LAZ Tells Police To Stop Blocking HH

The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has criticised the police for continually preventing UPND Alliance presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema from conducting campaign activities in Chipata district of Eastern Province.

In a press statement, LAZ President Abyudi Shonga told reporters that all candidates are entitled to free access to the electorate and urged the police to stop harassing HH or any other political candidate. 

“LAZ encourages the police to carry out their functions professionally and bow only to the law,” he said. 

It follows the turbulent events of last week, during which HH was detained at Chipata airport for almost two hours by police. Prior to his arrival, the UPND leader had his convoy stopped on their way into Eastern Province while police fired at his supporters with tear gas canisters and smoke grenades. 

Hichilema called on the ECZ to intervene in the situation, asking why officers were being allowed to harass the UPND but leave the Patriotic Front to campaign freely.

“The police are unnecessarily provoking harmless citizens and disrupting our peaceful campaigns. They only impose these draconian measures on our campaigns leaving PF to campaign freely. In such an environment, how will you as Chief Elections Officer deliver free and fair elections for Zambians to elect leaders of their choice?” HH asked. 

A recent survey by the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) found that police in Zambia disrupt or attack political rallies hosted by the UPND far more frequently than any other major political party. 

The CCMG also noted that police were far more likely to use excessive force against UPND supporters, warning that this was severely limiting the campaign space for political parties.