Start mobilising, South PF leaders told

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has directed Southern Province executive committee to start party mobilisation and identification of potential 2021 Parliamentary candidates.

Meanwhile 60 United Party for National Development (UPND) members in Choma have defected to the PF barely 24hours after another 230 defected in Monze.

President Lungu said Patriotic Front should produce members of Parliament in the 2021 general elections in Southern Province.

"We don't have MPs here. What are you still waiting for to start mobilisation? Start identifying shadow members of Parliament who we should start working with," said the President.

He said members should demonstrate and show that the ruling party is an all-inclusive political party regardless of tribe or colour.

He said this when he addressed district PF officials from 7 districts in Choma on Sunday.

He challenged the provincial leadership to explain developmental projects taking place in area to show the people that government cares for them.

The President said nothing would stop him from delivering development in the province because it was part of Zambia.

"Look I got 230 votes in Dundumwezi against another candidate who got over 30,000 votes, but I am taking development there. I have connected them to the grid, I have provided mobile phone network connectivity and provided a road," explained the president.

He said the PF had a duty to stop an impression being created by the UPND that PF hates Southern Province.

"We cannot afford to leave Southern Province out of development"

The president urged the provincial leadership not feel segregated following a complaint that some party officials in Lusaka where issuing discouraging comments.

He urged the leadership in the province to ignore individuals suggesting that PF does not need the Southern Province vote.

Meanwhile President Lungu received 60 UPND members in Choma and urged the leadership in the district to ensure new members were given work to do.