Apply All COVID-19 Restrictions Equally – UK

British High Commissioner to Zambia, Nicholas Wooley, has commented that restrictions on public gatherings during campaign season should be applied equally across all parties.

Speaking to Copperbelt Permanent Secretary, Bright Nuduwe, Mr Wooley stressed that freedom of assembly is a prerequisite of a free, fair and transparent country.

As per the Zambian constitution, “no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of assembly and association,”.

Mr Wooley’s comments follow President Edgar Lungu’s announcement to direct police to strictly enforce COVID-19 regulations against political rallies, despite holding a public campaign launch event himself.

To add to this, Mr Wooley raised concerns over the levels of violence which had been seen so far in the run up to the August 12th general elections, such as the continued burning of UPND billboards. He added that it was unacceptable for political parties to engage in violence during campaigns.

Photo: Nicholas Wooley Twitter