INSPECTOR General of Police Lemmy Kajoba says enough police officers have been deployed to maintain law and order throughout the voting process in Kabwata Constituency.

And Kajoba says the police service has so far not recorded any political violence or malpractice-related reports during campaigns in Kabwata.

In a statement, Wednesday, Kajoba commended various political party leaders taking part in the by-election for exhibiting high levels of maturity, tolerance and respect for the law.

“As Zambia Police Service, we have deployed enough police officers on the ground in order to maintain law and order throughout the voting process at all polling stations under Kabwata Constituency. With regard to policing elections, it is our duty to create a safe and secure environment for all participating electoral stakeholders irrespective of their political affiliation or organisations. We will not tolerate illicit practices such as political violence and other electoral related offences,” he said.

“It is gratifying to mention that so far we have not recorded any political violence or malpractice related case as campaigns by all political party players have been going on peacefully and incident free. We commend the various political party leadership taking part in the Kabwata by-election for exhibiting high levels of maturity, tolerance and respect for the law.”

Kajoba warned that the police would not tolerate any form of lawlessness.

“In view of the forthcoming Parliamentary by-election for Kabwata Constituency in Lusaka Province scheduled for Thursday, 3rd February, 2022, we wish to advise all Political players to adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Process Act and other related pieces of legislation. To the citizenry, it is the duty and responsibility of every individual to see to it that peace prevails at all times even after this By-Election. We would like to warn all those that would want to cause confusion to reconsider their intentions as the Police will not tolerate any form of lawlessness and perpetrators and all those involved will be dealt with accordingly. The rule of law shall and will always be applied firmly and fairly, all culprits found wanting must be dealt with sternly,” said Kajoba.