The Zambian Government has warned that the law will continue to apply throughout the electoral period, stressing that the holding of elections does not suspend the country’s legal framework or prevent law enforcement agencies from taking action against suspected offenders. Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said yesterday that anyone who breaks the law should expect to face the consequences regardless of the political activities taking place across the country. His remarks come amid growing concerns over reports of individuals allegedly receiving security training outside the country and statements by some political party leaders suggesting that their supporters are prepared to kill or be killed during the elections. Government has indicated that such developments raise serious concerns about public safety, national security and the preservation of peace during the electoral process. Kawana’s warning therefore serves as a reminder that political competition must remain within the boundaries of the law.
Kawana said the holding of elections has not suspended the operation of the law and that law enforcement agencies will continue carrying out their responsibilities. He explained that individuals suspected of participating in activities that threaten national security can still be arrested and investigated even during the electoral period. This position comes as some arrests have been described by political figures and other commentators as abductions, a characterisation that Government has rejected in relation to the cases it addressed. According to Kawana, the individuals involved are allegedly connected to activities linked to threats to national security, treason and other related offences. He stressed that the seriousness of the allegations requires the authorities to act where there is sufficient reason to suspect that individuals may be involved in conduct capable of undermining national security.
The Permanent Secretary placed particular emphasis on cases in which suspects were allegedly found in possession of military apparatus and equipment. He said the possession of such equipment by individuals who are not authorised to have it raises significant security concerns, particularly when the country is approaching or conducting an election. Kawana specifically referred to firearms such as AK-47 assault rifles, which are restricted to authorised military and police use. He explained that a private citizen may legally own a firearm where the appropriate licence has been issued, but such authorisation does not extend to an AK-47 assault rifle because the weapon is reserved for military purposes. The Government’s position is that allegations involving the unlawful possession of military-grade equipment cannot simply be overlooked because the country is in an electoral period.
The warning also follows concerns raised by some political party leaders who reportedly acknowledged sending individuals outside the country for security training. According to the concerns cited by Government, some of those individuals have indicated that they are prepared to kill or be killed during the elections. Kawana said Government cannot take such developments lightly because statements of this nature, combined with alleged military training, could have serious implications for peace and national security. Elections are intended to provide citizens with a lawful way to choose their political representatives, and Government has stressed that political ambitions cannot justify the use or threat of violence. The authorities therefore appear determined to scrutinise activities that they believe could contribute to instability before, during or after the electoral process.
Kawana further cautioned individuals who may be planning to disrupt the elections that they should expect law enforcement agencies to take appropriate action in accordance with the law. He said Government will not allow peace and national security to be threatened by individuals seeking political power through unlawful means. The warning places responsibility on political parties, their supporters and other participants in the electoral process to ensure that their activities remain peaceful and lawful. It also signals that the authorities intend to continue monitoring conduct that could potentially interfere with the electoral process or place members of the public at risk. While political disagreements are expected during elections, Government has made it clear that those disagreements must not develop into actions that threaten public safety or national security.
The Government also provided further details about some of the individuals who have been arrested in connection with the allegations. Kawana said some of those arrested are foreigners and are allegedly linked to individuals with military backgrounds. He also indicated that some people connected to the matter have since left the country, adding another dimension to the investigations. These claims remain matters for law enforcement investigations and any subsequent legal proceedings to establish the facts and determine responsibility. The Government’s statements nonetheless underline the extent of its concerns about alleged networks involving individuals with military experience, foreign nationals and people suspected of participating in activities considered a threat to national security.
Kawana also addressed the confiscation of material allegedly intended for use during the elections and disputed claims concerning the amount of money involved. He said there had been claims that about 800,000 kwacha had been raised, but the amount confiscated was reportedly in excess of 7.3 million kwacha. The difference between the figures has added to Government’s concerns about the scale of the activities under investigation and the intended use of the resources. However, the significance of the confiscated funds and materials will ultimately depend on the findings of the relevant investigations and any evidence presented through the appropriate legal processes. Government’s decision to highlight the figures reflects its broader argument that alleged preparations capable of disrupting the electoral process must be treated seriously.
The Government’s message comes at a sensitive time when political parties and their supporters are focused on elections and the competition for political power. The authorities have drawn a clear distinction between legitimate political activity and conduct that they believe violates the law or threatens national security. Kawana’s remarks indicate that the electoral calendar does not create a legal exemption for people accused of committing offences, nor does participation in political activities provide protection from investigation or arrest where lawful grounds exist. At the same time, allegations surrounding arrests, military equipment, security training and election-related funding require due process so that claims are properly investigated and decisions are based on evidence. Maintaining public confidence in the electoral process will depend not only on preventing unlawful activity but also on ensuring that law enforcement actions are conducted in accordance with the law.
The warning ultimately reinforces the Government’s position that the electoral period must not become an environment in which individuals believe they can operate outside the law. Political parties and citizens have a responsibility to protect peace by rejecting violence, unlawful military activity and efforts to intimidate or disrupt the electoral process. Government has stated that it will continue to rely on law enforcement agencies to respond to suspected threats and that those who break the law should expect to face the consequences. The allegations raised by Kawana are serious, but they must also be subjected to proper investigation and legal scrutiny as the country moves through the electoral period. With the elections underway, the Government’s central message is that political competition may continue, but the law remains in force and national security will remain a priority.