Msonda disputes Kamlepo’s win, calls PP primaries undemocratic
The ruling Peoples Party (PP) deputy Publicity Secretary, Ken Msonda has disputed Rumphi East primary elections results, arguing the polls were not democratic, free and fair.
Msonda, television sports personality, Saulosi Thindwa and Margeret Nyamuziya, on Monday December 23, 1213 were trounced by controversial politician, Kamlepo Kalua.
However, Msonda, on behalf of the two others, has penned the party demanding a re-run on argument that the elections were marred by several irregularities.
Among the raised irregularities, Msonda argued that manner in which the elections were conducted was not democratic, free and fair as secret ballot procedure, as per party rules and regulations, was not followed.
“The number of voters per area (165) exceeded that of registered PP members. Some voted more than twice. One of the aspiring candidate misled voters by saying ” everyone is supposed to, vote, as long as he/she is a PP member to fill the vacant positions on areas which were, less, than the requires 165 figure,” argued Msonda.
Msonda added: “There was total security lapses as no single Police officer was hired to provide security at poling stations or tally centre resulting to hired drunkers intimidating voters and monitors. People who were not bone fide PP area members, sponsored by one of the aspirants came in drunk and intimidated monitors, eventually these drunkers were allowed to vote”.
But PP Secretary General, Paul Maulidi who is yet to receive the complaint, was not surprised with Msonda’s stance, saying its not unusual people to despute elections results.
“It happens all times. People do complain about elections results, so its nothing unusual. But as a party, we will ensure we deal with the complaint accordingly. If the raised concerns are true, we will take proper action,” said Maulidi in an interview.
Msonda pointed out that monitors during the elections were positioned inside voting rooms instead of outside, intimidating voters, and that in some incidences voters were directed who to vote for.
He also complained of failure by the party to deploy officials to handle the elections, leaving the aspirants to handle collection and delivery of ballot papers on their own.
According to Msonda, there was no party official to supervise the elections, even at the tally centre to handle results coming in from polling centres, forcing the irrate monitors and presiding officers to dump ballot papers in headmasters’ officers.
“Aspirants were made to collect ballot papers and deliver to various polling stations; including hiring of a boat around 12 midnight without a Police officer or party official which was against the party’s primary elections rules and regulations.
“We were asked to pay for the cost dispite paying Mk50,000.00 nomination fee. Hiring of a boat, collection and delivery of allot papers was supposed to be done by party officials”.
Meanwhile, Msonda said the party’s response to the raised irregularities would determine his ‘next step’.
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