Maravi

‘Endorsing Rupiah in 2011 will cost MMD’

‘Endorsing Rupiah in 2011 will cost MMD’
By Staff Reporter
Thu 14 Jan. 2010, 04:01 CAT

THE MMD in Mazabuka has warned that President Rupiah Banda will cost the party in the 2011 general elections should the party's National Executive Committee endorse him as a candidate.

The party officials who did not want to be named said in Mazabuka yesterday that, President Banda would not even score 10,000 votes because of the growing anger among party officials involved in the campaigns.

They said they were not ready to campaign for President Banda because he would facilitate the quick exit of the MMD from power.
The MMD officials said only Ng’andu Magande and Katele Kalumba could overturn the support the opposition was enjoying now and not President Banda.

The party officials also said anyone who goes against the late Levy Mwanawasa's legacy would be ditched, adding that the current wrangles between the MMD and Lambas were killing the party.

“We are not happy with the tribalism that has engulfed our party especially from Eastern Province where his excellence hails from and the fact that he always remains mute to condemn tribalism when those from Eastern are involved but is quick in attacking the opposition,” they said.

The party officials also charged that the campaigns for Magande as MMD presidential candidate had gained momentum throughout the province.

“The dissolution of Mazabuka district and constituency executives has worsened everything as the party officials are ready now to freely campaign for their preferred candidates,” they said.
“Whether Jeff Kaande lied about the dissolution, he has just killed the party structures, so the party will pay the price.”

The MMD district and constituency officials said the entire province was ready to give Magande 100 per cent support adding that even their counterparts from North Western, Central, Copperbelt and Luapula were seriously campaigning for Magande.

They also warned against blocking Kafulafuta member of parliament, George Mpombo and former science and technology minister Gabriel Namulambe during the party’s convention if the tenets of democracy were to be applied.
The party officials urged the party leadership to accept constructive criticism as it builds and strengthens the party.

Former Mazabuka Central Constituency chairperson, Davis Bbilika said he heard about the rumours but cannot comment on rumours. Bbilika however said if it was true, he wished those campaigning the best.

Labels: ELECTIONS, MMD, RUPIAH BANDA

posted by MrK @ 5:13 AM