Malambo East MP fears for her life amid threats
By a Correspondent
NEWLY elected Malambo East Member of Parliament (MP) Faith Lungu Bury has expressed concerns over threats to her life by suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres.
In an interview, Lungu said the threats had escalated since her victory as the first female MP to represent the constituency.
She said cadres had threatened to grab her seat, saying President Hakainde Hichilema would not work with independents and opposition MPs.
“This has been going on since I was elected and even before then. These UPND cadres have told me in my face that they will take away my seat whether I like it or not,” she said.
Lungu said the plot against her was dangerous and undermined the democratic will of the people of Malambo East, who had made their choice freely which should be respected.
However, she said she would not allow cadres to intimidate or silence the will of the people, urging the Zambia Police Service to act swiftly to protect her life and the safety of her constituents.
“The violence and threats have no place in Zambia’s democracy and I urged political leaders across the divide to publicly condemn such acts,” Lungu said.
She said Zambia needed healing.
Lungu said she ws committed to serving the people of Malambo East with integrity and courage.
Elections were over and the time had come for unity and national healing.
Earlier, Hichilema’s advisor Jito Kayumba had called for restraint as people celebrate victory and avoid mocking others.
And the losing Resolute Party (RP) Munali Constituency candidate Chrispin Chiinda has called for peace and unity in the nation.
a said the elections had come to an end, and people needed to live in peace.
“I presented myself and explained my desired plans for leadership in Munali as member of Parliament. I walked, I interacted, I explained my connection to the community. I presented myself as a true son of Munali who understands the community. I left everything in the hands of the Lord,” he said.
Chiinda said the 20,988 votes he got were not a minor achievement but a true representation of the will of the people.
“My fellow citizens, the votes given to me fell short of victory and we have not made it to victory in Munali, Thomas Sipalo from UPND got more votes than ours and was declared duly elected. I sincerely congratulate him and encourage him to do his part as he has been given the chance to prove himself and contribute to the betterment of Munali,” Chiinda said.
And Sipalo has called for an end to political divisions, promising to serve all residents.
In a victory statement, he said the focus should now shift from campaigns to development.
“The campaign period is over. It is now time to unite and work together,” Sipalo said.
