TONSE MAKES U-TURN, VOWS TO STORM SOUTHERN PROVINCE DESPITE SECURITY FEARS.
The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has dramatically reversed its earlier decision to suspend physical campaign rallies in Southern Province, declaring that it will now proceed with its campaign programme despite previously citing security concerns.
The sudden change follows an urgent high-level meeting of senior alliance leaders held in Lusaka today.
Just yesterday, Tonse Pamodzi Alliance Secretary General Chris Zumani Zimba announced that the alliance had resolved to halt physical campaigns in Southern Province and instead conduct virtual rallies, alleging that there were plans by the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) to unleash violence against the alliance’s presidential candidate.
However, in a dramatic policy shift, Tonse Pamodzi Alliance Presidential Spokesperson George Chisanga has announced that the alliance will now proceed with campaign activities in Southern Province in accordance with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) campaign schedule.
Mr. Chisanga said the alliance reviewed the security situation during the emergency consultative meeting, taking into account recent incidents in Western Province and what it described as the conduct of the police during campaigns in that region.
He maintained that violence and political intimidation have no place in a democratic society and expressed concern over the role played by law enforcement during the campaign period.
The alliance has not disclosed what new developments prompted the reversal but insists it is determined to continue engaging voters in Southern Province.
©️ Zambian Watch News.