Tonse Alliance rejects Lumezi poll results

By NATION REPORTER

THE Tonse Alliance says it has strongly rejected the outcome of the Lumezi Parliamentary by-election because the poll was marred by not only fraudulent electoral breaches but that it was brazenly stolen by the UPND, Raphael Nakacinda has said.
Mr Nakacinda, the Tonse Alliance secretary general says the alliance shall support a petition to have the Lumezi by-elections results because the UPND had openly and blatantly engaged in electoral malpractices.
In a communique yesterday after the Tonse Alliance council of leaders, Mr Nakacinda said the alliance had resolved to challenge the Lumezi by-election electoral injustices committed by the UPND against the alliance.
“The Tonse Council of Leaders extends its gratitude to the people of Lumezi for standing with the Alliance and delivering a strong contest under very difficult and hostile conditions. The Council categorically rejects the outcome of the Lumezi by-election, which was marred by blatant electoral malpractice. The intention of the Tonse Alliance to support formal petition of the results is to challenge this injustice,” Mr Nakacinda said.
Mr Nakacinda, who is also the Patriotic Front (PF) secretary general said the alliance had resolved to protect and guard the legacy of late former President Edgar Lungu, which he said the UPND was working hard to destroy through their propaganda.
He explained that the Tonse Alliance would remain in mourning over the tragic loss of former President Lungu and reaffirmed its unwavering support to the Lungu family and the principles the former head of State stood for.
“The Council of leaders strongly condemns the ongoing attacks by seemingly State-sponsored criminal elements – both locally and in South Africa – who are desperately trying to tarnish the name and distort the legacy of the late President Lungu. The UPND government’s silence in the face of these acts speaks volumes,” he said.
And Mr Nakacinda has announced that the Tonse Alliance has successfully adopted candidates for the upcoming Mfuwe parliamentary by-election and the two Ward by-elections in Nchelenge and Mpongwe.
He said the Council of Leaders had re-affirmed its collective resolve to campaign in unity and full coordination across all Alliance member parties.
Mr Nakacinda said the Alliance had taken firm action against the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) following its unlawful and biased decision to ban Patriotic Front campaign materials in Mfuwe.
“This blatant infringement on political rights and selective enforcement of the law will not be tolerated.