UPND not intimidated with Party defections in Kalabo Central

Kalabo Central Member of Parliament, Chiinga Miyutu, says the United Party for National Development (UPND) in Kalabo is still strong and is not intimidated by Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) defections to the Patriotic Front (PF) in the district.

Mr Miyutu told ZANIS in an interview that ADD defections did not hold any water and likened the party to a blunt knife trying to cut hard meat.

“Defections or no defections our ground is safe and we are getting more popular because of the good works that are attributed to my party,” Mr Miyutu said.

The Parliamentarian predicted massive defections from the PF and Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD) because of an overwhelming support the party was enjoying from the traditional leadership.

But PF District Secretary, Simenda Maleta, dismissed Mr Miyutu’s claims, saying the ruling party had gained momentum because the electorate have seen the desired development in the district.

Mr Maleta added the district executive committee had embarked on an extensive party mobilization exercise with an undisclosed number of UPND members defecting to the PF.

He said Kalabo Central was no longer an opposition UPND stronghold as opposed to Mr Miyutu’s claims.

Mr Maleta, however, accused former Kalabo District Commissioner, Irene Mate of dividing the party in the district, saying her absence was a plus.

He said Mrs Mate’s absence had enabled the smooth running of party’s district affairs.

Recently, the entire ADD executive committee with over 1,500 members defected to the PF.