Deployment Of Soldiers Unnecessary – Zitukule

Zitukule Consortium have said that the deployment of soldiers onto the streets in the run up to the August 12 general elections was an unnecessary decision made by the Patriotic Front government.

In a statement, executive director of Zitukule Consortium Nicholas Phiri acknowledged the importance of promoting peace during the election period however felt that the addition of soldiers to security forces already in place was not required.

“The conditions and context prevailing in the country today do not justify the deployment of soldiers ahead of or during the election. Like in the past, the Zambia Police Service has been able to police elections and they should be able to do the same now given that more financial resources have been invested in homeland security,” he said.

Phiri said he felt that the deployment of soldiers in itself sparks insinuations of vote rigging, as a result of Lungu’s involvement in the army.

“It must be remembered that the incumbent is not only a presidential candidate in this election, but also the Commander-In-Chief of armed forces,” he added.

Zitukule Consortium is a human rights network composed of sixteen non-governmental organisations whose primary concern is the promotion of women and children’s rights in Zambia.