By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has directed law enforcement agencies to arrest all perpetrators of violence in Mazabuka following an attack on Garry Nkombo by alleged UPND cadres as he went to file as an independent lawmaker.
The President reiterated that electoral lawlessness would not be tolerated and that all those responsible will face the full force of the law regardless of political affiliation or social standing.
In a Facebook post on May 20, 2026, President Hichilema stated that his position on maintaining law and order during the nomination period remained firm and unchanged.
He condemned the scenes of individuals attempting to prevent the lawful filing of nominations.
“The scenes circulating on social and other media of individuals attempting to prevent the lawful filing of nominations are unacceptable, undemocratic, and a direct violation of the rule of law,” he said.
President Hichilema said the acts witnessed in Mazabuka and elsewhere undermined democratic processes and the rule of law, stressing that Zambia was governed by laws, not intimidation, violence, or mob conduct.
He called on law enforcement to act swiftly and professionally in handling those involved.
“I therefore expect law enforcement agencies to move swiftly and professionally to arrest all those responsible. Zambia is governed by laws, not intimidation, violence, or mob conduct,” the Head of State said.
President Hichilema said the State would act firmly and decisively against all forms of electoral violence and disorder.
He warned that those seeking to test the Government’s resolve on law and order are acting on their own.
“Let me be unequivocal: those who wish to test this Government’s resolve to maintain law and order are entirely on their own. The State will act firmly and decisively against all forms of electoral violence and disorder,” President Hichilema said.
He urged citizens to allow the electoral process to proceed within the confines of the law, reaffirming that no individual was above the law and that accountability would apply equally to all.
President Hichilema issued the statement in Lusaka following reports of disruptions during the nomination period, including the incident in Mazabuka.
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