ZAMBIA: Opposition says no to Police IG ban on face mask distribution

By: Ollus Ndomu

The main opposition United Party for National Development -UPND- and the Democratic Party -DP- have said no to Police Inspector, General Kakoma Kanganja’s new pronounced ban on distribution of face masks by opposition presidential candidates.

Kanganja ordered, Monday, a ban on distribution of face masks by opposition parties after allegedly receiving pressure from the ruling Patriotic Front -PF- and top government officials.

Local tabloids reported, Thursday, that the ruling party had challenged Police IG to stop the main opposition leader, Hakainde Hichilema from interacting with electorates through a nationwide face mask distribution program his party rolled out following the country’s President Edgar Lungu’s continued face mask distribution amidst tough restrictions against holding rallies and gatherings.

Meanwhile, Hichilema fondly called Bally, has maintained that he will continue with the exercise adding that the latest ban is a political ploy meant to disadvantage the opposition in the August 12 polls.