. Lungu

By BRIAN HATYOKA –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says he will not allow trouble makers to hijack the electoral process and bring the Electoral Commission (ECZ)’s reputation into question.
Mr Lungu said he will protect the integrity of ECZ so that officials from the electoral body can do their job without interference.
Mr Lungu said he would not allow trouble makers to hijack the whole electoral process especially those who were trying to bring the ECZ’s reputation into question.
The Head of State said he believes that the ECZ was one of the best in Southern Africa and the continent  adding that the electoral body had never been found wanting so far.
“Those people who think ECZ will be rigging this year’s general elections are just trying to find reasons for losing. How can you go in a football match and begin complaining before you even know the referee and the other team you will be playing against and start saying the referee is biased?
“What makes you say that? It is because you are not prepared. We will not allow people to demonise ECZ and try to bring their reputation into question. They have no basis to do so. Those who don’t believe in impartiality of ECZ have no room in this place. Let us believe in our own system. If we can’t believe in our system, then we want other countries to come and run our own systems? NO,” Mr Lungu said.
Mr Lungu was speaking in Livingstone yesterday at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport upon arrival to officiate at the 2016 World Farmers Organisation (WFO) General Assembly being held under the theme ‘Partnerships for Growth’.
He said he had been a student at the University of Zambia (UNZA) and he was aware that there were students who were not ready to write examinations and resorted to bringing confusion on the eve of examinations so that the institution either be closed or deferred the exams.
“We will not allow that to happen. We are ready for August 11 elections. I will protect the integrity of ECZ so that they do their job which they are paid for.
“I will not allow rubble rousers and trouble makers to hijack the whole process. We want peace and not a fragmented country. Let us continue to love one another and avoid hate speech or foul language,” he said.
He was glad that the slogan of One Zambia One Nation was sinking among Zambians including those in the opposition.
“We should not allow anyone to divide us not even politics. After we vote, we will still remain one Zambia one nation. I want to assure you that PF is stronger than it was before.
“This is because the opportunity for the opposition to dislodge it from power was in January 2015 presidential elections but they failed to dislodge us. Now that we are fully in charge of the party and Government, I will make sure that the party remains united. Those who want to come from other political parties are welcome,” Mr Lungu said.
Meanwhile, President Lungu has expressed hope that the ultra-modern Town Centre market and international business terminus, which have been under construction in Livingstone since 2013, will be completed within the next three months.
Speaking to journalists before departure for Lusaka at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport after inspecting the two projects, President Lungu said there was need to give priority to projects which were almost complete.