By 
Former President Edgar Lungu has accused the United Party for National Development (UPND) of blackmailing voters in Kawambwa by allegedly linking the release of former Patriotic Front (PF) lawmaker Nickson Chilangwa from Mukobeko Maximum Prison to their support in the upcoming by-election.
Speaking at a rally in Kawambwa on Sunday, Lungu claimed the UPND was using Chilangwa’s imprisonment as leverage to secure votes.
Chilangwa, whose parliamentary seat was declared vacant following his conviction, previously served as PF Member of Parliament for the area.
“The UPND is now thriving on lies, using Chilangwa’s imprisonment as bait to woo voters,” Lungu said.
“Why imprison him only to promise his release in exchange for votes? This is a clear case of insincerity.”
Lungu further accused the UPND of distributing fertilizer at campaign sites but only to individuals who pledged their support to the ruling party.
He urged voters to accept whatever was offered but make independent decisions at the ballot box.
“Go to their camps and get the fertilizer, then do a ‘Don’t Kubeba’ on them. Take what they give you but vote wisely,” Lungu said.
He labeled the UPND leadership as insincere, accusing them of ruling with vindictiveness and failing to deliver on campaign promises such as affordable mealie-meal, fuel, and fertilizer.
The former president also criticized stalled development projects in Kawambwa, including a hospital initiated during his tenure, blaming the UPND for neglecting the district.
“There is no way the UPND deserves another chance to rule,” Lungu said.
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