– Political Parties urged to be peaceful ahead of the Solwezi by-elections

Political Parties urged to be peaceful ahead of the Solwezi by-elections

Solwezi, July 15^th, 2013 , ZANIS —-   Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani has called for peaceful campaigns in the run up to July 25, Solwezi East constituency parliamentary by-election.

And   Police Senior Superintendent Rae Hamoonga says as a wing entrust with the responsibility to maintain peace, law and order police shall not relent to bring to justice any perpetrators of electoral violence.

Ms Libongani said all stakeholders participating in the forthcoming Solwezi east parliamentary by-election must ensure that they maintain law and order if they have to campaign in a peaceful environment.

ZANIS reports that the  Inspector General was speaking in an interview  in Solwezi District shortly after visiting St Dorothy, Kalilele and Kabisapi areas in Solwezi East constituency yesterday.

Ms Libongani said by-elections across the country have been a major source of concern to the police due to the possibilities of having violence adding that everything possible is being done to ensure that all elections are conducted in a peaceful manner.

She expressed hope that the Solwezi East by-election will be held in a peaceful environment and advised people to exercise restraint and not perpetuate violence.

Ms Libongani assured all political parties and other stakeholders participating in the July 25 parliamentary by-election across the country that the police will provide equal security and handle complaints related to elections professionally to enable them campaign peacefully.

Meanwhile,  Police Senior Superintendent Rae Hamoonga says as a wing entrust with the responsibility to maintain peace, law and order police shall not relent to bring to justice any perpetrators of electoral violence.

He said this in Solwezi east constituency over the week-end during the community sensitization campaign on the dangers of electoral malpractices done by Zambia Police Nkwazi Theater Group.

Mr. Hamoonga said it is the desire of the Zambia Police to see elections be held in a peaceful environment and free from corrupt practices such as bribery and vote buying among others.

He appealed to the candidates and their supporters to adhere to the electoral code of conduct to avoid being in conflict with the law.