Minister of Home Affairs & Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu says his ministry in conjunction with the Zambia Police Service are working round the clock to ensure that tomorrow’s Petauke Central parliamentary by-elections are conducted in a peaceful manner.
Mwiimbu has assured residents of Petauke that the police will contain any potential violence or incidents likely to hinder the electoral process on election day tomorrow.
“I would to assure the residents of Petauke that as you progress towards the elections tomorrow, the Zambia Police Service and other security wings that are operating within the constituency will ensure that there is law and order,” Mwiimbu told reporters this afternoon in Petauke.
Mwiimbu says the police has taken note of claims by certain political parties that there are groups of people that camped in Petauke with the intention to cause violence tomorrow.
“I am aware of the allegations that have been made and we have been advising our friends to report any incident to the police and they will investigate those incidents,” he said.
He has since appealed to all participating political parties and members of the public to collaborate with the police and report any individuals or incidents that are designed to disrupt the electoral process.
“The issue is that members of the public must corporate with the police because if they don’t corporate with the police it will be difficult for the police to find the culprits,” the Minister said.
Nonetheless, Mwiimbu reported that the situation in Petauke remains calm and peaceful ahead of tomorrow’s elections.
“I am however happy to note that generally the situation on the ground in Petauke has been peaceful apart from one incident that was reported but I can assure the people of Petauke that we will maintain law and order,” he said.
The parliamentary by-elections in Petauke Central as well as Pambashe constituencies are set to be held tomorrow with political campaigns set to officially close at 18:00 hours today.
