Breaking: Mr Bruce Kanema has petitioned the Solwezi Central Parliamentary Elections won by Independent Kawina Poho.
KAWINA CONFIRMS RECEIPT OF SOLWEZI CENTRAL ELECTION PETITION
Solwezi Central Member of Parliament Poho Kawina says he has been served with an election petition filed by his challenger, Bruce Kanema, challenging the outcome of the parliamentary election.
In a statement, Kawina said Kanema and his legal team had formally filed the petition seeking to challenge his victory through the courts.
Kawina said he respected Kanema’s constitutional right to seek legal redress and expressed confidence in the judiciary.
“We respect the constitutional right of every candidate to seek legal redress, and we have full confidence in the courts and the rule of law,” Kawina said.
He insisted that his victory was a reflection of the will of the people and said he was ready to defend his mandate through the legal process.
“Our position remains simple: we won this election through the will of the people, and we are ready to defend that mandate through the proper legal process,” he said.
Kawina said he would not engage in public arguments over a matter now before the courts, stating that his lawyers would handle the petition.
“We will not be distracted, intimidated or drawn into unnecessary public arguments about matters that are now before the courts,” he said.
He further appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and refrain from attacking or provoking anyone over the petition.
“Please do not attack, insult or provoke anyone because of this petition,” Kawina appealed.
Kawina said the election campaign was over and urged residents to focus on the development of Solwezi Central.
“The election campaign is over. Our focus must now be on the people and the development of Solwezi Central,” he said.
He added that he remained committed to serving all constituents, regardless of their political affiliation or voting preference.
He writes;
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: WE HAVE BEEN SERVED WITH AN ELECTION PETITION
Fellow residents of Solwezi Central,
I wish to inform you that we have officially been served with legal documents relating to an election petition filed by Mr. Bruce Kanema and his legal team challenging the outcome of the Solwezi Central parliamentary election.
We respect the constitutional right of every candidate to seek legal redress, and we have full confidence in the courts and the rule of law.
Our position remains simple: we won this election through the will of the people, and we are ready to defend that mandate through the proper legal process.
We will not be distracted, intimidated or drawn into unnecessary public arguments about matters that are now before the courts. Our lawyers will respond appropriately, based on the evidence and the law.
I also appeal to our supporters to remain calm, peaceful and respectful. Please do not attack, insult or provoke anyone because of this petition.
The election campaign is over. Our focus must now be on the people and the development of Solwezi Central.
I remain committed to working with His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema and Government, wherever cooperation can deliver development for our constituency.
Whether someone voted for me or not, I am prepared to serve them.
Let us allow the courts to do their work while we continue to build bridges, protect the peace of our community and look forward to a better Solwezi Central.
We remain calm. We remain united. We remain committed to service.
POHO KAWINA
Member of Parliament — Solwezi Central
The people have spoken. We shall respect the law.
