FORMER UPND vice-president Richard Kapita says the Patriotic Front (PF) has set a foundation for easy victory in next year’s general elections following the wins the ruling party has recorded in parliamentary polls this year.
The ruling party has taken eight out of nine parliamentary by-elections since the ascendancy to presidency of President Edgar Lungu in January this year with the latest being the Lubanseshi constituency last month.
Apart from the Lubanseshi, the PF has in the past won by-elections in various parts of the country, including Malambo, Petauke, Masaiti, Senga Hill, Chawama and Mulobezi constituencies.
Mr Kapita said the wins in recent polls were a clear indication that the PF would emerge victorious in the 2016 polls.
Mr Kapita, who was the PF campaign manager in the just-ended Solwezi West parliamentary by-election, said in an interview that it was a clear that people were in support of the party in power.
“PF is doing well and will win the 2016 general elections. This year we have won almost all the by-elections except for a few. This is an indication that we are still gaining ground and we will win come 2016,” he said.
Mr Kapita said the PF had also gained ground in constituencies and areas where it did not performed well during the presidential elections in 2011.
He said people in North-Western and Western provinces had withdrawn the support for opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) after realising the ruling party was delivering development.
The decision by the electorate to ditch UPND in the two provinces is evidence enough that the opposition was not going anywhere.
Mr Kapita said while the opposition members were castigating and criticising the ruling party, PF was busy mobilising members and preparing for the elections next year.
“PF has gained ground even in provinces where it did not perform well during the presidential election in January this year like North-Western and Western provinces. Today I can assure you that we have gained more support and we are doing well,” he said.
ZNBC
Kuyeli Shilyangawile Nshiku Lyangu
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