ECZ SUSPENDS RELEASE OF RESULTS AS SCOTT ORDERS ZAF TO GIVE UPND FLIGHT PERMITS

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has suspended the announcement of election results to avoid influencing voters in the polling stations where voting is still going on.

And the ECZ has prevailed on the Zambia Air Force to give the UPND flying rights to allow them transport monitors to the places that are voting today.

ECZ Chairperson Ireen Mambilima told a briefing at Mulungushi Wednesday that voting will continue in polling stations where ZAF failed to transport materials and staff.

‘It will not be appropriate to give results because some people are voting and they must vote with a free mind,’ Mambilima said

She explained that the total number of registered voters in the affected areas is 21,337 and the stations are in Mitete, Senanga, Luena, Petauke, Muchinga and Chama South. Others are Chama North, Mafinga, and Rufunsa.

She explained that the Commission has faced unprecedented challenges due to the weather and gave an example of Mitete in Western Province where they are using boats and ox-cats to transport election materials.

On the Parallel Voter Tabulation (PVT) results she said the results are already in public domain because all results are announced at the polling centres and people are free to tabulate but should not speculate false results to avoid confusion.

She said those who feel that they have won should keep it to themselves and celebrate at their party camps.

Meanwhile the ECZ has prevailed on the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) to give flight permits to the UPND to enable them transport their monitors using choppers to the inaccessible places where voting is taking place today Wednesday.

Mambilima said Acting President Guy Scott was engaged by the Commission after the UPND complained and ZAF has since given the flight permits to the UPND after Acting President Guy Scott intervened.

She said it was up to the other political parties to find their own ways of transporting their monitors.

The next briefing will be at 17 hours today Wednesday while the announcement of results is expected to resume on Thursday at 10 hours.

ITS MUGABE THAT TOLD SCOTT TO BEHAVE

Acting President Guy Scott only agreed to reinstate Edgar Lungu after being blasted by Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe.

Government sources says Mugabe phoned Scott Tuesday morning and told him that “Allow us to mourn our Comrade with dignity and peace.”

And government sources say Zambia’s diplomatic security rating in the last two days changed from “Transition” to “Security Risk” following sporadic riots that broke out after Scott fired Lungu.

Speaking as chairperson of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mugabe told Guy Scott and told him to ensure that Zambia maintained it’s cherished peace and unity it is known for.
Mugabe stated that he is determined to attend the funeral of his friend and comrade, President Michael Sata.
Mugabe advised Scott to avoid actions that could undermine the peace and unity in Zambia.
He said that Zambia and Zimbabwe enjoyed cordial and fruitful relations during President Sata’s reign.

Sources in the Guy Scott camp also corroborated the Mugabe intervention saying Scott was ready to stop the violence that erupted.

“Those GBM and Lungu chaps who went to the farm were actually pleading with the president and they are just luck that by the time they arrived, Mugabe had already talked to Dr Scott’, said a member of the Scott group.

The source said by going to the farm to plead, they were actually admitting that all party power now resided with Guy Scott.

“As you are aware no PF secretary General was ever elected. They are appointed by the president, so that power to appoint is with the president,; the source stated.

POLICE ATTEMPT TO ARREST EDGAR LUNGU

Police last night attempted to arrest Defence and Justice Minister, Edgar Lungu.

Following the dismissal by acting president Guy Scott.

Meanwhile, Edgr Lungu has rejected the dismissal by Scott saying the acting president has no powers to dimiss him.
Numerous senior members of the party, who gathered at St. Ignatius Church for a special church service in memory of President Michael Sata, began to go troop to Lungu’s home in Brentwood Drive, Kabulonga.

Around 23hrs, armed police landcruisers parked on Lewanika Close.

After a 20minute stand-off, the police withdrew.

It is believed that Guy Scott is being controlled by Fred Mmembe and dismissed former Secretary General Wynter Kabimba.

Before dismissing the Secretary General, Guy Scott held a long meeting at his office which was attended by the DPP Mutembo Nchito and his counterpart, Attorney General Musa Mwenye.

According to government officials, Musa Mwenye is likely to face an arrest regarding the criminal manner he conducted himself during the transfer of power.

Musa Mwenye had among other things, visited the Army Commander and directed him to ensure that Edgar Lungu handed over power immediately following the death of President Sata.

The army commander rebuffed the young man by telling him “I don’t talk to civilians, I have a Commander – in – Chief who will give me orders – Get out”!

Guy Scott’s short rule is turning out to be a rule of colonial authority and is alianating from members of the public.

On his dismissal, Lungu said the following:

‘I have learnt with deep regret the illegal and provocative action taken by Dr. Guy Scott purporting to dismiss me as Secretary General of the Party.

This action is illegal and has no foundation or support of the PF party constitution. But most importantly, Dr. Guy Scott has insulted our culture and the people of Zambia by constantly engaging himself in matters that undermine the dignity, honour and respect of the funeral of President Michael Sata.

I am aware that they are serious maneuvers to reinstate Mr. Wynter Kabimba as Secretary General of the Party. These maneuvers are also designed to undermine the decision made by President Michael Sata on 28th August 2014 and the wishes and interest of the party.

I’m also aware that there is an attempt to usurp state and party powers to a group now commonly known as the ‘’cartel”.

The action by Dr. Guy Scott to illegally assume the office of party president and to pretend to perform such functions therein in the absence of the harmonization of this constitutional conflict, is promoting disharmony.

I also note that Dr. Guy Scot had on Friday 31st October 2014, announced the banning of meetings including the holding of meetings by the Central Committee.

This action is also illegal as during this difficult and sensitive moment, Dr. Scot is expected to benefit from the wisdom and counsel of the Central Committee and not from strangers and members of the group famously referred to as the “Cartel” currently surrounding him.

Dr. Guy Scott is expected to defend the interest of the Patriotic Front, its values and is expected to adhere to the provisions of the letter and spirit of the party constitution.

I wish to warn all members and party leaders including, Dr. Guy Scott to act with restraint as the nation is in mourning and the body of His Excellency, President Michael Sata is lying in state at Mulungushi International Conference Center as President Sata deserves to be mourned with utmost dignity, peace and respect.

It should be made very clear that our restraint is out of utmost respect for the departed, His Excellency, President Michael Sata, is not a sign of weakness.
The people of Zambia are resolved to safeguard peace during this time of mourning.

Zambia attained its independence to uphold peace, unity and to uphold human dignity and therefore actions spoiling for a political fights runs counter to these values