Police, opposition counseled over constitution demand stand-off

The Zambia Police and the Opposition political parties in the country have been urged to prioritize dialogue in their stand off on demonstrations for the demand for a new constitution.

Some opposition political parties have vowed to go ahead with their planned countrywide demonstrations for the demand of a new constitution whether with permits or not, a vow to which the Zambia Police have also warned that political leaders who plan to cause anarchy over the Constitution will face the wrath of the law.

But the Zambian Voice has observed that bringing the country into turmoil will not solve anything.

Executive Director Chilufya Tayali has advised that much as people in the country are demanding for a new constitution it is important to keep it in mind that the country’s peace, public asserts and people’s lives must be preserved.

Mr. Tayali has told Qfm news in an interview that this is why government should initiate dialogue on the issue of the constitution so that agitations that have characterized the country do not deteriorate into chaos.

And the Southern African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has also advised that the Zambia Police should clearly explain the procedure in which citizens are to follow in order enjoy their rights to express themselves through demonstrations in the country.

Executive Director Boniface Cheembe says if the procedures are to merely notify the police on their planned public processions and police avail itself to provide security, this then must be explained clearly to avoid situations where when time comes to hold such events, people are stopped from going ahead.

Mr. Cheembe says his organization is also of the understanding that in as much there could be some security concerns not to allow a planned event to takes after an application has been filed, it is not expected that such security concerns should go on indefinitely.

He further notes that there is need for both the Police and the opposition to also build trust in one another especially in events where the Police needs to explain the security concerns for not allowing a public procession to take place.

The SACCORD Executive Director has told Qfm news in a separate interview that this explanation must be done in a transparent manner to avoid creating an impression that the Police’s motive to cite security concerns is only meant to block the procession from taking place.