Soldiers have been deployed in Zambia ahead of the country’s elections.
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 says the deployment of the military was aimed at helping to suppress electoral violence ahead of the 12 August general elections.
According to President Mr Lungu, “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.
By Melvin Tarlue