The Council of Elders of the Zambia Elections
Information Centre (ZEIC) has expressed concern with the apparent selective
application of the Public Order Act by the Zambia Police Service which appears
to have skewed the environment in the campaigns for the August 11 elections
In a statement made available to Comet News ZEIC
Chairperson Father Leonard Chiti says currently, the application of the Public
Order Act is largely seen as selective and unfair, and affecting the playfield
saying that a credible election begins with free and fair campaigns, on a level
playfield.
Fr chiti notes that through the ZEIC platforms, the
council has received numerous concerns from the citizens on this matter.
He says Citizens do not want a situation where during
this campaign period, some contenders are seen to be more equal than others.
Fr Chiti further demanded that the Police immediately
put in place measures to make it conducive for all contesting political parties
to campaign freely and fairly.
He also commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia
for putting in place measures to arrest the growing violence.
Fr Chiti urged the Commission to avoid implementing
measures that border on infringement of civil and political rights of the citizens
to effectively participate in campaigns.
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