Namwala East Independent Candidate Hapompwe Responds Presidents remarks, Alleges Campaign Intimidation

By Pauline Ngozoh

Independent aspiring Member of Parliament for Namwala east Silent Hapompwe, has responded to remarks made by the Head of State during a recent rally in Namwala.

In a video statement, Mr. Hapompwe said he was called by the President urging him to withdraw his candidature in favor of the UPND candidate. He stated that he declined the request, citing that he is entitled to contest under the Constitution of Zambia, and that the trust placed in him by his community compels him to continue.

Mr. Hapompwe further alleged that independent and opposition candidates in Namwala are facing intimidation during campaigns. He claimed that three vehicles with obscured number plates have been seen in the area for some time, disrupting meetings.

According to him, the matter has been reported to both Niko Police and Namwala Police Station, but no action has been taken so far. He said he will take observers to the location of the vehicles to verify the claims.

The aspiring MP has appealed to election monitors and observers to come to Namwala East to assess the campaign environment. He said the current situation is not conducive for independent and opposition candidates to campaign freely, while other political players are not experiencing similar challenges.

Mr. Hapompwe added that he and other independents are following the official campaign timetable and are ready to abide by any revised schedule issued by relevant authorities.