Zambian gov't warns alarmists ahead of presidential election

The Zambian government on Monday warned political parties peddling alarming statements in the run- up to next week's presidential election to stop doing so because such acts could plunge the country into chaos.

The Zambian government has expressed concern that the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) has continued to issue alarming statements that could plunge the country into chaos.

Last week, Hakainde Hichilema, the party's leader said he has already won the election while on Saturday his members impounded trucks that were delivering election materials on suspicion that the trucks were carrying pre-marked ballot papers aimed at rigging the election in favor of the governing party candidate.

But when the trucks were taken to a police station, it was discovered that the trucks were carrying folding chairs and tables, lanterns and batteries for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) .

Chief Government Spokesperson Joseph Katema said the government was concerned with the continued alarmist behavior of some political parties and will ensure that people spreading such rumor- mongering were dealt with by the law.

"I wish to warn that the law will be fairly applied on all those who instill fear in the citizenry by making dangerous and unsubstantiated claims that have the potential to cause political unrest in the country," he said in a statement emailed to Xinhua.

The chief government spokesperson has since advised political leaders to restrain their supporters from actions that could plunge the country into chaos, adding that the government was concerned at the levels of indiscipline among supporters of political leaders who were committing acts of criminality under the guise of vigilance and in total disregard of the rule of law.

"Zambia has law enforcement agencies in place and therefore, any suspicions of criminal activities must be reported to these institutions which all Zambians should trust and respect," he said.

"Government, therefore, warns all political cadres that it shall not condone mischief and hooliganism, especially as displayed by United Party for National Development cadres who at the weekend assumed the role of law enforcement officers and impounded trucks carrying materials for the Electoral Commission of Zambia," he added.

The electoral governing body has also implored political parties to stop issuing alarming speculations that may create anxiety among citizens.

Cris Akufuna, the electoral body's public relations officer said political parties should ensure that they make their statements based on evidence and not to alarm the nation.

Zambia will hold a presidential election on Jan. 20 necessitated by the death of President Michael Sata last October. Endi