Sata calls for Lusaka district chairperson elections

PRESIDENT Sata has called on the Patriotic Front (PF) Lusaka provincial executive committee to call for a district conference at which a new Lusaka district chairperson must be elected in order to bring to an end a power misunderstanding.
The President made the poll call in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday by his special assistant for press and public relations, George Chellah.
President Sata has also asked Mr Robert Chikwelete to state for the record where and when he was elected PF Lusaka district chairman as the debate continues.
“Let him [Chikwelete]also tell us which party organ elected him, when and where the election took place,” President Sata said.
Consequently, Lusaka Province PF chairperson Geoffrey Chuumbwe said the provincial executive committee has accepted the Presidential directive and will ensure that a district conference is held as a matter of urgency.
“We are going to implement the directive as a matter of urgency and I have since directed the district political secretary to check on the register so that we can start preparing for the conference,” Mr Chuumbwe said.
Meanwhile, Mr Chikwelete’s sympathisers and those of  Mr Goodson Banda have both expressed interest in contesting the seat at an election.
Mr Chikwelete said he will contest the position because of the support he is receiving from party members in the district.
“I will contest the position, I have a huge following from people both inside and outside the party.
“What the President has done is very good because he has promoted democracy in the party by calling on the provincial executive committee to call for a district conference where a new Lusaka district chairman will be elected,” Mr Chikwelete said.
He said his loyalty will always remain with President Sata, who has seen it fit to elect a person who will provide quality leadership in the party at a district level.
“I’m thanking the President for what he has done. This will stop political bickering in the party at district level. I’m happy because when the President talks, I always listen and he has taught me a lot of things which have made me who I am in politics today,” Mr Chikwelete said.
He urged party members in the district to rally behind him at the district conference.
And Mr Banda said he is happy that President Sata has cleared the air as to who is Lusaka district chairperson.
“I’m very happy that the President has cleared the air that he did not appoint Mr Chikwelete as Lusaka district chairman. I will recontest the position and I will win because I have support from party members,” he said.
Mr Banda also said he will continue to execute the duties of Lusaka district chairperson until the elections are held.