By SYLVESTER MWALE –

The opposition UPND has conceded defeat after losing in all three by-elections on Tuesday.
Party spokesperson, Charles Kakoma said the defeat is a minor set-back but the party will come back rejuvenated for the 2016 general elections.
The UPND fielded Peter Phiri in Malambo, Allan Zulu in Petauke Central and Hastings Sililo in Mulobezi, where all the candidates emerged second.
Mr Kakoma said in an interview yesterday the party would relook its performance and strengthen itself in readiness for the general elections.
He said while the party regretted the loss in Mulobezi which it previously held, the opposition party was happy that it had made significant gains in Eastern province.
“We are happy with the results because we believe we have been accepted in Eastern Province going by the figures we were getting there. Losing one or two parliamentary seats is just a minor setback and we are ready to continue taking part in parliamentary, local government and presidential elections,” he said.
He also attributed the loss of Mulobezi seat to violence that had been associated with the campaigns and blamed it on the ruling party.
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) congratulated the Patriotic Front for winning the three seats.
FODEP executive director McDonald Chipenzi, however, expressed concern over patterns of voter apathy characterising the elections.
Mr Chipenzi said the violence witnessed ahead of voting was of growing concern as well and accused the Police of not doing enough to stop skirmishes during voting period.
Anti Voter Apathy (AVAP) executive director Richwell Mulwani also expressed concern on issues of low voter turn-out attributing it to long distances covered to reach a polling station.