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Former President, Edgar Lungu, has described the ruling UPND’s loss in the Petauke Central Constituency by-election as a clear signal from Zambians that political schemes and rigging (mingalato) would no longer be tolerated to allegedly distort election results.
Lungu admitted Tonse Alliance’s loss in the Pambashe Constituency by-election but hinged UPND’s victory on allegations of structured violence and rigging.
Congratulating Simon Banda of the New Congress Party (NCP) on his victory on Friday, Lungu stated that the voting patterns and voter determination exposed UPND’s alleged rigging tactics and supposed widespread anger among Zambians.
“In Petauke, I am happy to announce that the Tonse Alliance stands firm on victory, not just any victory, but a resounding victory. The people of Petauke Central have spoken,” Lungu said.
He praised the electorate for showing that, when “mingalato” were silenced, the will of the people could not be bought, threatened, or stolen.
Read More: UPND wins Pambashe, Ntanda ward by-elections, NCP triumphs in Petauke
Lungu accused the UPND of deploying state resources, alleging that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) had deliberately scheduled two parliamentary by-elections and two ward elections on the same day to dilute opposition efforts, overwhelm their capacity, and secure victory.
“Unlike in Pambashe, in Petauke, we participated with several governance Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that independently deployed their resources and manpower to ensure democracy prevailed,” Lungu said.
Lungu added that rigging efforts were thwarted in Petauke by the first full implementation of “Plan B,” which ensured every vote was counted and every voice heard.
“This is how Plan B will win and deliver victory across the country next year. Plan B cannot be intimidated, manipulated, bought, or silenced,” he declared.
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