Lungu Pledges Support For Women And Youth Candidates in 2021 Elections

President Edgar Lungu has pledged his support to women and young people intending to stand as candidates in the upcoming 2021 general election.

Speaking to party officials in Kasempa on Friday, the president urged officials at all levels to give priority to those women and young people who express an interest in political office. 

He explained that Zambia is a signatory to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) protocol on 50/50 women representation in politics and thus needs to strive towards greater equality of representation at all levels of government. 

“We need more women represented in decision making positions. Zambia is a member of the SADC Protocol and we want to achieve this 50/50 women representation in decision making positions hence all the leadership structures should take note and support women and youths who will show interest to stand for these positions,” he said.

The president further iterated that the PF would be conducting internal reviews in 2021, with the aim of giving greater support to women and young people who have ambitions of serving as local councillors and members of parliament. 

The president’s message then went on to address trouble-makers within the party, laying out a zero tolerance message for those who broke the law in the name of the PF.

“I wish to state that I will not protect any law breakers, law breakers you are on own your own and we will not get involved in any illicit ideas, don’t take advantage of your positions,” he said.

It comes after repeated attacks from suspected PF cadres on radio stations due to broadcast messages from UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema last month. The Government’s Information Minister Dora Siliya has condemned the actions but many feel the PF is not doing enough to prevent further violence.