President Lungu has not ruled out night time curfews

President Edgar Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has not ruled out night time curfews in specific areas following the invocation of article 31 of the republican constitution which guides how a nation should deal with an existing situation which, if allowed to continue may lead to a state of public emergency.

Addressing a media briefing at State house today, President Lungu says government will make regulations in accordance with the invoked power to regulate the conduct of certain people, but was quick to assure the public that the invocation of Article 31 is not meant to harass people or perceived opponents in the political arena, but curb the ever growing lawlessness seen in the recent past.

He notes that while there is a danger that the invoked power can be abused, he will ensure that the Zambian people are protected against any excesses on the part of those equipped with executive authority in the execution of protection of the public good.

President Lungu says if anyone is injured in the process they will have the liberty to go to court.

He states that the Police will have added power such as to stop and search, question and detain certain people.

President Lungu adds that under the invoked power, police will be able to detain people beyond the lawful 48 hours without charge.

And President Lungu says the national assembly will determine how long the invoked power will last.

Meanwhile President Lungu has maintained that there is no tension in the country, but acts of terrorism intended to intimidate him to revisit the decision of the electorate in the 2016 elections.

President Lungu says the theory is to put pressure on the government so that the outcome of the 2016 elections can be renegotiated, which he says cannot happen.

He says what is happening in the country is a systematic approach by the opposition to stampede government into talks for a power sharing arrangement.

President Lungu says the results of the 2016 elections cannot be revisited as the opposition would want with a view of a power sharing arrangement.