CONSISTENT ENFORCEMENT OF PUBLIC ORDER LAWS MATTERS IN AN ELECTION YEAR
As Zambia moves closer to another important election, the responsibility of maintaining peace, stability, and public order becomes more critical than ever.
Elections are a celebration of democracy, but they can also become periods of heightened political tension if laws governing public gatherings and political activities are ignored. 
It is for this reason that many citizens support the Zambia Police Service’s continued enforcement of laws regulating public gatherings.
While some opposition political parties and alliances have criticised the police for their actions, the reality is that maintaining law and order is one of the fundamental duties of any government that seeks to protect both democratic freedoms and public safety.
The challenge facing authorities is not the existence of political competition.
Zambia has a proud tradition of multiparty democracy, and every political party has a constitutional right to campaign and communicate with voters.
However, rights come with responsibilities, and political actors are equally expected to respect the laws that govern public assemblies, processions, and rallies.
History has repeatedly shown that when political groups like Tonse Alliance or individuals like Gary Nkombo choose confrontation over cooperation, tensions can quickly escalate.
Previous election periods have witnessed incidents where political cadres, supporters, and activists from various parties have engaged in activities that strained public order.
Such experiences explain why authorities remain cautious whenever political gatherings are organised without proper coordination with law enforcement agencies.
Critics often argue that enforcement of public-order laws limits democratic participation, yet no democracy can function effectively without rules.
Traffic regulations, business regulations and electoral regulations all exist to create order and predictability and public gathering laws serve a similar purpose by helping authorities manage security risks, prevent clashes between rival groups and ensure that ordinary citizens can go about their daily activities without disruption.
Those condemning police actions should also acknowledge the difficult position law enforcement officers occupy during election seasons.
The police are expected to balance competing constitutional rights while simultaneously preventing violence, property damage, and threats to public safety.
This is not an easy task. Officers are frequently criticised whether they intervene or choose not to intervene.
The principle that public assemblies should be regulated is not unique to modern Zambia. Even during the colonial period, authorities relied on legal mechanisms to control public gatherings whenever they believed public order was at risk.
While today’s Zambia is a democratic republic that rightly rejects colonial rule, the underlying principle remains the same: governments have a responsibility to prevent disorder and protect public safety.
The greater danger to democracy is not the existence of public-order regulations but the growing tendency among some political actors to portray compliance with lawful procedures as optional.
Such attitudes risk encouraging confrontation, confusion, and unnecessary tension during a period when national unity is most needed.
Political leaders like Mundubile and Nkombo across the spectrum should therefore encourage their supporters to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
These gentlemen should be told that campaigns can be vigorous and competitive without becoming chaotic, while disagreements can be expressed peacefully without disregarding established procedures.
As the election season intensifies, Zambia’s long-standing reputation for peace should remain the country’s guiding principle.
The police, political parties, civil society organisations, and ordinary citizens all have a role to play in safeguarding that reputation.
Ultimately, respect for the rule of law is not an obstacle to democracy but one of democracy’s most important foundations.
In an election year, maintaining peace and order is not merely a government responsibility but a national responsibility shared by all Zambians.
