Confusion mars Kasenengwa nominations

Confusion mars Kasenengwa nominations

Chipata, August 13, 2014, ZANIS……..Confusion yesterday characterized the filling in of nomination papers for the Kasenengwa parliamentary by- election after the bag containing documents for the United Party National Development (UPND) candidate Timothy Kafwa Nyirenda was allegedly stolen.

And Eastern province minister Malozo Sichone has called on political parties taking part in the by-election to refrain from involving themselves in violence ahead of the Kasenengwa polls slated for September 11, 2014.

ZANIS in Chipata reports that UPND officials alleged that the bag contained a letter of sponsorship from the party and adoption certificate for their candidate.

Returning officer Noel Sichale had a tough time to control the situation which was only corrected after interventions from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and senior members of the UPND from the party secretariat.

However,  Mr  Nyirenda was later allowed to lodge in his nomination papers.

Meanwhile, four candidates successfully filled in their nomination papers for the Kasenengwa parliamentary by election slated for September 11, 2014.

The candidates include MMD’s Victoria Kalima who is re-contesting the seat, UNIP’s Khumbiza Daka , Patriotic Front (PF) candidate Gideon Zulu and Timothy Nyirenda for the UPND.

Returning Officer Noel Sichale said the commission rejected one application for an independent candidate Jailos Sakala after he failed to meet the requirements while the Christian Democratic Party candidate was turned away for reporting at the nomination center late.

Speaking to journalist after filling in her nominations, MMDs Victoria Kalima promised to quicken the development projects that are currently taking place in the constituency.

Ms. Kalima alleged that key infrastructure development projects have stalled due to lack of proper supervision by the PF government. 

She added that even the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) has not be utilized and is just in the account because people of Kasenengwa have been denied representation in parliament hence the need for them to  voting for her.

And UNIP candidate Khumbiza Daka has pledged to improve the education and health sectors in the constituency.

Ms. Daka noted that having been born in Kasenengwa she was the best person to represent the people and bring the needed development to the area which has lagged behind for a long time.

And PF’s Gideon Zulu has pledged to foster development in the constituency.

After filling his papers UPND’s Timothy Kafwa Nyirenda accused the MMD of having stolen his papers and further alleged that it was unfortunate that the daylight  robbery was done in full view of the Commissioner of Police  and her officers. 

The Kasenengwa seat fall vacant following the nullification of the 2011 election of MMD member of parliament Victoria Kalima for corrupt practices by the Supreme Court.