Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia Condemns Mwembeshi Political Violence

The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia has strongly condemned the violent attacks on independent candidate Mr. Mwamba and musician General Kanene in Mwembeshi, describing the incidents as a serious escalation of political intolerance.

Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Chairperson and Executive Director of AIPAC, Solomon Ngoma, has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia to issue an immediate and transparent statement on the attacks, warning that silence or delayed action could erode public confidence in the electoral process.

Mr. Ngoma has also urged the Zambia Police Service to swiftly arrest those responsible and reassure the public that no one is above the law.

He has further called on the Electoral Commission to suspend political campaigns in areas where violence is allegedly being perpetrated by suspected UPND cadres, saying the Commission must demonstrate its independence by ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral environment.

Mr. Ngoma has appealed to the UPND leadership to publicly denounce political violence, stating that continued violence threatens Zambia’s democratic gains and peaceful reputation.

He says peace remains the foundation of democracy, economic growth and investor confidence, adding that reports of violence occurring in the presence of police officers are deeply concerning.

Mr. Ngoma has also cited the recent United States security advisory cautioning its citizens about potential civil unrest in Zambia, saying the country must demonstrate its commitment to peace rather than reinforce such concerns.

The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia has urged political leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations and citizens to reject violence and safeguard the country’s democratic values and international reputation.