FORMER MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya has applied to recontest the Petauke Central parliamentary seat on the Patriotic Front (PF) ticket.
The only other applicant for the seat as a PF candidate so far is Elias Banda, popularly known as “Eli Boma”.
Ms Siliya declined to comment on the matter but assured that she would issue a comprehensive statement by tomorrow (Saturday).
But PF chairperson for elections Emmanuel Mpakata confirmed that Ms Siliya and Mr Banda had lodged their applications.
“So far, these two are the only ones who have expressed interest to stand on our party ticket. Applications are open until May 14, 2015. Thereafter, lower organs will scrutinise the applicants then make recommendations to the Central Committee. Mr Banda is our faithful member but we have also welcomed Ms Siliya since the party needs new members to help it grow,” Mr Mpakata said in a telephone interview from Mungwi.
In 2013, PF adopted Mr Leonard Banda after he successfully petitioned Ms Siliya’s election.
Mr Mpakata said the PF-adopted candidate for Mulobezi, Patricia Mulasikwanda, and Obed Shumba for Malambo are likely to contest the seats.
“But the Central Committee might decide to stick to them or consider fresh adoptions. Chances for the PF to win the three seats previously held by opposition parties are very high since all factors on the ground seem to be in our favour and we are on course to penetrate opposition strongholds,” he said.
After the 2011 general elections, the Malambo and Mulobezi parliamentary seats were held by Maxwell Mwale (MMD) and Hastings Sililo of the United Party for National Development (UPND).
The Supreme Court last week upheld a High Court judgment to allow Ms Siliya, Mr Mwale and Mr Sililo to file nominations.
ZambiaDailyMail
Genevieve Mwiinga
We knew it wherever RB goes ……… U can guess