SIWILA ECHOES MUNDUBILE’S WARNING, URGES VOTERS TO PROTECT THEIR VOTE
TONSE Alliance Diehard and former Patriotic Front (PF) national youth chairperson Benja Siwila has urged Zambians to remain vigilant before, during and after voting on August 13, saying the responsibility of safeguarding the integrity of the election rests with every registered voter.
Speaking in the wake of National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile’s campaign meetings in Mpika and Chinsali, Siwila said the opposition leader had delivered a strong warning to anyone contemplating interfering with the electoral process.
He said Mundubile had cautioned civil servants and other individuals against attempting to manipulate the outcome of the election.
“Any civil servant or individual thinking of interfering with the will of the people should abandon that idea,” Siwila quoted Mundubile.
He added that the NRPUP leader had warned that “Such actions will not be taken lightly,” stressing that “Those who choose to break the law will have themselves to blame, as the law will take its course.”
Siwila appealed to voters to remain at polling stations after casting their ballots and peacefully follow the counting process to ensure that announced results reflected the votes cast.
“This is your election and the change you desire,” he said, urging citizens to take ownership of the democratic process.
He said protecting one’s vote did not mean resorting to violence or taking the law into one’s own hands but ensuring that the electoral process remained transparent and credible.
Siwila particularly called on young people to play an active role in safeguarding the vote, arguing that vigilance by the UPND in opposition during the 2021 general election had helped strengthen confidence in the counting process.
“Protecting your vote is a civic duty,” he said.
According to Siwila, Mr Mundubile and the Tonse Alliance leadership had already presented their message to the electorate, leaving the responsibility with voters to ensure that every ballot counted.
While acknowledging the presence of international election observers, Siwila maintained that “the greatest guardians of this election are the Zambian people themselves,” adding that every voter had a role to play in ensuring the August 13 polls were free, fair and credible.
SIWILA ECHOES MUNDUBILE’S WARNING, URGES VOTERS TO PROTECT THEIR VOTE
