MMD 2011 presidential candidate race worries Muteteka

MMD 2011 presidential candidate race worries Muteteka
Written by Chibaula Silwamba
Sunday, May 24, 2009 4:08:09 PM

CHISAMBA MMD member of parliament Moses Muteteka yesterday expressed fear that the declaration of presidential ambitions by some key leaders might divert their attention from planned developmental projects earmarked to improve the lives of poor Zambians.

In apparent reference to President Rupiah Banda's acceptance of the endorsement by the MMD in Southern Province to be the party's presidential candidate in the 2011 elections, Muteteka stated that the declaration of presidential ambitions might also cause confusion within the MMD.

"The declaration of presidential aspirations by some key leaders is okay on condition that it shouldn't divert [attention] from planned developmental projects earmarked to benefit the majority poor citizens of Zambia," stated Muteteka in a statement from Kenya. "I am afraid that attention towards improving the lives of people may be disturbed by politicians in Zambia."

He called for patience among presidential aspirants in the MMD.

"I advise that patience be exercised because Zambians are watching our performance and that shall be the yardstick come 2011," Muteteka stated. "The declaration is likely to catalyse confusion especially at a precarious period when the economy is under huge threat and temptation. Furthermore even within the party a lot of cheatings and allegations of others not being loyal towards leadership may be promoted and bring divisions."

He said this was the time to mend where things were not good.

"The Bible tells us that 'you will know them by their fruits.' And that is very clear to all Christians," stated Muteteka.

Last Tuesday, MMD Southern Province chairperson Solomon Muzyamba told President Banda, upon his arrival in Livingstone for the ZIBAC meeting, that the party in the province had decided to endorse him as the sole candidate for the party in the 2011 presidential elections.

Accepting the MMD provincial endorsement, President Banda, who is also MMD acting president, said he was happy that Livingstone had started the revolution demanding that he should stand for the elections in 2011.

On Friday, Vice-President George Kunda backed President Banda's bid to stand in the 2011 presidential elections.

Addressing a rally in Serenje district in Central Province, Vice-President Kunda declared: "We shall also continue to support all his [President Banda's] ambitions so that he can continue to govern this country even after 2011."