Panyako cries foul after loss in Malava polls, claims results ‘subverted’
Panyako expressed gratitude to supporters for what he described as unwavering trust, saying they stood firm despite what he alleged were acts of violence and threats to his life during the exercise.
Malava parliamentary aspirant Seth Panyako has disputed his loss to UDA’s David Ndakwa in Thursday’s by-election, alleging the results were manipulated against him and insisting he actually won in 134 of the 198 polling stations.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, the DAP-K candidate insisted the final tally did not reflect the will of Malava voters, claiming that while he led in the majority of polling stations, officials relied on results from 54 stations to “subvert” his victory.
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“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 wrote.
Panyako expressed gratitude to supporters for what he described as unwavering trust, saying they stood firm despite what he alleged were acts of violence and threats to his life during the exercise.
"Despite violence against us and attempts on my life, you stood firm. Our heads are still up. We have not lost, we won. My campaign team and the team that stood firm, congratulations," he said.
"I have not lost this election, and therefore it cannot determine my political future," he added.
According to the official results announced by Returning Officer Salim Abdala, Ndakwa garnered 21,564 votes, while Panyako, the DAP-K candidate, received 20,210 votes. He declared the results after addressing a request by DAP-K deputy party leader Cleophas Malala for a re-tally.
“I have two requests here, one from Malala requesting re-tallying, which I’m ready to do, and another by the chief agent who wants reopening of three ballot boxes for verification."
He said that he will respond to the request for opening ballot boxes in writing.
After being declared the winner, Ndakwa pledged to prioritise completing projects initiated by the late MP Malulu Injendi, whose death led to the by-election.
He assured residents that continuity would guide his leadership as he takes office, adding that he intends to safeguard Malulu’s legacy.
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