14 November 2014; 16:00 The Acting President, Dr. Guy Scott, Cabinet Office, Dear Sir, Today, I withdrew from the PF party conference because I cannot support a process that is splitting that party. From the beginning, I have only supported party unity. With my withdrawal, I do not support any candidate actively splitting the party. The assembly of conference delegates on Saturday, 29 November 2014, whose accreditation has been challenged, was considered fraudulent. During that conference, several candidates, including myself, could not even contest the process because officially accredited delegates did not represent us. The same highly questionable practices took place at today’s process of delegate accreditation as well, only a different camp carried out the process. There is evidence that some delegates did not qualify and were not even PF party members. The Chairmen of Elections informed the conference that a number of delegates had left after Sunday, meaning that Monday’s conference did not have most of the expected delegates. If this weekend’s process was considered fraudulent based on irregular delegate accreditation, then there is nothing that makes today’s conference fair using these same accreditation practices and standards. Throughout both conferences, I could only see a party fighting against itself, with one faction voting for their candidate yesterday and another faction voting today. Because of this, I decided not be part of any faction that is voting to split the party. I can only be part of a camp that supports the unity of the party above all else. If I were to participate as a contender in either conference, I would be legitimizing the process of constituting a faction that won using questionable accreditations practices. As I was submitting my candidature resignation, I asked both camps where the leadership is when the party is disintegrating around us. I remain steadfast in my quest for a democratic country and for a political party that respects constitutionalism and high moral values in the management of public affairs. I cherish a party that is united for the common good of its members, rather than a party that revolves around personality cults and big spenders that are in charge. I avail myself to any member of the PF who is desirous of redeeming this party, even at this late hour. Yours faithfully, Given Lubinda
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 14:01:20 +0000