From CHRISTINE CHISHA in Luangwa
FIVE candidates yesterday successfully filed their nominations for the June 20 parliamentary by-election in Feira constituency.
Presiding officer Willard Shampondo closed nominations at 15:05 hours as the candidates expressed confidence of winning the seat which fell vacant after the resignation of MMD member of Parliament Patrick Ngoma to join the ruling Patriotic Front.
At the filing in of nominations yesterday, Mr Ngoma was accompanied by Vice President Guy Scott, Minister of Commerce and Trade Emmanuel Chenda, Lusaka Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe and senior party officials.
Mr Ngoma rated his chances of winning the seat at 85 percent .
He said he decided to join the PF because the party has brought meaningful development to Luangwa and other parts of the country.
“The former ruling parties UNIP and MMD did not pay attention to this district. I want to work with a party which has put development top on its agenda,” he said.
UNIP candidate Charles Kanyama who displayed burning torches (UNIP symbol), accompanied by a handful of supporters, was first to file his nomination papers at Luangwa District Council.
Mr Kanyama said he has an 80 percent chance of taking the seat as a he knows the area well.
National Restoration Party candidate Samuel Sikaonga promised to find solutions to the problems facing youths in Luangwa.
MMD candidate Elias Phiri, accompanied by party president Nevers Mumba and other senior party officials, promised not to disappoint Feira residents if voted into office.
Mr Phiri promised to enhance access to safe drinking water and help to improve road infrastructure.
UPND candidate Eularia Zulu, who was in the company of the party’s two vice presidents Richard Kapita and Canisius Banda, said she was bred in Luangwa and is better placed to resolve social problems in the district.
Ms Zulu is former Eastern Province Permanent Secretary.
And addressing a rally at Wipers ground in Feira, Dr Scott said the government is working on modalities for mining rights in Luangwa.
He said: “Luangwa is full of potential and as a working government, we will ensure that the district is fully developed, that jobs are created for youths and health services are brought closer to the people.”
The Vice-President also urged Feira residents not to be deceived by opposition parties “peddling falsehoods that the removal of subsidies on maize is meant to impoverish Zambians.”
He said the government is focused on improving the lives of poor Zambians.
At the same rally, Mr Chenda said the PF is the only party in Zambia with an agenda to take Zambians out of poverty.
20 total views, 20 views today