501 ViewsPresident Hakainde Hichilema says he is disturbed by the manhandling of former Mazabuka Central legislator Garry Nkombo. Posting on his social media handle, Hichilema said the scenes circulating on social and other media of individuals attempting to prevent the lawful filing of nominations are unacceptable, undemocratic, and a direct violation of the rule of […]

501 Views

President Hakainde Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema says he is disturbed by the manhandling of former Mazabuka Central legislator Garry Nkombo.

Posting on his social media handle, Hichilema said the scenes circulating on social and other media of individuals attempting to prevent the lawful filing of nominations are unacceptable, undemocratic, and a direct violation of the rule of law.

He ordered the law enforcement agencies to move swiftly and professionally to arrest all those responsible.

President Hichilema emphasized that Zambia is governed by laws, not intimidation, violence, or mob conduct.

“Let me be unequivocal: those who wish to test this Government’s resolve to maintain law and order are entirely on their own. The State will act firmly and decisively against all forms of electoral violence and disorder,” President Hichilema said.

Hichilema’s reaction comes after Nkombo was attacked by suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres as he tried to file his nomination papers as an independent.

He writes:

Fellow citizens,

A few days ago, I made it clear that electoral lawlessness will not be tolerated and that all perpetrators, regardless of political affiliation or social standing, would face the full force of the law. That position remains firm and unchanged.

The scenes circulating on social and other media of individuals attempting to prevent the lawful filing of nominations are unacceptable, undemocratic, and a direct violation of the rule of law.

I therefore expect law enforcement agencies to move swiftly and professionally to arrest all those responsible. Zambia is governed by laws, not intimidation, violence, or mob conduct.

Let me be unequivocal: those who wish to test this Government’s resolve to maintain law and order are entirely on their own.

The State will act firmly and decisively against all forms of electoral violence and disorder.

Hakainde Hichilema,

President of the Republic of Zambia.