aware that they are not above the law they are enforcing, she said.
She said over the weekend an unregulated procession by youths in Kitwe marched through the street causing public disorder in the name of endorsing President Edgar Lungu.
On the other hand, hundreds of officers sealed off the venue for opposition counterparts from the UPND who were scheduled to launch their campaigns the same day.
Ms Chisanga said the Electoral Commission of Zambia must be the only supreme body to give guidance on how the 90 days political campaigns as enshrined in the law are to be conducted and any voice outside this will not be taken seriously.
