BAN INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OBSERVES, ECZ URGED

By KALOBWE BWALYA ELECTORAL Commission of Zambia (ECZ) should completely ban international election observers as a way of curbing the rising number of covid-19 cases in the country, Democracy and motherland defenders coalition (DMDC) spokesperson Andrew Ntewewe has said. And Mr Ntewewe urged ECZ not hesitate to impose stiffer punishment if political players do not change their ways of conducting their political campaigns. He expressed concern over the escalating levels of political violence and the devastating effects of the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Ntewewe however feels the head of state should invoke emergency powers if violence continues to be recorded despite the measures put in place by the ECZ to curb the vice. Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Ntewewe said the coalition continues to be dismayed at the levels of political violence that the country is currently experiencing. Mr Ntewewe noted that the escalating number of people contracting covid 19 is alarming, therefore the country has to take drastic measures to redress the situation. He has welcomed the drastic measures and restrictions imposed by the ECZ as such will enhance discipline among political players. And Mr Ntewewe said the coalition has lost confidence in the police command in so far as policing this year’s election is concerned, further called on Zambia police to ensure that adherence and strict observance of the sanctions by the ECZ. He states that despite Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja being on a six months probation period, very little improvement has been recorded and has since appealed to President Lungu to take drastic action and ensure the country’s peace and stability are guarded.