By-elections PF induced – HH

Opposition United Party For National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema has accused the Patriotic Front (PF) government of inducing the parliamentary by- elections in various constituencies across the country.

Mr Hichilema has charged in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today that the forth-coming parliamentary by-elections were unprecedented, unnecessary and a waste of resources that should have been channeled towards poverty eradication to lower the cost of living for Zambians.

The UPND Leader claimed that the by-election clause was a luxury to a country as poor as Zambia adding  that the money being spent on conducting the polls should have been used to purchase medicines in hospitals or pay farmers.

He noted that the price of mealie meal and other essential commodities are on the rise further claiming that the PF government was wasting money on by- elections with a view of increasing the numbers in parliament and manipulate the constitution adoption process.

Mr Hichilema has urged Zambians to reject the PF alleged schemes of wanting to manipulate the people’s constitution by voting for UPND candidates who he says will defend their interests.

He has also thanked his party members that expressed interest to contest on the party ticket in the forth coming by-elections in various constituencies.

Mr Hichilema said the selection process was not easy further claiming that UPND was the only party of choice and real alternative.

He has also urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and law enforcement agencies to be firm and fair in their implementation of the law and not allow to be used by the ruling party.

But Chief Government Spokesperson Joseph Katema has advised the UPND Leader not to waste government’s time if he had no agenda for the Zambian people by engaging the State on issues that are baseless.

Dr Katema, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister ,told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that the three arms of government have the power to decide on what should be done.