Zambia police warn president's opponents

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, ZAMBIA (AA) – Zambian police warned Wednesday they would arrest and charge people who failed to recognize the election of President Edgar Lungu on Aug. 11.

Police spokeswoman Theresa Katongo told journalists in the capital Lusaka, failing to recognize the election of a president in Zambia was a criminal offense.

“Therefore, people failing to recognize the election of President Lungu will be charged and arrested. Also, people inciting others to reject the election of President Lungu will be doing so at their own peril.”

Her warning came three days after the Speaker of National Assembly ruled in parliament that Lungu was duly elected and people opposing his return were wasting their time.

The ruling came after the government’s chief spokesperson raised a point of order, seeking clarification as to whether the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) was in order by rejecting Lungu’s election.

UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has previously told police to stay out of the matter.

Police also confirmed Wednesday they are investigating fresh pronouncements by Hichilema that he does not recognize the election of the president.

“Once we conclude, we will summon [Hichilema] for questioning,” Katongo stated.