Political parties express optimism to scoop the Mpongwe seat

As campaign for the Mpongwe by-elections draw to a close today, all contesting political parties have expressed optimism of scooping the seat.

The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) in particular says clearly that its candidate Gabriel Namulambe will emerge the winner.

And opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) Deputy National Secretary Kuchunga Simusamba says the heavy presence of police in Mpongwe will affect voter turnout on the Election Day as voters may feel intimidated.

And opposition Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD) candidate Miniver Mutesa says the people of Mpongwe will vote for her because she is a woman.

PF campaign strategist for the Mpongwe by-elections Bonnie Tembo said the campaign team has done its work to ensure a landslide victory for the PF.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Tembo said this in an interview in Mpongwe today.

He added that the electorate in Mpongwe constituency is determined to retain Mr. Namulambe as their parliamentary representative because no opposition MP has ever represented them.

“The PF has abided well by the electoral code of conduct so far. There has been no public that has been abused by the Pf during campaigns, “ he said.

Mr. Tembo further commended the people of Mpongwe for upholding peace even under severe provocation from the opposition parties taking part in the by-election.

And opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) says the heavy presence of police in Mpongwe will affect voter turnout on the Election Day as voters may feel intimidated.

UPND Deputy National Secretary Kuchunga Simusamba claimed that government had deployed over 50 police officers to each polling station ahead of the elections.

Mr. Simusamba said there is no need to have so many police offices to man the Mpongwe by- election as the country is not in a way situation.

He said in a separate interview in Mpongwe that the number of police officers in the area should be reduced to avoid voter apathy.

Mr. Simusamba said his party will win the by election as it has surprisingly turned up to be the front runner to scope the seat.

Meanwhile, Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD) candidate Miniver Mutesa says the people of Mpongwe will vote for her because she is a woman.

Ms. Mutesa said in a separate interview  in the past years when the area voted for a male candidate, development had eluded the area.

She stated that time has come for the people of Mpongwe to try a female legislature.

She said she is capable of delivering development to Mpongwe as she has a good track record of being an achiever during the time she served in different portfolios including that of being District Commissioner of Mpongwe.

Campaigns for the Mpongwe and Livingstone by- Election ended at 18: 00 hours today and all political parties are expected to halt their campaigns.