SACCORD asks govt to review Public Order Act

Christine Munalula

The Southern African Center for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has called on the Government to expedite the process of reviewing the Public Order Act.

And the organization has called on political parties, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders to support the process of reviewing the Act by making sound recommendations.

Speaking during the August 11^th General Elections Report Sharing in Lusaka last evening, SACCORD Board Chairperson Christine Munalula says this year’s elections presented a menu of things that Zambians must work on and improve upon for democracy to strengthened.

Ms Munalula further stressed the need for the nation to prioritize the welfare of victims of political violence.

She says SACCORD recommends that a National Peace Mechanism must be put in place to provide a platform for addressing all matters of political violence.

And making a presentation on the elections overview, SACCORD Programs Officer Peter Mwanangombe said Police unfairly administered and applied the Public Order Act during the election period with the opposition being the victims.

Meanwhile, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Public Relations Manager Chris Akufuna said the commission has taken note of all the concerns raised by stakeholders with regards the management of elections and that there is room for improvement.