By MUKWIMA CHILALA
Government is committed to making changes to the Public order act, says President Hakainde Hichilema.
Speaking when he met the African Union Election Observer mission at State House today, President Hichilema said the Public Order Act was abused in the last 10 years and that his government would make some improvements to it.
President Hichilema also said there is need for reforms in the Electoral Commission of Zambia. The head of state said government was committed to enhancing democracy in Zambia.
He said that his party, the UPND had suffered a lot of oppression while in the opposition due to the Public Order Act and that it would not want to inflict the same on others .
And AU chief of the election observer mission in the just ended election Dr Enerst Bai Karoma said there was need for review of the Public Order Act which had been a serious source of concern among stakeholders.
And Dr Koroma expressed concern at the low percentage of women participation in politics.
Dr Koroma, who is also former President of Sierra Leone recommended that support should be given to women and youths.
He added that the missions’ Interactions with various political parties revealed that there was need to have the Public Order Act reviewed .
Dr Karoma added that there was also need to regulate the activities of political parties through an Act .
He added that there was need to seriously engage the Electoral Commission of Zambia to build confidence for future elections .
Dr Karoma has been in the country to meet various stakeholders in the August general election and make recommendations on the country’s electoral process.
