FDD welcomes ConCourt ruling to dismiss the petition against the election of President Lungu

THE Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has welcomed the Constitutional Court to dismiss the petition against the election of President Edgar Lungu.

The Constitution Court dismissed the matter on account that the Court had no more jurisdiction on the matter following the expiry of the 14 day period.

FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza said in a statement to Mwebantu that it sympathises with UPND.

“But we want to remind everyone that, ours is a Constitutional Democracy therefore the Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
“There was nothing else the ConCourt could have done other than dismissing the petition following the lapse of the 14 day period,” Mr Mwanza said.

He said it is common knowledge that the UPND lawyers spent more time filibustering the court instead of presenting their case within the 14 day period.
Mr Mwanza urged everyone to bury the hatchet and reconcile with each other.

” Zambia is bigger than all of us. The ambitions of politicians should not over ride national interest,” he said

Mr Mwanza said it is equally important at this time to take into consideration the many deficiencies in our electoral system and ensure that correct remedial measures are taken to enhance confidence in our electoral system.

He said it should be noted that the court did not dismiss the petition on account of lack of evidence of malpractice but on account of time therefore the issues to do with alleged irregularities have not been dealt with.

He said FDD wishes to maintain their call to disband ECZ and appoint new commissioners as well as the need to amend the constitution to cure the many mischiefs such as the various ambiguities and lacunas rout in our constitution.