UPND says PVT numbers positive for HH

The United Party for National Development (UPND) says its Parallel Voter Tabulation (PVT) numbers are showing positive results for its presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema.

UPND Campaign Manager Dipak Patel in a media statement today says Mr Hichilema has benefited from a high turnout of voters in UPND strongholds, as well as unprecedented levels of support across the country, particularly in Eastern province.

Mr Patel says the UPND has not announced or released these numbers as yet given that voting is still underway at some stations and following the decision of the ECZ to halt its announcements of the results until voting has closed.

He says the UPND is concerned that some individuals and political parties are looking to rush the announcement of the election result when it is imperative that every care needs to be taken to ensure the final result is accurate.

Mr Patel states that while it may prove a tiring and lengthy process, the democratic outcome must prevail regardless of delays that have resulted from the late commencement of voting in some polling stations, bad weather and the closeness of the race.

He adds that the ECZ must be allowed the time and space to complete its work.