By SIMON MUNTEMBA
THE deployment of the defence forces is welcomed because have an obligation of safe guarding the rights and privileges of the citizenry as enshrined in the constitution, Germany Ambassador to Zambia Anne Wagner-Mitchell has said.
Dr. Wagner-Mitchell who welcomed the deployment of the defence wings to help keep law, order and peace as the country goes to the polls tomorrow said the decision would help in ensuring peace during the election period.
Commenting on the recent deployment of defence forces by President Edgar Lungu to conduct patrols, Dr. Wagner-Mitchell said the defence security forces have an important role to play before, during voting and after the announcement of election results.
She reiterated that the presence of the defence wings was vital especially after the announcement of the August 12 general elections results.
“The security forces will have an important role to play here, they have to safe guard rights and the privileges of everyone as enshrined in the constitution. Their role will be important now and after the announcement of the results,” she said.
Dr. Wagner-Mitchell also said the desire of the European Union was for elections to be held in a safe and conducive environment.
She said Zambians should be allowed to express their will freely despite one’s political affiliation.
“We want a safe and conducive environment in which every Zambian irrespective of political affiliation are able to express their will on the election day,” she said.
