Entry Instance

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{
    "id": 763907,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/763907/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 200,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "2) The circumstance that led to the withdrawal of the security detail attached to both leaders. 3) Whether the withdrawal of security officers is an intimidation of candidates for presidential elections that were slated for 26th October, 2017. 4) Whether the Government is aware that this action puts the life of the two leaders in danger. 5) Whether the security officers attached to the two leaders will be reinstated considering that the leaders were actively involved in the campaigns for the presidential elections. Madam Temporary Speaker, the Minister wishes to state as follows:- 1) The Retirement Benefits Act No. 8 of 2015 on the Deputy President and the Designate State Officers Section 6(g) and 7(g) read with the second and third schedule states that the former Prime Minister and the Vice President are entitled to retirement benefits which include, among others, armed security guards which shall be provided on request by the entitled person. However, the Act does not specify the number of officers to be attached. 2)The redeployment of the security officers was normal for security rationalization and re-organization of all officers on VIP security duties. The Government is not aware that the redeployment of the officers jeopardized the security of the former Prime Minister and the former Vice President. 3) Further, the redeployment was not meant to intimidate their candidature. Through a continuous security assessment exercise, the Government ensured adequate security detail for all candidates who participated in both the Presidential election of 8th August, 2017 and the repeat Presidential election on 26th October, 2017. 4) Deployment of security details is subject to consideration of prioritization of security needs available and the human resource and emerging security threats. In the case of the two leaders, they had not reported any emerging security threat before, during and after the presidential elections. The current strength is considered to be sufficient based on rational assessment by the Office of the Inspector General, various personnel constraints and the current security situation in the country."
}