Rigging prospects worry Kelvin Bwalya Fube
By Francis Maingaila and Derrick Sinjela
The opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) alliance has observed that the allegations of rigging of the coming elections seem real urging the Electoral Commission of Zambia to nip the worry in the bud.
Zambia Must Prosper Movement president Kelvin Bwalya Fube (KBF) told journalists at a media briefing in Lusaka that he has taken a tour across the country and established prima facie evidence of rigging plans instigated by the Patriotic Front (PF).
A lawyer by profession, Mr. Fube established worrisome grounds which confirmed allegations of a rigging plot by the PF to sabotage the elections
“Some foreigners have been asked to come and vote in Zambia as though they are citizens. It is regrettable to witness people calling themselves commanders causing confusion during the voting period. We are very much aware and warn people that heeding such illegal superior orders are not defense to criminal charges being imposed on those found wanting,” cried KBF as he expressed being privy to people responsible hired to rig.
A close ally to PF founding leader, the late Michael Charles Chilufya Sata, Fube confirmed having spoken to some ‘paid elements’ within the security agencies who confessed being used to cause confusion during elections.
For example at a Killwa Mulenga Island, camps have been set where the people have been placed to vote and some foreigners have been National Registration Cards (NRC’s) to vote in the elections for Zambia.
“There is a likelihood of having illegal polling stations where the people will be voting from. The people behind these schemes are known and warned that their pictures have been distributed countrywide and when the people see they have to chase them.
KBF expressed reservations that some officials in some State Owned Enterprises (SOE’s) used to do wrong things to support the PF. People are using government resources with impunity. We are in possession of audio and video of these people giving instructions to junior to do wrong things, like telling people to ignore wrong particulars on the NRC and Voters Cards. Some people have been promised amnesty should they support the PF,” observed Fube.
Fube regretted that the Electoral Commission of Zambia introduced biometric system in places where people are not aware of the new system, noting that lack of appropriate understanding will slow down the voter verification process and its effectiveness.
“People are not aware of the face masks might cause them problems. The electorate must use their own masks and cast the vote in favour of the UPND. After voting, the people should remain in polling stations to protect the votes. We do not like the idea of switching of the internet and ZESCO as we want free, fair and credible elections. Zambia has moved on from the tribalism due to inter marriages, “ said KBF.
Fube reported that chiefs in Luapula are resolved not to allow foreigners to vote in the coming elections, noting that the PF were plotting to manipulate 15, 000 prison votes as some prison where only men are remanded like Kamwala Remand prison, the voters roll indicates female and non-inmates being registered.
A straight-talking Fube wondered which threats prompted government has prompted President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to send the soldiers on the streets, stressing that the move was a confession of police failing to do their work effectively.
“The alliance is not worried about Hichilema not campaigning on the Copperbelt as people are suffering more than those living in rural area owing to productions of copper being extremely low due to poor administration. Mine suppliers are not paid on time and the general resident in the Copperbelt vow to get rid of the PF,” admonished Fube.
