- DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako claims the Malava by-election results were manipulated.
- Panyako alleges he won in 134 of 198 polling stations.
- Lost to UDA’s Daniel Ndakwa, who received 21,564 votes against Panyako’s 20,210.
Malava parliamentary aspirant Seth Panyako has alleged that the November 27 by-election results were manipulated against him.
In a statement on Friday, November 28, Panyako claimed he had won in 134 out of 198 polling stations but that votes from the remaining 54 centres were manipulated.
“We won in 134 out of 198 Polling stations, but still they managed to manipulate and subvert the will of the people. They used 54 Polling stations to steal the elections,” he said.
Panyako expressed gratitude to the residents who voted for him and praised their resilience amid alleged violence.
“Thank you, my Malava people, your love and trust in me has been steadfast. But to those who subverted your will, judgment awaits them. Despite violence against us and attempts on my life, you stood firm. Our heads are still up,” he added.
He emphasised that the by-election outcome would not determine his political path.
“I have not lost this election, and therefore, it cannot determine my political future. Thank you once again,” Panyako stated.
UDA’s Daniel Ndakwa won the Malava parliamentary seat with 21,564 votes, narrowly defeating Panyako, who garnered 20,210 votes.
The by-election was marred by tensions, with allegations of violence and intimidation reported on the campaign trail.
Panyako claimed there was an assassination attempt against him on the night of November 26. He alleged that hired goons stormed his Down Hill hotel, where he was staying with his family.
“The government machinery, together with criminals, attacked my hotel, which was also intended to be used as a personal tallying centre, and the attack aimed to assassinate my wife and me,” he said.
Panyako alleged that the attack was motivated by polls showing him ahead with 75 per cent support before the by-election.
Panyako was later arrested and held at Malava Police Station under unclear circumstances.
DAP-K condemned the arrest, calling it an intimidation tactic.
“Our Candidate, Seth Panyako, has been arrested and is currently being held at Malava Police Station. Even after goons under police supervision terrorised him the whole night, injured our agents, destroyed property, and now they want to intimidate him. We will not allow,” the party said.
