Zambia Army not intimidating citizens - Kawana

By MUBITA KATETE

GOVERNMENT says assertions that Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele has been threatening citizens by cautioning against lawlessness before, during and after the August 13 general elections are untrue, unfounded and speculative and inconsistent with the Constitution.

Thabo Kawana, the Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary says Government had noted with serious concern attempts to misrepresent the role of the Zambia Army regarding its constitutional mandate and during elections.

Mr Kawana said the Defence Force was established under Article 192 of the Constitution and operated strictly under civilian authority, with executive authority vested in President Hakainde Hichilema in line with Article 92 of the Constitution.

He said that under Section 5 of the Defence Act, the Defence Force is legally mandated to defend the country and may also be assigned additional responsibilities by the President in the national interest, including supporting civil authorities when necessary.

“Any suggestion that the Zambia Army is constitutionally barred from supporting civil authorities is not only incorrect, but legally indefensible,” Mr Kawana said.

Mr Kawana said the law clearly assigned responsibility for the administration and conduct of elections to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), while the Zambia Police Service was responsible for maintaining law and order at polling stations and handling electoral offences.

He said the Zambia Army has no role in administering, supervising or managing elections and would only be involved under lawful authority in a strictly supportive capacity.

The clarification follows public debate over remarks attributed to Lt-Gen Zyeele that the army would “ensure and enforce order before, during and after elections.”

Mr Kawana said the statement had been taken out of context and should not be interpreted as a claim of electoral authority.

Mr Kawana has reaffirmed that the Zambia Army remains a professional, disciplined and non-partisan institution whose loyalty is to the Constitution and the people of Zambia, not to any political party or interest group.

Ends.