MMD endorses PF pact

THE MMD has resolved to unconditionally enter into an alliance with the Patriotic Front (PF) ahead of this year’s general elections.
And Patriotic Front (PF) secretary-general Davies Chama says the ruling party is not worried about the formation of an alliance by some opposition parties which aim at removing it from power.
MMD national secretary Mwansa Mbulakulima said in an interview yesterday that the national executive committee (NEC) unanimously resolved to partner with the PF during this year’s general elections.
“People have been speculating about a possible alliance with the PF and we have decided to end that speculation. We met as NEC on Saturday and agreed to accept the proposed alliance between the MMD and PF,” Mr Mbulakulima said.
He said the MMD believes that its experience as a political party put together with that of the PF will work for the benefit of all Zambians.
“We have also analysed that our policies and principles can easily be harmonised. This alliance has no conditions attached to it. Conditions are tantamount to arm-twisting each other. You must enter an alliance with a free will,” Mr Mbulakulima said.
He said since the alliance is on a party-to-party basis, a team of negotiators from both parties will be constituted.
“We believe this is a workable solution for this country. We know that our enemies will come in to try and oppose or punch holes. Please leave us alone to serve Zambians who want a majoritarian president,” Mr Mbulakulima said.
Mr Mbulakulima, who is also Chembe member of Parliament (MP), said networking becomes part of the game with the 50-percent-plus-one vote threshold for a winning presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, MMD deputy national secretary Winnie Zaloumis said the NEC meeting held on Saturday resolved that modalities should be worked out before the party enters into an alliance with the PF.
Ms Zaloumis said the MMD will also not hold a convention until 2017.
Speaking later during a press briefing, MMD president Nevers Mumba said there is no party that does not need to have an alliance given the amended Constitution.
Dr Mumba said it will be difficult for any party to win the August 11 elections alone.
“There are alliances that have started coming up. We need to meet with the PF and formalise modalities,” he said.
And Mr Chama said PF is in an alliance with the people of Zambia and some progressive opposition parties.
“We are not scared of this so-called alliance [of opposition parties that met on Saturday]. If you analyse some of these opposition leaders in that alliance, you will realise that it is ac-tually an alliance of individuals because most of them do not have followers at all,” Mr Chama said.
He described some opposition leaders as a “desperate” and that some are in politics to earn a living.
“I may sound radical but some of these are selfish people who were in gove
rnment before. They made money, now they are broke. Some are even being kept. Others always run out of fuel,” Mr Chama said.
He said Zambians are now very politically alert and know what is good for them.
“PF has come to transform the lives of people and to change this nation. Even myself as secretary-general, I get shocked with the unprecedented development I see across the country.
“So be comfortable. PF is winning. Holding press briefings in hotels will not make them win,” Mr Chama said.
And NKOLE MULAMBWA reports that Mr Kambwili described newly formed Orange Alliance presidential candidate Miles Sampa as a political light-weight, who cannot win the August 11 general election.
Speaking at a mammoth rally at Chifubu grounds in Ndola on Saturday, Mr Kambwili said such leaders are wasting their time.
Mr Kambwili has urged Mr Sampa to grow in politics if he has to compete with PF.
He, however, appealed to citizens to vote for President Lungu so that he can continue to continue with development projects.
“People should not lie to you that Government has failed, there is no Govern-ment worldwide that can transform an economy in five years. Give us time to develop, as we have put in place a solid plan to build roads, hospitals and in-crease power supply,” Mr Kambwili said.
He added: “We are asking you not to be lied to on how Governments are run “he said.
He also said the move by United Party for National Development (UPND) presi-dent Hakainde Hichilema to apologise to The Post will not help the opposition party win elections.