Covid Doesn’t Discriminate Between PF & UPND - HH

UPND Alliance presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema has today engaged the ECZ regarding concerns that coronavirus is being weaponized against the group’s campaigns.  

He questioned the logic of cancelling the UPND Alliance’s various planned activities, while PF events appear to have continued. “Covid-19 does not distinguish between PF and UPND,” he told media following the meeting. 

HH called on the ECZ to uphold its responsibility as a referee and to ensure equity. He claimed it is illegal to cancel rallies, because Zambians have constitutional rights that include the freedom of movement and assembly. He also noted that the ECZ cancellation of rallies followed President Lungu’s directive that rallies should not go ahead.  

The ECZ previously advised that roadshows and door to door campaigns could continue. However, HH said the UPND Alliance roadshow today had been cancelled, just as their plans on Sunday had been cancelled when they planned to attend Church and came under attack. Routes to Kitwe and Solwezi have also been blocked in recent days. Meanwhile, the PF is processing through Kanyama he noted. 

HH accused the PF of trying to prevent the UPND Alliance from campaigning. He questioned why this would be necessary if the PF truly believed it had delivered for the people. He further stated that the PF was scared that if they let the UPND Alliance campaign freely they would see the crowds they saw in 1991 that would show change is coming. 

HH encouraged people to abide by Covid-19 requirements but to continue their campaigns in small groups. He said the campaign was necessary so “we can send our children to school, create business opportunities for our people and put medicines in our hospitals.” 

He said the PF had categorically failed when it came to the three big promises it had made to the Zambian people of more jobs, more money in your pocket and lower taxes. He said that change is already coming because there is hunger, no money in pockets and unemployment. 

The UPND Alliance leader said that following today’s meeting he wanted to give the ECZ the benefit of the doubt and that there were plans in place for a meeting of stakeholders. “We have been ready for dialogue to ensure free and fair elections, and to avoid violence,” he told media.

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