United States Congressman Gregory Meeks has called on the American government to press President Hakainde Hichilema to release polling station results from Zambia’s August 13 general election, saying he is troubled by reports of irregularities surrounding the vote. Meeks, the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a Democratic Party representative for New […]
United States Congressman Gregory Meeks has called on the American government to press President Hakainde Hichilema to release polling station results from Zambia’s August 13 general election, saying he is troubled by reports of irregularities surrounding the vote.
Meeks, the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a Democratic Party representative for New York’s 5th congressional district, cited the jailing of opposition politicians and what he described as efforts to stifle dissent.
“I am deeply concerned by reports of election irregularities in Zambia, including the jailing of opposition politicians and efforts to stifle dissent,” Meeks said.
He said Secretary of State Marco Rubio should call on Hichilema to release the electoral results from polling stations across the country and allow the courts to hear legal challenges to the outcome.
“Secretary Rubio must call on President Hichilema to release the electoral results from Zambia’s polling stations, investigate the fatal shooting of former minister Mutotwe Kafwaya, and allow the courts to hear legal challenges to the electoral results,” he said.
Meeks also demanded an investigation into the fatal shooting of Mutotwe Kafwaya, a former Minister of Transport and Communications.
He said a firm response from the United States in support of Zambia’s democracy was important given upcoming elections in Angola, Kenya and Nigeria.
The Zambian government has not issued a response to Meeks’ statement at time of publication.
In a separate development, Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele told a thanksgiving service at Arakan Chapel in Lusaka that the military had ensured a secure environment for both the general election and the inauguration that followed it.
Lt Gen Zyeele told Officers, Soldiers, civilian staff and their families gathered for the service that the Army had relied on divine guidance to carry out its duties during the electoral period.
“Through unity, teamwork, and collective effort, we provided security for a conducive electoral process, and ensured a secure inauguration ceremony. We have much to thank God for,” he said.
He urged Officers and Soldiers to embrace courage, sacrifice, loyalty and professionalism, and thanked the Army Ladies Association of Zambia and the families of Army personnel for their support during the period.
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