The Zambian Government has deployed soldiers to provide security ahead of the country’s general elections.
The deployment of the army became necessary following the alleged killings of two ruling party supporters.
Zambians will be going to polls on August 12, 2021 to elect a President and Members of Parliament.
Incumbent President Edgar Lungu who is seeking re-election has stated that the deployment of the military was aimed at helping to suppress electoral violence ahead of the 12 August general elections.
President Mr Lungu says “I have allowed the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force and Zambia National Service to help the Zambia Police in dealing with the security situation.”
But the deployed has been greeted with criticism by the opposition and other groups.
Zambia’s All People’s Congress (APC) party has indicated that the decision to involve the army is intended to cause “fear and intimidation” among the opposition.
Zambia has in recent days reportedly recorded acts of violence.
The incidents of violence, according to local media reports, have been perpetrated by ruling party and opposition supporters across Zambia in the run-up to the vote.
President Lungu’s main opponent for this year’s election is Hakainde Hichilema.
