UPND-PF Pact adopts candidates for Milanzi, Mufumbwe

UPND-PF Pact adopts candidates for Milanzi, Mufumbwe
By Sandra Lombe
Tue 06 Apr. 2010, 04:01 CAT

THE UPND-PF Pact has adopted Eliot Kamondo and Albert Banda as candidates for the Mufumbwe and Milanzi by-elections respectively set for April 29 this year. The Mufumbwe and Milanzi seats fell vacant following the deaths of MMD parliamentarians Misheck Bonshe and Reuben Chisanga Banda respectively.

UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma yesterday told journalists during a briefing that the pact was united contrary to statements by the MMD that it was cracking. Kakoma announced the adoption of Kamondo and Banda as well as candidates to contest the elections at ward level.

He said the pact had adopted Charles Chilweza Kamakechi ward, John Malikwapa Dengwe ward in Kasempa and Leonard Hamakwete Siampande ward in Gwembe.

“In Kasempa it was no longer MMD stronghold, I was there last week. The situation is very bad for the MMD, the people say that if they see Kabinga Pande they will chase him to even leave his car,” Kakoma said.

PF spokesperson Given Lubinda expressed sadness at the rate at which members of parliament were dying.

“We are saddened when the Pact decides to launch, somebody dies. We want to launch our pact. We petition God, can he save lives of members of parliament so that we launch our Pact," he said.

However, Lubinda said the silver line was that the Pact was increasing councillors and parliamentarians in by-elections.

Lubinda said the candidates that had been adopted by the Pact were as good as councillors and parliamentarians.

He said Davis Mwila would contest the Chiloba ward in Chilubi, Abel Kasempa would contest Kawama ward while Adam Zulu would run in Lumba ward in Roan.


Lubinda said the Pact would continue to be united despite the wishes of their detractors.

He said he was aware of the suffering of the government-controlled media in their quest to carry out their work.

“2011 you will be the first to be liberated. We feel for you, you write your stories but before the story comes out your editors bastardise it,” he said.

"It is Easter which reflect the sufferings of Christ, those tormented shouldn't feel alone, and they are suffering with Christ.”

Lubinda said the Pact would show the MMD that it was not vindictive once elected into office.

“RB will enjoy at his farm and we will allow Thandiwe to continue teaching if she wants,” Lubinda said.

UPND vice-president Richard Kapita said the MMD had not been sleeping over the Pact candidates for the Mufumbwe and Milanzi by-elections.

He said he had confidence that the adopted candidates would win the seats because he knew what was obtaining on the ground.

Kapita disclosed that more than 70 Ministry of Health and Zesco vehicles were being used in the by-elections by the MMD.

“They have changed numbers on the government vehicles most of which are white in colour, they have taken them to the two constituencies. We want ECZ Electoral Commission of Zambia to take this as official complaint. Why is MMD using these vehicles to campaign?” asked Kapita.