South UPND officials retain positions

THE UPND has successfully held elections in Southern Province under strict adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines and preventive measures.

Newly elected provincial Information and publicity secretary, Neto Halwabala, announced the development to the Daily Nation in Livingstone.

The elections which were held at the weekend saw the return of nearly all the leaders including provincial chairman, Billiard Makwembo, retain their positions.

Former provincial secretary Winnerson Ng'uni did not contest his position which he held since 2012.

Mr Halwabala said that the provincial elections were held in all the districts of Southern Province due to the Covid-19 pandemic which restricted people to gather in large numbers. He said that nearly all the positions were contested except for the positions of provincial chairlady and vice provincial treasurer. "It was interesting and everyone was given an opportunity to sell themselves to the voters in the districs and tell people what they were bringing in the party. "All in all, the elections were partially fair because as you know, in any elections, there are people who always cry foul and say something... but otherwise, it went on well and each candidate had an agent to see how things are being conducted," he said.

Mr Halwabala said it was a fair way of doing things especially with the prevailing situation of COVID-19 pandemic.

"For us as a party UPND in the province, we are calling on everyone even those who did not make it to join hands work together with the leadership for the good cause of the party," he said.