CHISENGA QUITS MANDEVU RACE, CITES THREATS TO HIS LIFE
Former FDD/Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance parliamentary candidate Daniel Chisenga has withdrawn from the Mandevu parliamentary by-election, citing threats to his life, intimidation and alleged attacks on his campaign team.
Chisenga said his decision to pull out of the November 5 election had not been voluntary but was necessitated by security concerns affecting him, his family and supporters.
In a statement, he alleged that his campaign had been disrupted by suspected political cadres from the nomination stage, when his credentials were allegedly seized in an attempt to prevent him from filing his nomination papers.
He further claimed that he and his campaign team were attacked in Raphael Chota Ward 25, leaving several members injured and others abducted.
Chisenga said he only escaped the incident after seeking refuge in a house belonging to a Good Samaritan.
“None of those attackers have been arrested despite the matter being reported to the police,” he said.
He added that he had consequently resolved to withdraw to protect his life and those of his family and campaign team.
Chisenga also accused the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance of abandoning his campaign, alleging that its provincial, district and constituency leadership, as well as elected representatives, had failed to offer meaningful support.
He further accused his campaign manager, David Kakoma, of abandoning the assignment shortly after his appointment.
“I and my family faced intimidations, threats on my life and attacks,” Chisenga stated.
He, however, expressed gratitude to FDD president Chifumu Banda, alliance acting secretary general Muhabi Lungu and other individuals who supported his campaign.
Chisenga apologised to Mandevu residents over his withdrawal and challenged declared winner Adrian Banda to prioritise development.
“The only way you can win back their hearts is to provide development that our people have always cried for,” he said.
He pledged to continue contributing to Mandevu’s development in his individual capacity.