They plan to rig – Mundubile

By NATION REPORTER

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has realised that he is incapable of winning the August 13 general election and is inventing reasons to reject the will of the people by claiming that the opposition is plotting to rig the results of the polls, Brian Mundubile has charged.

Mr Mundubile, the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate has rejected claims that the opposition is planning to fidget with votes in the August 13 general election and has instead accused the UPND government of using state institutions to influence the electoral process in its favour.

Mr. Mundubile has disclosed that the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) has been moving across the country engaging councils and civil servants, particularly teachers, in what he described as efforts aimed at manipulating the outcome of the August elections.

He was reacting to President Hichilema, who at his recent campaign rally in Chililabombwe claimed that the opposition was planning to interfere with the electoral process because it knew it would lose.

President Hichilema also described himself as the country’s “Chief Spy”, saying he was aware of discussions taking place among opposition leaders regarding their plans after losing the election.

But addressing a huge campaign rally in Nchelenge, Mr. Mundubile turned the accusation against President Hichilema and the ruling party, challenging him to explain why the Local Government Service Commission was allegedly engaging civil servants ahead of the polls.

“Contrary to what President Hichilema is saying about the opposition wanting to fidget with votes, we know what is happening on the ground. The Local Government Service Commission is going round the country engaging councils and strategising how to manipulate the upcoming election,” Mr. Mundubile said.

He explained his remarks should not be misinterpreted as a threat against teachers or other public workers, but rather as a call for civil servants to uphold professionalism and remain neutral in political affairs.

“We know what is happening. The Local Government Commission is engaging them. You are good people, but please stay away from those activities.

The Local Government Service Commission is moving around the country meeting council workers and council chairpersons.

We have been informed by people on the ground that these meetings are intended to prepare for the rigging of elections,” he said.

Mr. Mundubile said civil servants were an important part of the country and should not be dragged into partisan politics, arguing that public institutions must serve all citizens regardless of their political affiliation.

He has dismissed claims that an NRPUP government would victimise public workers, assuring teachers, council employees and other civil servants that their welfare would be protected.

“We will look after you very well. We know that you are going through a rough time economically. That is why we will implement a debt swap,” he said.