PF seeks 7th straight win

THE Patriotic Front (PF) is staking its popularity against the United Party for National Development (UPND) and other opposition parties in today’s parliamentary by-election in Bangweulu, Samfya.

The PF has won all the six parliamentary by-elections since Edgar Lungu became President in the January 20 election and the party once again weighs itself against the other parties vying for the seat.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Chifita Matafwali, and the ruling party will be hoping to maintain its grip on the seat through its candidate, Anthony Kasandwe.

According to the Electoral Commission of Zambia 2014 voters’ register, 41,958 people are eligible to vote in Bangweulu.
During the January 20 presidential poll, only 22 percent of the registered voters participated, with Mr Lungu getting 7,472 votes while UPND president Hakainde Hichilema was in a distant second place with 848 votes.

Mr Kasandwe will come up against Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD)’s Robby Mwansa and Morgan Mwewa of the National Restoration Party (NAREP).
Other candidates are Bulanko Muma, who is standing on the UPND ticket, and Christian Democratic Party’s John Kabila.
Two independent candidates, Prudence Mwansa and Elijah Bwalya, have also thrown their hat in the ring.