President Hakainde Hichilema has warned that no individual or group will be allowed to disrupt Zambia’s electoral process, stating that those who engage in violence or intimidation will face the consequences of their actions.
The Head of State made the remarks shortly after he and Vice President Mutale Nalumango were validly nominated to contest the August 13 general elections as presidential candidate and running mate respectively.
Speaking to thousands of supporters who gathered to witness the filing of nomination papers, President Hichilema emphasized the need to protect Zambia’s democratic process and maintain peace throughout the election period.
“No one will be allowed to disrupt these elections. You come in the name of democracy, you disrupt elections, you are on your own. That’s my message to everybody,” President Hichilema said.
The President alleged that some political actors had contributed to violence in previous elections and urged all stakeholders to embrace peaceful political competition.
“They are the ones who brought violence in this country. They are the ones who brought pangas in this country. That is why shops are not even selling pangas,” he said.
President Hichilema reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order before, during and after the elections.
He stated that government would not hesitate to take action against anyone attempting to disturb public order or undermine the peaceful conduct of the electoral process.
The successful filing of his nomination papers marked the close of the presidential nomination process ahead of the August 13 general elections.
Sir If you cant read the mood of the people I can only but shed a tear
“were validly nominated to contest”
Implying others were invalidly nominated to contest?