PF gains ground in Southern province

The ruling party in Southern province has said many people have lost confidence in the opposition political parties and they therefore want to align themselves to the Patriotic Front (PF).

PF Southern Province Political Secretary Brian Hapunda said his party was now enjoying popularity over the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) and Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).

Mr. Hapunda said the ruling party was happy with the support it was receiving from the people of Livingstone.

He was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Livingstone at the weekend.

He said the PF was penetrating the opposition UPND strongholds in the province and people were now joining ruling party.

“The ruling party in Southern province is enjoying popularity compared to the opposition. People have now realized the importance of belonging to the PF. People are defecting on a daily basis from UPND and MMD joining us and we are grateful for the support we are receiving from the people,” he said.

Mr. Hapunda said PF candidate for the February 28, 2013 Livingstone by-election, Lawrence Evans was the only credible and upright person who should be voted for.

He claimed that UPND candidate Regina Musokotwane, who is also contesting the Livingstone seat, was rejected in her former constituency, Katombora.

Mr. Hapunda wondered how Mrs. Musokotwane would develop the tourist capital, Livingstone.

And PF Livingstone campaign manager Obvious Mwaliteta in a separate interview dismissed media reports suggesting that the ruling party was involved in vote buying.

Mr. Mwaliteta, who is also Western Province Minister, said government was fulfilling its promises to the people.

“The opposition is frustrated and they have run out of ideas hence doing everything possible by going round telling lies to the people about PF. But l can assure you that the people of Livingstone have now realised that they should work with the government of the day,” Mr. Mwaliteta said.