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Zambian leader warns against anarchy ahead of poll

Xinhua, February 16, 2016 Adjust font size:

Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Monday warned that he will not tolerate anarchy by any political grouping ahead of general elections scheduled to be held in August this year.

The Zambian leader, in remarks delivered following the violent conducts of opposition supporters in southern Zambia's Itezhi-tezhi district, said he will not condone anarchy ahead of the elections and has since directed the police to be on top of things.

On Saturday, suspected members of the main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND), ambushed people who were returning from a rally addressed by the Zambia leader and attacked them.

Three government vehicles were damaged in the process while two police officers were injured.

The opposition supporters who were armed with spears, machetes and stones held some of the people hostage until they were rescued by police reinforcement.

The opposition supporters also blocked a road that was used by Lungu's supporters from the rally and started throwing stones.

But the Zambian leader warned that he will be forced to use draconian measures to put an end to political violence ahead of the August 11 general elections, according to a statement released by his office.

The Zambian leader said his major concern was not the outcome of the election but the continued peace in the country, adding that he would not allow anarchy to prevail in the country.

According to him, if left unchecked, anarchy could plunge the country into political turmoil, a situation he will not entertain.

Kakoma Kanganja, the head of the Zambia police has since urged political leaders to restrain their supporters from engaging themselves in violence.

Political violence has continued in the country ahead of the general elections despite repeated calls for an end to the anarchy with analysts predicting that the situation may worsen if leaders don't reign in on the situation.

Lungu is seeking re-election after winning last January's presidential election caused by the death of President Michael Sata. He faces stiff challenge from main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema. Endit