President Lungu, Nevers Mumba in 2016 election partnership discussions

THE ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and the opposition MMD are in talks on how best they can work together.
PF secretary-general Davies Chama said in an interview yesterday that President Lungu and MMD leader Nevers Mumba have been meeting to discuss how the two parties can build a partnership in the run-up to the 2016 presidential, parliamentary and local government elections.
“We are yet to discuss and agree on how it can be a marriage because we do not want an alliance. We want to engage in a more detailed discussion,” Mr Chama said.
He said President Lungu has also met MMD provincial party leaders from Eastern Province.
Mr Chama said the PF and MMD want a collaboration that will last longer than an alliance and promote unity, development and peace.
“We do not believe in permanent enemies. We have differed and so we should put our differences behind,” he said.
Mr Chama, however, said that the PF will not work with MMD members of Parliament (MPs) who worked with the United Party for National Development (UPND) during the just-ended presidential election, adding that they are not part of the agreement being proposed by the two political parties.
He said the PF believes in dialogue as a way of resolving challenges Zambia is facing.
Dr Mumba confirmed yesterday that he met President Lungu and discussed many issues.
He said discussions between the PF and MMD are ongoing.
“I just came back from abroad, and am yet to meet my national secretary so that he can brief me on what has been discussed.
“I will be able to give you more details concerning the discussions between PF and MMD later,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Chama says the PF will consult with the MMD on fielding one candidate for the nullified election result of the Masaiti Parliamentary election. The seat was held by the MMD’s Michael Katambo.
“We will discuss with our colleagues the MMD. They supported us and we appreciate. We will support them also,” he said.
Meanwhile, the UPND has advised opposition MPs being appointed as ministers to discharge their duties in a responsible, objective and non-partisan manner.
UPND deputy spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo said in a statement released in Lusaka yesterday that politics is about leadership and that all those entrusted with the authority should be encouraged to make such judgements and decisions.
Mr Lifwekelo said MPs should not seek ministerial positions for selfish interests.
He said Zambia needs a strong opposition to provide checks and balances to those in authority.

Daily Mail