POLICE THWART ATTEMPT TO DISRUPT PRESIDENTIAL RESULTS TALLYING
POLICE THWART ATTEMPT TO DISRUPT PRESIDENTIAL RESULTS TALLYING
Police at the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Presidential Results Centre have thwarted an attempt to disrupt the ongoing announcement of Presidential election results following the apprehension of Tonse Pamodzi Alliance member Enock Roosevelt Tonga after he demanded that the announcement of results be suspended.
Tonga was apprehended after making the demand at the National Results Centre, where the ECZ continues to verify and announce results from the August 13 General Election. The incident has heightened concerns over attempts by political actors to interfere with the constitutional process through which the Commission announces the Presidential results.
The latest development comes amid allegations circulating within political circles of a broader plan by individuals linked to NRPUP Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile to create political instability following the election. The allegations claim that the plan involved several stages, including prematurely declaring victory, promoting claims that the election had been stolen and ultimately mobilising individuals to disrupt the post-election process.
Mundubile declared himself the winner on August 14, before the ECZ had completed the verification and announcement of the Presidential results. His declaration drew criticism from political opponents, who argued that only the ECZ has the constitutional mandate to officially declare the Presidential election outcome.
Further allegations claim that purported election documents and results were circulated to support claims that Mundubile had won the election. The authenticity and source of such documents remain disputed, and no independent verification has established the allegations as fact.
More serious allegations have subsequently emerged concerning an alleged plan to mobilise former security personnel and ex-commandos for activities intended to create unrest and interfere with the country’s post-election transition.
These claims come amid confirmed security operations in which authorities have reported the recovery of military-grade weapons and ammunition and the arrest of several persons of interest. Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has said some individuals apprehended during a joint operation in Kabulonga were allegedly linked to illegal military training activities and preparations for armed insurrection.
Authorities have also reported that some occupants of the premises allegedly opened fire on law enforcement officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. Several political figures were among those apprehended, while NRPUP Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile was reportedly found at the premises.
– CC-DTV