By 
Tonse Alliance Chairperson and former President, Edgar Lungu, has condemned the violence that marred the filing of nominations for the Lumezi parliamentary by-election on Tuesday, accusing the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of fearing defeat.
Violent clashes reportedly broke out between UPND and Tonse Alliance supporters during the nomination process, prompting police to disperse the crowds using tear gas.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Lungu called for peaceful, respectful, and issue-based campaigns ahead of the by-election.
“I urge the Zambia Police Service to be on high alert and to act with the highest levels of professionalism and impartiality by arresting and prosecuting the known thugs behind these heinous acts of violence,” Lungu said.
He urged voters in both Lumezi Constituency and Tuuwa Ward to turn out in large numbers to support the Tonse Alliance candidates, whom he described as committed to effective leadership, inclusive development, and a better future.
“Zambia belongs to all of us. Rebuke the lies and the hate. Let us work together in unity to usher in a leadership that cares for you,” he added.
The Tonse Alliance candidates — Goodson Banda for the Lumezi parliamentary seat and Mbundi Limwanya for the Tuuwa Ward local government seat — successfully filed their nominations under the National Congress Party (NCP) banner.
In Milenge’s Fibalala Ward, the Alliance is backing a Socialist Party (SP) candidate.
Lungu said the Alliance was encouraged by the massive support shown by electorates in both Eastern Province and Sikongo District of Western Province.
“This is a statement that you have the people behind you who will brave the guns and all forms of intimidation,” he said, adding that the ruling UPND was “clearly sensing defeat.”
He referenced the arrest and detention of Lumezi Member of Parliament, Munir Zulu, as a symbol of what he called injustice and political persecution.
“The filing of nominations is a testament to the weight of that injustice,” he said.
Lungu also commended the Tonse Council of Leaders for reaching a consensus over the weekend on the selection of candidates for what he termed “unnecessary” by-elections.
“The unity shown during candidate selection reflects the strength and maturity of our Alliance’s leadership and its shared vision for the country,” he said.
“To all Tonse Alliance members and partners: winning Lumezi means standing up against the injustice faced by Munir Zulu, Jay Jay Banda, Maureen Mabonga, Ronald Chitotela, Nixon Chilangwa, Bowman Lusambo, Joseph Malanji, and every other opposition leader or youth facing politically motivated charges.”
Lungu urged the electorate to do everything humanly and politically possible to ensure victory in the upcoming by-elections as a protest against what he called injustice by the ruling party.
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