Police chief accused of intimidating opposition ahead of August elections

Police chief accused of intimidating opposition ahead of August elections

Zambia Must Prosper leader Kelvin Fube Bwalya has accused Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba of using his office to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the August general elections.

Mr Bwalya says recent remarks by Mr Musamba cautioning presidential hopefuls against causing disorder amount to an attempt to suppress dissent, warning that the governing United Party for National Development (UPND) is acting out of fear of electoral defeat.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by Emmanuel Mwamba, Mr Bwalya described the Inspector General’s statement as “deeply worrying”, arguing that law enforcement officials should not be drawn into political processes.

He suggested that the warning targeting candidates without valid adoption certificates from their political parties was being used as a tool of intimidation rather than a neutral enforcement of electoral regulations.

“You don’t begin to issue threats unless you know that you have already lost an election,” Mr Bwalya said, adding that opposition actors should take note of what he termed an “undercurrent” in the police chief’s remarks.

The controversy follows comments by Mwangala Zaloumis, chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), regarding candidate verification procedures.

According to Mr Bwalya, the ECZ’s proposal to delay confirmation of successful presidential nominations by two to three days could disadvantage candidates, particularly if irregularities are discovered after the nomination window has closed.

He described the move as a “trick”, arguing that under previous systems, candidates were informed promptly allowing time to correct any issues, including those relating to running mates or party membership.

Mr Bwalya further raised concerns about stricter verification requirements for supporters across the country’s provinces, suggesting that such measures could complicate the nomination process and lead to disqualifications.

The opposition leader warned that electoral authorities, including ECZ commissioners, could face consequences should the process be perceived as manipulated.

“Only the President enjoys immunity,” he said. “Others must act within the law and ensure fairness.”

Meanwhile, Mr Bwalya said he and his allies were working on strategies to counter what he described as attempts by the UPND to influence the electoral process.

The UPND has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.

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