Zambia heightens security ahead of polls

Supporters of Zambian President Edgar Lungu campaign on the streets in Lusaka, Zambia, Tuesday Aug, 10, 2021. (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi via CFP)

The Zambian government said on Wednesday that security has been heightened in some identified hotspots ahead of the general election slated for Thursday, Aug. 12.

Simon Miti, Secretary to the Cabinet, said security has been heightened especially in places that have witnessed violence in the run-up to the elections.

"Government wishes to emphasize the need for peace before, during and after voting and reminds all citizens that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure that peace continues to exist before, during and after elections," he said in a statement.

He added that regular policing by the police was expected to be adequate in the remaining parts of the country in order to maintain law and order.

Government, he said, expects all political parties to respect the law and allow only their designated election and polling agents to remain within the polling stations to avoid causing disorder.

He reiterated the government's commitment to adhere to the provision of the country's constitution and ensure that all registered voters were allowed to vote.

The government has since declared Thursday and Friday as public holidays.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency