NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO DISRUPT THESE ELECTIONS – HICHILEMA
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says that no individual or group will be allowed to disrupt the country’s electoral process, saying those who engage in violence or intimidation will be dealt with firmly on their own.
The Head of State issued the warning shortly after he was validly nominated to re-contest in the upcoming August 13 general elections together with his running mate Mutale Nalumango.
His nominations, marked the official end of presidential nominations ahead of the general elections.
Speaking to thousands of his supporters who came to witness the filing of nominations, President Hichilema said Zambia’s democracy must be protected from acts of violence, warning that those who attempt to cause disorder during elections will be on their own.
“No one will be allowed to disrupt these elections. You come in the name of democracy, you disrupt elections, you are on your own. That’s my message to everybody,” President Hichilema said.
The President further stated that some of the violence witnessed in the past was caused by political actors who do not believe in peaceful competition.
“They are the ones who brought violence in this country. They are the ones who brought pangas in this country. That is why shops are not even selling pangas,” President Hichilema said.
The Head of State reaffirmed that his administration will continue to uphold law and order throughout the electoral period.
He added that government will not hesitate to act against anyone attempting to disturb public order during the election period.
Kalemba