BRITISH High commission to Zambia Nicholas Woolley has urged government to ensure the country’s democratic tenets are sustained during the forth-coming general elections.

According to a statement by Home Affairs public relations officer Nephas Chifuta, the envoy was speaking when he held a bilateral meeting with Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo.

He advised that political parties should be given a level playing field ahead of the August general elections.

“Mr Woodley appealed to the Zambian government is ensure that democratic tenets to which Zambia has been known for is sustained and nurtured. He said all political parties participating in the forth-coming general elections should be given a level playing field to enhance the growth of democracy in the country,” he stated.

Woolley also called for justice to prevail for the families of the 23rd December police shooting.

“The high commissioner further, appealed to the Minister of Home Affairs to ensure that justice is done for families of victims of the 23rd December 2020 shooting where two lives were lost in an unjustified manner and also upholding of the right to peaceful protests as enshrined in the constitution,” Chifuta stated.

And Chifuta stated that Kampyongo assured the commissioner that government was committed to upholding the country’s constitution.

“The Hon minister assured the High Commissioner of Zambia’s commitment to upholding he constitution and ensuring that the governance of the country is based on the rule of law and everybody will be treated equal before the law. He further said various stakeholders such as the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the Zambia Police Service and faith based organisations and civil society organisations would be engaged on how best the police service would administer the public order act to fit into the new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kampyongo said it is government’s desire to ensure that we hold peaceful elections and sustain the reputation Zambia has gained over the years as an oasis of peace,” stated Chifuta.