ABZ concedes defeat in Katuba

Alliance for Better Zambia (ABZ) has graciously conceded defeat in the just ended Katuba by-election won by United Party for National Development’s (UPND) candidate, Jonas Shakafuswa.

In a statement released today by ABZ President Father Frank Bwalya also raises concern of electoral malpractices before and during voting.

Below is the full statement:

STATEMENT BY ALLIANCE FOR BETTER ZAMBIA (ABZ)

February 26, 2014.

It is painful to lose. Graciously accepting defeat can be consoling and it is a mark of character. So we accept defeat in the Katuba by-election held yesterday. There were a lot of electoral malpractices that were committed a few days before voting day and even more on polling day. Nevertheless, we don’t think that in the absence of such malpractices including notorious vote buying the results could have been tipped in our favour.

Therefore, our acceptance of defeat remains. We urge our members and all people of Katuba to work with their new member of parliament to develop the constituency.

We have learnt a lot during this maiden election and we shall resiliently forge ahead. Our focus remains on establishing party structures throughout the country in readiness for the 2016 general elections.

Finally, we commend the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for the generally professional conduct of the by-election. As a party, we are happy with the co-operation we received and pray for a more autonomous ECZ. We also commend the Zambia Police Service for providing security and conducting themselves in a non-partisan manner under very difficult conditions.

Fr. Frank Bwalya
ABZ LEADER
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