ZMP PROUD OF ITS PERFORMANCE IN JUST ENDED WARD BY ELECTION
ZAMBIA Must Prosper Party (ZMP) has expressed gratitude to the party’s foot soldiers and its candidate in the just ended Katilye ward by election for putting up a gallant fight amidst numerous electoral violations by the ruling UPND.
Party Secretary General, Ruth Chikasa says ZMP Party is proud of its performance in the just ended ward by elections as it was the first time the party was participating in elections since its launch in August of 2022.
This was despite not scooping the Katilye ward seat in Lupososhi.“Considering the continued political violence, intimidation and vote buying which marred the election, Mrs Chikasa said there is urgent need to work towards creating a much more fairer and level playing field in future elections,” Ms Chikasa said.
She has warned that the
country’s democracy is under threat because anti electoral vices have continued which the UPND while in opposition spoke strongly against but are now being perpetuated and tolerated under its watch.
Mrs Chikasa said that the party will therefore congratulate the UPND for scooping the three wards by elections in Chililabombwe, Serenje and Lupososhi with a passionate appeal to Government to implement electoral reforms aimed at entrenching democracy unlike the obtaining scenario where the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) fails to punish perpetrators of violence, intimidation and vote buying during an election. By elections were held in Chitimukulu, Katilye and Muchinda wards of Chililabombwe, Lupososhi and Serenje districts respectively which were marred by violence and threats of violence instigated by known UPND officials.
Mrs Chikasa said that results produced from such an environment cannot be said to be a true representation of the people’s wishes as such is nothing short of being sham process. She said that there is need for likeminded individuals, civil society organisations, labour movement, student unions, churches and political parties to stand up and speak against what is happening before it is too late because the trend has continued under the UPND Government.
Mrs Chikasa said under the servant leadership of president Kelvin Fube Bwalya (KBF), ZMP Party in Government will ensure a level playing field and autonomy of the ECZ to be able to discharge its functions in a truly professional manner that entrench and deepen the country’s democratic path.