Zambia Streets

POLICE INTENSIFY SECURITY AHEAD OF GENERAL ELECTION, CAUTION AGAINST VIOLENCE AND MISINFORMATION

Highlights from the statement issued by Inspector General of police, Graphel Musamba

✅ The Zambia Police Service has intensified security operations across the country ahead of Thursday’s General Elections, with additional officers deployed to polling stations and totaling centres to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.

✅ The Police have finalised the 2026 Electoral Security Plan and enhanced mobile patrols, crime detection operations and rapid response teams in all provinces.

✅ The measures are aimed at strengthening police visibility, improving response times and ensuring that every eligible Zambian is able to vote freely, peacefully and without intimidation.

✅ Every voter, candidate and election official will be protected without fear, favour or political consideration.

✅ The campaign period has generally remained peaceful, despite a few isolated incidents involving campaign venues and political violence.

✅ Further called on political leaders, candidates and their supporters to exercise tolerance, restraint and mutual respect, stressing that political disputes must be resolved through lawful institutions and not violence or intimidation.

✅ Reminded political parties of their constitutional obligation under Article 60 to promote national unity, uphold democracy and respect democratic processes, particularly the prohibition against engaging in or encouraging violence and intimidation.
✅ Cautioned that the Police will act firmly and impartially against anyone found committing electoral offences or disturbing public order, regardless of political affiliation.

✅ Unlawful assemblies, road blockages, destruction of property, attacks on individuals and other conduct threatening public peace will attract immediate police intervention.

✅ Increased police patrols and snap security checkpoints will also be conducted on selected roads as preventive measures aimed at enhancing public safety.

✅ Further cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified election results, rumours and speculative announcements on social media.

✅ The Electoral Commission of Zambia is constitutionally responsible for declaring election results and has urged citizens to obtain results only from official and authorised sources.

✅ Further cautioned social media users against hate speech, incitement, misinformation and disinformation, saying messages intended to create panic, fear or public disorder have the potential to undermine peace and national security.

✅ Individuals who use digital platforms to commit criminal offences will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Zambia.

✅ Meanwhile, Mr. Musamba says the Police Service has maintained engagement with political parties, civil society organisations, cooperating partners and electoral observer missions as part of efforts to strengthen electoral security.

MIM