PeP STATEMENT No.5 ISSUED ON FRIDAY, 4th FEBRUARY 2022: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1. As Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) we wish to categorically state that we do not accept the results in the Kabwata Parliamentary by-election as a true reflection of the free will of the people of Kabwata Constituency. This is because of the violence which was perpetrated against our members and supporters by the ruling UPND party from the very onset of this election cycle.
2. On 28th December 2021 during the first nomination process at St. Patrick’s Primary School in Kabwata, members of the PeP Womens National Choir were attacked by UPND members led by William Banda, in full view of police officers. Four of the attacked PeP members suffered serious injuries and had to be admitted to Levy Mwanawasa Hospital for more than a week. The PeP bus was vandalized, music equipment including amplifiers and speakers stolen as well as two drums. This matter was reported to Kabwata Police Station and despite the assailants being identified by the victims, the police did not effect any arrests and the docket remains open up to this day.
3. During the second nomination exercise undertaken on 20th January 2022 again at St. Patrick’s Primary School in Kabwata, our members and supporters were again attacked, this time by unknown people clad in UPND regalia right at the Nomination Centre and in full view of Zambia Police officers. This caused our people to scamper in all directions and prevented the PeP candidate Mr. Henry Muleya from filing in his nomination at the allocated time. Our people had to regroup hours later and we were only able to file our nomination after hours due to the leniency and understanding of the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
4. It is our submission that these two blatant acts of violence by the ruling UPND against our party instilled fear in the people of Kabwata and prevented them from freely associating and supporting us, for fear of being targets of the UPND violence which appeared to be endorsed by the Zambia Police Force. This was especially given the fact that the Police failed to arrest the perpetrators of the first violent incident that took place on 28th December 2021, despite those people being clearly identified by their victims.
5. In the premises above, we refuse to accept defeat in the Kabwata Parliamentary by-election as it is our firm belief that had the UPND violence against us been absent, we would have been more attractive to associate with and support, in the eyes of the electorate of Kabwata Constituency. In this regard, it is our intention to petition the outcome of the Kabwata by-election in the courts of law. An election should be won by the most popular political party and not the most violent.
Thank You and May God Bless the Good Citizens of the Republic of Zambia and Our Ailing Nation.
Yours Sincerely
(SET)
PARTY PRESIDENT
PATRIOTS FOR ECONOMIC PROGRESS (PeP)
