Mpika District Electoral Officer, Samuel Musenga has urged uniformed staff to remain professional and diligent in the execution of their duties before, during, and after the forthcoming general elections.
Mr Musenga said police officers must be on high alert in maintaining law and order, especially as the country heads towards the general elections scheduled for August this year.
Mr Musenga said this during the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) briefing for uniformed officers that was held in Mpika district ahead of the filing of nominations.
He said uniformed officers play a crucial role in creating a peaceful and secure environment that allows voters to freely and confidently express themselves in the electoral process.
Mr Musenga emphasised that uniformed staff are key in the electoral process as they are both critical and indispensable.
He noted that the presence of security personnel inspires confidence among members of the public and encourages higher voter participation.
He said it is important that every uniformed officer deployed during the electoral period fully understands their responsibilities and conducts themselves in a manner that upholds the dignity of the institutions they represent.
Mr Musenga added that the briefing was both necessary and timely, as it would equip uniformed officers with important information needed for the execution of their duties in the electoral process.
He stated that they need to ensure that they are not caught off guard by any developments in the field.
He further urged the officers to remain impartial at all times and to avoid conduct that could be perceived as partisan, warning that any breach of professional standards during the electoral period could undermine public trust in the entire election process.
Mr Musenga has further appealed to the general public and voters to strictly adhere to the electoral code of conduct and to cooperate with security officers deployed at polling centres and other electoral venues across the district.
He expressed confidence that with the combined efforts of security personnel, electoral officials, civil society, and an informed electorate, Mpika district would conduct a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.
Meanwhile, Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) Mpika District Chairperson, Amod Nyimbili commended the ECZ for conducting the briefing.
He described the briefing as a proactive and commendable measure ahead of the nomination period.
Mr Nyimbili said the briefing would significantly help the men and women in uniform to discharge their duties with greater awareness and professionalism.
He added that FODEP remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at ensuring that Zambia conducts free, fair, and peaceful elections.
“This meeting is important to prepare for free and fair elections,” he said.
