Macdonald Chipenzi

By Macdonald Chipenzi

THE CATCALLS FOR STATE OF PUBLIC EMERGENCY: ELECTROAL IMPLICATION.

Some people have already started luring the President to declare a state of public emergency to curb violence.

Some of those calling for this action from president are political leaders who are not even participating in this election.

Indeed violence must be condemned and arrested and those self imposed commanders who are in most cases the aggressors and perpetrators must be arrested and caged.

But what is the implication?

It cannot be the first time or the first country to hold an election under a statement of public emergency.

This is because in 1991, the first multiparty democratic elections were held under a state of public emergency.

Egypt has been holding elections under a state of public emergency since the Hosni Mubarak left power and campaigns have been held regardless.

However, the only difference between an ordinary electoral environment and one held under a state of public emergency is that the ordinary is policed by the police while the one under emergency is policed by the Defence Forces.

Polling stations, voting, tallying, announcements and declaration including campaigns are done under the watchful eye of the Defence men and women well armed and in combat.

So those who think a state of public emergency will reschedule or obliterate the August 12 General Election are wrong and most just promote peaceful campaigns than violence.

So let us not fear to hold our August 12 General Election despite the teething and unique challenges affecting this election.

Let us support the ECZ and police who are doing their level best to ensure that the elections are held in a free and fair manner despite the provocation and limited support from the state.

Those engaging in acts of violence to trigger a state of public emergency must be proven wrong.

Therefore, the call for a state of public emergency has very limited impact on the hold of the August 12 General Election.

I submit

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