Antonio Mwanza
The Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) have expressed sympathy with the United Party for National Development (UPND) following the controversial dismissal of their presidential petition by the Constitutional Court.
But the FDD have also reminded the nation that there is need to understand the Zambia’s is a constitutional democracy therefore the constitution is the supreme law of the land.
In a statement, FDD Spokesperson Antonio Mwanza said Zambia is bigger that every one else, hence there is need to bury the hatchet and reconcile.
“We sympathize with UPND but we want to remind everyone that, ours is a Constitutional Democracy therefore the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. There was nothing else the ConCourt could have done other than dismissing the petition following the lapse of the 14 day period,” Mwanza said.
“We want to urge everyone to bury the hatchet and reconcile with each other. Zambia is bigger than all of us. The ambitions of politicians should not over ride national interest. And in the words of Abraham Lincoln, we are not enemies but friends, though passion might strain, it should not break the bond of our affections.”
He added “It is equally important at this time to take into consideration the many deficiencies in our electoral system and ensure that correct remedial measures are taken to enhance confidence in our electoral system and ensure in future we can have elections that are free, fair, credible and transparent. It should be noted that the court did not dismiss the petition on account of lack of evidence of malpractice but on account of time. Thus the issues to do with alleged irregularities have not been dealt with.”
And Mwanza also echoed the words FDD leader Edith Nawakwi in calling for the disbandment of the Electoral Commsiion of Zambian.
“As FDD we wish to maintain our call to disband ECZ and appoint new commissioners as well as the need to amend the constitution to cure the many mischiefs such as the various ambiguities and lacunas rout in our constitution.”