Voting underway as Lungu calls for peace

President Edgar Chagwa Lungu casts his vote at Andrew Mwenya Polling Station in Lusaka’s John Howard Township on April 14,2015.

President Edgar Lungu has appealed for peace and calm from all political parties taking part in the Chawama, Masaiti and Senga Hill parliamentary by-election as people troop to polling stations to cast their votes.

Speaking shortly before casting his vote at Chawama’s Andrew Mwenya polling station this morning, President Lungu urged Patriotic Front members to ensure there is peace.

President Lungu also stressed the need not to mock the losers in the elections and for the losers to concede defeat and respect the will of the people.

The Head of State cast his vote at about 09:46 Hours.

Meanwhile Chawama residents where excited to see President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade driving through the township as headed to the polling station to cast his vote.

Mr Lungu is the immediate past Member of Parliament Chawama who only vacated the seat after being elected Republican President in the 20th January presidential election.

And Patriotic Front campaign manager in the Chawama by-election Miles Sampa says the ruling party will ultimately accept the outcome of the election.

Mr. Sampa says he is happy with the peaceful manner the campaigns were conducted, while voting is also proceeding peacefully.

Those contesting the Chawama by-election are PF’s Lawrence Sichalwe, National Revolution party’s Martha Mumba, UPND’s Charles Kaselwa,Biwel Kaluba of UNIP and Fourth Revolution party’s Benson Silwimba.

Voting is also taking place in Masaiti and Senga Hill in Mbala.

In Masaiti those vying for the vacant parliamentary seat are independent candidate Lyton Mokola, Mobby Mutaya of the Fourth Revolution, UPND’s Peter Mumba, Lason Musumali for UNIP and Michael Katambo of the PF.

In Senga Hill the race is between PF’s Kapembwa Simbao and Giles Yambayamba of the UPND.