Threats forced me out of Mandevu race -- Chisenga

By BARNABAS ZULU FORMER Mandevu parliamentary candidate Daniel Chisenga says threats against his life, attacks on his campaign team and inadequate support from the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance forced him to withdraw from the constituency's parliamentary by-election. In a statement yesterday, Mr Chisenga said he reluctantly abandoned the contest to protect himself, his family and his supporters. "It wasn't easy or my wish but beyond my control," he said. "I and my family faced intimidations, threats on my life and attacks," Mr Chisenga said. Mr Chisenga stated that suspected political cadres took his credentials at the nomination centre in an attempt to prevent him from filing his nomination papers. He nevertheless managed to submit them. He said intimidation continued during the campaign, citing an incident in Raphael Chota Ward 25 where he and his team allegedly came under attack. Mr Chisenga claimed several members of his campaign team were injured and abducted, while he escaped by taking refuge in a Good Samaritan's house. He alleged that none of the attackers had been arrested despite the incident being reported to police. "For the safety of my life, family and my campaign team, I decided to withdraw from the Mandevu parliamentary by-election race," he said. Mr Chisenga also accused the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance of failing to provide sufficient campaign support and protection. He said much of the alliance's leadership did not join his campaign, leaving him dependent on a small number of individuals and ward officials. He singled out his campaign manager, David Kakoma, alleging that he abandoned the campaign shortly after his appointment and stopped answering his telephone calls. Mr Chisenga further accused the UPND of disregarding the campaign calendar, which he said made campaigning more difficult and unsafe for his team. The allegations could not be independently verified from the statement. Responses from police, the UPND, the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance and Mr Kakoma were not available for this report. Despite his criticism, Mr Chisenga thanked several alliance figures whom he said had supported him, including FDD president and Tonse Alliance vice-president Chifumu Banda, acting Secretary-general Muhabi Lungu, George Chilumanda and Bupe Banda. He also acknowledged support from some provincial women's wing, ward and branch officials. Mr Chisenga apologised to Mandevu residents who had supported his candidature, saying he understood their disappointment over his withdrawal. Turning to Adrian Banda, whom he described as the declared Member of Parliament, Mr Chisenga urged him to address the constituency's challenges and deliver development. "The only way you can win back their hearts is to provide development that our people have always cried for," he said. Mr Chisenga pledged to remain involved in community development in his individual capacity.

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