‘Our victory serious political transformation’

THE decision by the people of North-Western Province to massively vote for the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) in the just ended local government by-elections in the region is the beginning of a serious political transformation in the region, says North-Western Province minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu. In an interview with the Daily Nation yesterday, Mr Mubukwanu charged that the people of North-Western Province were tired of supporting the opposition that had failed to perform and they had now resorted to work with PF due to good leadership of President Edgar Lungu. “I want to commend President Edgar Lungu for providing good leadership. The PF has continued to grow steadily across the country even in areas where it was unpopular. It is the sign that the people of Zambia have collectively welcomed President Lungu’s vision,” he said. Mr Mubukwanu said it was pleasing to witness how PF had gained grounds in the region that was once considered a stronghold of the UPND. He said PF would not betray the confidence of the people. “It’s time for the winning and the losing parties to come together and work in harmony. Elections are over.” Mr Mubukwanu also praised PF membership in the province for their commitment and hard work towards mobilizing the party. His comments comes as the PF grabbed two local government seats in the province. This was after its candidates emerged victorious while the UPND has returned the Kanongesha seat in yesterday’s local by elections. The two seats are Kangwena in Mushindamo and Kanyama in Mwinilunga in which the PF fielded Steven Kasono and Bruston Nyangala while the UPND fielded Rabson Laishi and Innocent Mocha respectively. In Kangwena, Returning officer Libombela Mulala declared Mr Kasono as duly elected councilor after polling 682 votes against the UPND candidate who only managed 323. ‘’I therefore declare Mr Kasono duly elected councilor for Kangwena ward,’’ Mr Mulala said. And in Kanyama, returning officer Mathews Ponga declared Mr Nyangala as duly elected councilor after he polled 909 votes against the UPND candidate Innocent Mocha who polled 343 votes only. And PF provincial chairperson Jackson Kungo says the PF’s election victory in the two wards is a fresh endorsement for the ruling party. “The victory is an affirmation of the people’s confidence in the PF leadership and in the promise of hope the party has given to the people,’’ he said. He said the results demonstrates that the PF was a formidable force on the political scene in the province. He said the party has become more attractive to the people owing to the massive development it has delivered in the region. He also commended the UPND for putting up a good run against the PF. ‘’This is the unity of purpose and discipline that the party deserves from all of us. And we can do more when we are united,’’ he said.