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Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba has warned that the Zambia Police Service would not tolerate political violence, intimidation, or lawlessness during the 2026 general election cycle.
Musamba said the police were reminding citizens, political players, and stakeholders of the need to maintain law and order throughout the electoral process.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Musamba cited recent incidents in Mazabuka, Chavuma, Kaoma, Mumbwa, and other areas where political cadres reportedly attacked people aspiring to contest as independent candidates.
He described the attacks as deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable.
“Such acts are criminal, undermine the democratic principles upon which our Republic is founded, and shall not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Musamba said.
He quoted President Hakainde Hichilema, who he said had made it clear that those perpetrating political violence would not hide behind political parties; they are on their own, and the law will deal with them accordingly.
Musamba said the Zambia Police Service fully aligned with the President’s position and warned that any individual or group engaging in political violence, intimidation, hate speech, disorderly conduct, or attacks against opponents and independent aspirants would face the full force of the law, regardless of political affiliation or status.
“Zambia is a democratic state governed by the rule of law, and all political parties, candidates, cadres, and supporters are expected to conduct themselves in a civilised, peaceful, and lawful manner,” he said.
Musamba stated that political competition should never degenerate into violence, anarchy, intimidation, or lawlessness.
He said he had directed all Police Commissioners across the country to act firmly, professionally, impartially, and without fear or favour in dealing with perpetrators of political violence and public disorder.
Musamba added that any person found disturbing public peace, inciting violence, damaging property, or undermining national security must be arrested immediately and taken to court.
He said the police had developed and operationalised an Electoral Security Plan with four key objectives being preventing electoral violence through proactive policing and intelligence gathering; protecting candidates, voters, and stakeholders, ensuring neutrality and professionalism in law enforcement; and promoting peace and national stability.
“There shall be zero tolerance for political violence, intimidation, lawlessness, incitement, or any acts capable of disturbing public order and national peace,” Musamba warned.
He urged the public, political leaders, civil society, and stakeholders to cooperate with law enforcement by promptly reporting acts of violence, criminality, or suspicious activities related to the elections.
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