Sata refuses to predict outcome of by-elections

Sata refuses to predict outcome of by-elections
By Bright Mukwasa in Chongwe
Sat 26 Nov. 2011, 12:00 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata yesterday refused to predict the outcome of the three parliamentary by-elections scheduled for next Monday, saying his party is not like the MMD. And President Sata says travelling abroad with a large entourage is a costly undertaking.

Speaking before departure to Nakonde where he has gone to drum up support for that constituency's candidate Abel Sichula, President Sata refused to weigh the chances of the PF in the coming by-elections.

"That is why there is an election. If we knew we were winning, there would be no election. We are not MMD, that is why there is an election," President Sata said when asked to state PF's chances in the coming by-elections. "I am saying there is an election, wait for the actual result."

And drumming up support for PF Chongwe parliamentary candidate Sylvia Masebo in Chongwe on Thursday, President Sata said he has not been globe-trotting since assuming office as travelling abroad for heads of state was an expensive undertaking and a drain on the country's treasury.

President Sata said he had not been travelling out of the country because he wanted to save resources for use in the country's needy sectors.

"Before the September elections, I called (former president Rupiah) Banda a mobile president. There was a trip for Comesa heads of state to go to Malawi, I did not go. If I had to go imagine all these policemen who are here would have to come with me. The money I would have spent to put all these people in a hotel, you people you can have a hospital but with no drugs. I can use that money to buy the drugs," President Sata said.

"Another trip to go to Australia came, I refused. I've travelled extensively around the world more than all the presidents that have been in Zambia. I have enough suits I don't need to buy any more suits. My first trip out of State House I went to Mazabuka, I wanted to see for myself because it's one thing to promise and another to deliver."

President Sata has not undertaken any trip abroad since his election over two months ago.

He also described the opposition UPND as a political dustbin.

President Sata said the current MMD-UPND contender, Adrian Bauleni, in the Chongwe parliamentary by-election was sent back from the Democratic Republic of Congo as Ambassador and got so upset, forcing him to resign from MMD.

"Today the dustbin you have in Zambia since Anderson Mazoka died is UPND. The leader of UPND Hakainde Hichilema has never been a ward chairman, branch or constituency chairman. How can you have a leader who has not been trained?" he asked.

President Sata urged the people of Chongwe to vote for Masebo as she had demonstrated her capacity to perform.

"Sylvia is arrogant and courageous. She did not fear Levy Mwanawasa, she did not fear Banda Rupiah, in fact, Banda feared her. And because of this lady you voted against me in 2008. Masebo can argue, she doesn't fear anybody that's the beauty about her," he said.

President Sata said Masebo had a proven track record unlike the people contesting against her.

He thanked the short-lived area parliamentarian Japhen Mwakalombe for his decision to resign and not to join a clique of a corrupt regime.

President Sata said his government would work to build roads, three secondary schools and upgrade some health centres within Chongwe district.

And Masebo appealed to the people to vote for her given her track record.

Masebo said if voted into office, she would have access to the government and initiating developmental programmes would be easier.

Prior to the rally, President Sata paid a courtesy call on senior chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II.

Chieftainess Nkomeshya urged President Sata to use his popularity to serve the people.