The Southern African Center for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has called on the Government to expedite the process of reviewing the Public Order Act.
And the organization has called on political parties, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders to support the process of reviewing the Act by making sound recommendations.
Speaking during the August 11th General Elections Report Sharing in Lusaka last week Friday SACCORD Board Chairperson Christine Munalula said this year’s elections presented a menu of things that Zambians must work on and improve upon for democracy to be strengthened.
Ms Munalula further stressed the need for the nation to prioritize the welfare of victims of political violence.
She said SACCORD recommends that a National Peace Mechanism must be put in place to provide a platform for addressing all matters of political violence.
And making a presentation on the elections overview, SACCORD Programs Officer Peter Mwanangombe said Police unfairly administered and applied the Public Order Act during the election period with the opposition being the victims.
Mr Mwanagombe also said noted that the elections were not free and fair as it was characterised by political violence in a number of places.
Meanwhile, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Public Relations Manager Chris Akufuna said the commission has taken note of all the concerns raised by stakeholders with regards the management of elections and that there is room for improvement.
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Isn’t this the baby of parliament?
Pa Zambia mwandi, nicimfulumfulu fye. You have institutions that do everything but what they were designed to do.
The sad part is, we think it is ok. Tuli ndwiii
As we stand today, scrapping of POA would be a recipe for anarchy. And the two speakers already appear to be politically inclined.