Katuka Criticises Monthly By-Elections

UPND Secretary General Stephen Katuka has criticised the PF’s triggering of monthly ward by-elections, calling them a drain not only on the national coffers but on political parties as well.

Mr Katuka said the frequent elections were the result of the PF’s desire to prove to Zambians that the party was still popular. He called on the government to stop buying UPND Councillors in order to bring about the elections. 

Zambia has only a few months to go before a general election, he added, and the PF should wait until then to prove its popularity. 

The opposition leader said that Zambians are tired of the persistent elections, which are contributing to high rates of poverty in the country. He urged President Lungu to desist from the frivolous spending of public funds. 

In a related development, UPND Councillor for Lufwanyama Ward, Rodgers Simwemba, has recanted his decision to join the PF. 

Mr Simwemba told reporters that he had been offered a job in the health sector by the PF in exchange for resigning from his position. He said that he had since changed his mind as he felt that the party would lose next year’s election and he didn’t want to remain in opposition.

UPND Chairperson for Elections Gary Nkombo says his party now has evidence to prove that the PF is bribing opposition councillors to resign in order to trigger by-elections. 

He said that having already forced elections in North Western and Western Provinces, the government was now turning its attention to the Lamba Land on the Copperbelt, where five councillors have resigned so far. 

Mr Nkombo praised Mr Simwemba for rescinding his decision and warned UPND councillors in the Copperbelt and Central Province not to consider resigning to join the PF.