Lungu urges political co-existence as he toasts PF victory

President Edgar Lungu has congratulated Patriotic Front (PF) members for the party’s resounding victory in yesterday’s Bangweulu Constituency Parliamentary by-election in Samfya District of Luapula Province.

President Lungu has expressed happiness for the hard work and team spirit that the PF exhibited during campaigns for the ruling party’s candidate Anthony Kasandwe who has scooped the by-election with a land-slide victory amassing more than 9, 000 votes against a distant second opponent at about 1,300.

He has also paid glowing tribute to the people of Bangweulu for the confidence shown in the ruling party.
The Head of State has also congratulated opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) Leader Edith Nawakwi for her robust campaign that resulted in her party’s candidate coming second.

The President has however, appealed to Ms. Nawakwi to desist from foul language and reckless incitement that led to her unruly supporters seizing a vehicle belonging to the ECZ on suspicion that it was carrying pre-marked ballots.

Mr Lungu has also extended his congratulatory message to the opposition MMD for winning a local seat in Mambwe, the UPND for winning a seat in Kasama Central’s Bululu ward and the Rainbow party for winning a ward in Isoka.

President Lungu has since appealed for peaceful campaigns in future elections as this will guarantee a free and fair electoral process in which the electorate will participate without fear.

He says Zambia is a democracy where competition is premised on fair tactics, free electioneering and not blackmail through the avenue of violence.

He has also emphasised that a culture of violence is tantamount to retarding progress that the country has so far recorded and has sternly warned that all acts of violence will face the wrath of the law.

President Lungu has called for co-existence among political parties and noted that Zambia’s development economically, politically and socially will only be fostered in an environment of peace and tranquility.

The President has since directed police to pursue all cases of violence and prosecute anyone linked to violence.

He regrets that former Kasama central MP, Geoffrey Mwamba has resorted to violence in order to intimidate electorates in his former constituency.

This is contained in a statement issued by the president’s special assistant for press and public relations Amos Chanda.