Police have sent more officers to Mpongwe and Livingstone ahead of the by-elections on February 28.

Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela has said the officers will swiftly arrest any person suspected to be fanning violence during the campaign process.

Kanjela said police officers on the ground are currently conducting patrols and screening every suspect that might be carrying offensive weapons.

She has since advised all political parties to conduct their campaigns in a civilized manner.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani has directed her arsenals at the United Party for National Development (UPN) saying she will deal with the Mapatizya formula.

Libongani, without explaining her understanding of the Mapatizya formula, says her officers were alive to any sort of strategy aimed at destabilise the peace of the country.

In Mpongwe, the seat fell vacant after PF candidate Gabriel Namulambe - the former MMD chairman for elections - quit the former ruling party to save himself from corruption prosecution.

Namulambe (PF), Miniver Mutesa (MMD) and Rabson Chilufya (UPND), are among the five candidates contesting the seat while in Livingstone - the seat left vacant by the resignation of UPND Reverend Howard Sikwela - Lawrence Evans (PF), Regina Musokotwane (UPND) and Fred Siasuntwe (MMD).