By CHILA NAMAIKO –
THE Government has reinforced the existing security establishments in all border areas as a precaution against threats to peace by some opposition political parties ahead of the August 11 general elections.
. MULENGA
Defence Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga has since called on ‘power-hungry’ opposition politicians to desist from using violence as a means to assume power.
Mr Mulenga said the security and defence personnel were on high alert and would not allow a situation where some political party leaders recently declared in the media that they would reject the election results and cause anarchy should President Edgar Lungu win.
“As Ministry of Defence, we have put [in place] several security measures and we are closely monitoring all border areas to ensure national peace and unity is not threatened,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Mr Mulenga said security personnel were working hard to ensure peace and unity prevailed before, during and after the elections.
He warned those who would want to cause anarchy that the law would sternly deal with them because the Government’s desire was to guarantee Zambians an uninterrupted peaceful environment.
“Our message is for every person to behave well and avoid acts that would bring anarchy at the expense of the country’s peace and unity,” Mr Mulenga said.
The deputy minister said Zambia had for many years been known as a haven of peace, hence the need for the citizens to allow a peaceful election atmosphere.
Mr Mulenga said the political hostility being caused by some politicians, who in most cases used their party youths as tools of violence, had the potential to result in insurgency if left unchecked.
He praised President Lungu for his continued efforts to preach about peace and unity which should be embraced by all politicians and the Church.
Mr Mulenga said the Patriotic Front administration would remain firm in delivering sustainable development while fulfilling its campaign promises, hence the need for Zambians to continue supporting Mr Lungu.
