UPND condemns Binwell’s remarks: “No seat is worth a citizen’s life”

UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda has expressed concern over remarks made by Binwell Mpundu in a video in which he stated that he was ready to die or kill for the August 13 elections. Imenda says no political position, seat or party was worth the loss of a single citizen’s life. In a statement, Monday, […]

UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda has expressed concern over remarks made by Binwell Mpundu in a video in which he stated that he was ready to die or kill for the August 13 elections.

Imenda says no political position, seat or party was worth the loss of a single citizen’s life.

In a statement, Monday, Imenda said the video showed that NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and Presidential Affairs Chairman Binwell Mpundu were hell-bent on circumventing the will of the people.

“As Zambia goes to the polls on Thursday this week, citizens stand at the crossroads: one way leading to destruction and the other to restoration. As UPND, we choose one that leads to hope, peace, restoration, and life in abundance. That is why it is absurd to learn of a damning video by a senior member of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity and Tonse Alliance advocating killing. In the widely circulated video, presidential candidate Brian Mundubile’s spokesperson, Mr Binwell Mpundu states that he is ‘willing to die and willing to kill’ over this week’s elections. This video was made just days after Mr Mpundu confessed that Mr Mundubile had taken some mercenaries for military training outside the country. We are extremely concerned by these desperate actions and confessions pointing to interference in our elections,” he said.

“It is clear that Mr Mundubile and his messenger are hellbent on circumventing the will of the people by first, hiring mercenaries, and second, turning themselves into vampires. We refuse both. We choose love. For the avoidance of doubt, let me be very clear: The UPND condemns, in the strongest terms possible, any language and action that threaten the life of a Zambian because of politics or indeed anything else. Elections are not war or a death sentence for anyone. Elections are a celebration of democracy. Our Constitution guarantees every Zambian the right to choose their leaders freely, without fear, intimidation, or bloodshed. That’s the beauty of democracy. No position, no seat, no party is worth the life of one citizen. More importantly, we all have the right to life”.

Imenda urged Mpundu and the alliance to retract the statement and tell their cadres to maintain peace during elections.

“To Mr Mpundu and the PF dressed under Tonse Alliance, we urge you to retract that statement and to tell your cadres to uphold peace. The Electoral Commission of Zambia, Police, and other stakeholders must all be allowed to do their work without any hindrance or threats. To our UPND members and all Zambians: Do not respond to provocation. Do not be intimidated. On voting day, go out early, cast your ballot, and go home peacefully. Protect your neighbour. Protect the vote. Protect your life,” said Imenda.

“The UPND, under President Hakainde Hichilema, remains committed to free, fair, and peaceful elections. We will win on our record of freedom, jobs, free education, and renewed investor confidence in the country and the unity we have kept. The UPND will respect the will of the people. We challenge Mr Mundubile to say the same. Zambia is bigger than any individual. Zambia is bigger than any party. Let us vote in peace, and let us keep Zambia one”.