South PF slams hypocritical opposition
By SANDRA MACHIMA CIVIL servants that were entrusted to deliver and alleviate the disaster situation during and after the 2016 elections were segregative and chose to support the parties that were distributing materials in exchange for votes, Chief Chiyengele of the Mbunda people submitted to the commission of inquiry into voting pattern and electoral violence.
Chief Chiyengele noted that there was apathy in most parts of the Western Province, particularly in Luena constituency, because some politicians were only favouring their supporters.
Chief Chiyengele noted that the 2016 general election was marred with corrupt practices by some campaigners, especially the opposition who were seen distributing food in choppers that had camped in Makapaela in Limulunga to reach more people in rural areas.
He noted that some teachers at some point found themselves sympathizing with some politicians who were distributing materials.
He however appealed to the electoral body to ensure civil servants working with them should be monitored thoroughly during the campaigns.
He said wanting to be in power by any means was the reason why there were electoral malpractices such as vote buying especially in rural areas.
He further said the distribution of resources was another challenge that had contributed to low voter turnout during elections, noting that only few individuals who were feeling the benefit of development.
Chief Chiyengele further accused the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) of wanting to divide and overrule other chiefs from other ethnic groups in the region.
Chief Chiyengele explained that not all the people in Western province were in support of the opposition party, adding that the government officials in the region must been seen to working and visit all the areas. By SIMON MUNTEMBA THE desperation by some opposition political party leaders who are fond of using any calamity to paint the government black with the hope of brightening their chance of entering State House is not only disappointing but shocking, the Patriotic Front (PF) in Southern Province has said.
PF provincial information and publicity secretary trymore mwenda said his party in the province was disappointed by cheap political gimmicks over 2017/2018 farming season by some opposition political party leaders was.
Mr Mwenda said in a statement it was shocking that some opposition leaders wanting to lead this country in the future could stoop so low as to stand on a platform accuse President Lungu for the poor rainfall in some parts of the country experiencing a dry spell.
“The ruling PF in Southern Province is shocked but not surprised over the double standards being exhibited by some opposition party leaders who have chosen to direct their unwarranted attacks at President Edgar Lungu regarding some challenges faced in the 2017/2018 farming season all in a bid to gain some support from the people of Zambia.
He reminded Zambians that it was the same opposition leaders who in the previous farming season vehemently refused to give President Lungu and his government kudos for the record maize bumper harvest claiming it was as a result of the good rainfall, that have today u-turned because it favoured their selfish ego.
He added that the same leaders who failed to praise government the previous bumper harvest do not want to accept and acknowledge that the dry spell has had an impact on crops but would rather blame President Lungu and his government.
“The President has not shielded away from admitting that the e-voucher system has faced some challenges this season, hence he accordingly apologized to the affected farmers with a pledge to ensure the same does not recur during the next farming season,” he said.
As PF in Southern Province, he said, we will not allow attacks on the President because he is doing a lot in his drive to take development to all corners of this country.