Lungu warns ineffective MPs, bemoans tribal politics

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has warned that he would not hesitate to disown Patriotic Front (PF) Members of Parliament not delivering to the expectations of electorates.

And President Lungu has bemoaned tribal politics that has rocked the country, saying it was bleeding his heart.

The President said this at a rally in Kasenengwa constituency to drum up support for PF candidate in the forthcoming by-election for the constituency, Sensio Banda.

He reminded PF parliamentarians that electorates were the ones who put them in power and that they should endeavor to serve them diligently.

"If you don't visit your constituents I will remind you. But if you don't listen I will disown before these people disown me," he said. President Lungu also expressed disappointment that people were still voting based on tribal lineage.

He revealed that electorates in Kasenengwa were divided between voting for Chewa and Ngoni, but reminded them that Zambia was one nation.

President Lungu said that candidates should be voted for on merit, assurance on delivering development and not based on ethnic grouping.

He urged constituents to vote for Mr Banda as he was going to work under a party which was delivering.

He warned electorates not to vote for candidates whose political parties were not willing to work with government.

And PF secretary general Davies Mwila tipped electorates that once they voted for the ruling party candidate, they would be assured of mass development as he would be able to lobby from relevant offices.

Mr Mwila pointed out that pronouncing of Kasenengwa into a district was proof that good things were on their way to the area.

Mr Mwila reiterated that at the moment, it was only the PF government which could deliver development to the people.

Meanwhile, Mr Banda promised to woo development to the area once voted into office.