UK urges losing candidates to concede defeat
The British Government has urged candidates participating in the Zambian presidential election to accept the outcome or to seek redress. In a press statement on the eve of a presidential election where the opposition leader has already won the poll unless it is stolen. British high commission to Zambia James Thornton said there was need for the country to maintain its good record of being a role model for democracy in the region.
‘’We urge all presidential candidates and their supporters to act responsibly and to refrain from issuing inflammatory statements. Zambia has been a beacon of peace since independence ‘’ Mr. Thornton said, ‘’ I urge all participating candidates to respect the verdict of the Zambian people, whatever that turns to be, to accept defeat or take any disputes to the courts ‘’. Below is the high commission’s statement in full.’
Zambia has been a role model for democracy in the region. Tomorrow the people of Zambia will again be voting for a leader they want to lead Zambia. This is an opportunity to further build on this reputation. A credible election that meets internationally standards is vital to safe guard Zambia’s democratic principles, Violence and intimidation is never acceptable Zambia’s must be able to cast their votes freely, and observers and polling agents to do their work without interference.
We urge all participating candidates to respect the verdict of the Zambia people whatever the turns out to be to accept defeat or take any dispute to the courts. British recognized Zambia’s track record in conducting credible, free, and fair elections and we are pleased to have contributed E1.3mn to support the presidential by election.
I hope that this election will be conducted in the same peaceful manner as previous ones. After the elections the United Kingdom looks forward to working for the further development of this country with whichever candidate is duly chosen in this election. I send my best wishes to all Zambians at this important moment .
‘’We urge all presidential candidates and their supporters to act responsibly and to refrain from issuing inflammatory statements. Zambia has been a beacon of peace since independence ‘’ Mr. Thornton said, ‘’ I urge all participating candidates to respect the verdict of the Zambian people, whatever that turns to be, to accept defeat or take any disputes to the courts ‘’. Below is the high commission’s statement in full.’
Zambia has been a role model for democracy in the region. Tomorrow the people of Zambia will again be voting for a leader they want to lead Zambia. This is an opportunity to further build on this reputation. A credible election that meets internationally standards is vital to safe guard Zambia’s democratic principles, Violence and intimidation is never acceptable Zambia’s must be able to cast their votes freely, and observers and polling agents to do their work without interference.
We urge all participating candidates to respect the verdict of the Zambia people whatever the turns out to be to accept defeat or take any dispute to the courts. British recognized Zambia’s track record in conducting credible, free, and fair elections and we are pleased to have contributed E1.3mn to support the presidential by election.
I hope that this election will be conducted in the same peaceful manner as previous ones. After the elections the United Kingdom looks forward to working for the further development of this country with whichever candidate is duly chosen in this election. I send my best wishes to all Zambians at this important moment .