The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral environment ahead of the 2026 presidential and parliamentary elections.
Speaking on NBS Frontline on Thursday, the Democratic Party (DP) President emphasized that political rallies and campaign activities should proceed without interference, noting that the role of the police is limited to ensuring the safety and orderly movement of political actors.
“As far as I am concerned, if you have a rally, you can reach your venue, and the police will only ensure you get there safely,” Mao said.
Addressing concerns over incidents involving security agencies and campaign-related violence, Mao condemned any form of excessive force or misconduct by officers, stressing that no one within the security apparatus is above the law.
“For those officers who have engaged in violence, they are not above the law. What matters most is to identify the problem, which is essentially impunity,” he said.
Mao reiterated the government’s obligation to uphold justice, protect fundamental rights, and maintain accountability, particularly within law enforcement. He called on political players, security agencies, and the public to collaborate in strengthening trust and preserving peace during the election period.