UPND Statement on the just ended local government elections.

The United Party for National Development (UPND) would like to thank all the people who turned up to vote for our local government candidates. We note that we have won some seats and lost others. We also note that the UPND has performed well in PF strongholds, judging by the numbers of people who turned up to vote for our local government candidates.
Many people failed to go and vote because of the political violence engineered by the PF. Some roads leading to polling stations were blocked by the PF while our polling agents in some polling stations were chased by PF cadres. Our leaders such as National Chairman Mutale Nalumango were beaten on polling day.

The PF also openly engaged in bribery even on polling day as witnessed in Luapula Province where PF were giving mealie meal to voters on the queue at polling stations.

Under these circumstances, the elections were not credible.
It appears that the PF has employed political violence as a strategy for winning elections. This is a dangerous strategy which has potential to create conflict in Zambia. If other political parties resort to violence to win elections, what will happen?

Lastly, we note that PF have issued a statement purporting to have been issued by me claiming that the elections were free and fair and that UPND will withdraw all election petitions that are before courts of law. This is PF propaganda which is malicious and criminal. It should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.

Issued by:
Charles Kakoma,
UPND Spokesperson