30 August 2008
FIFTEEN MMD officials have applied to contest the forthcoming presidential by-election on the party's platform following the death of President Levy Mwanawasa.
National secretary, Katele Kalumba confirmed in Lusaka yesterday that Health Minister, Brian Chituwo, was among the last officials to file in their applications before the 17:00 hours deadline.
Dr Kalumba said he would soon call a meeting to scrutinise the applications in readiness for a national executive committee (NEC) meeting next Friday.
He, however, refused to disclose the names of the applicants, saying the list was not final as the committee would have to verify the eligibility of the aspirants.
Dr Chituwo confirmed in an interview that he submitted his application upon arrival from Kabwe where he had gone to receive late President Mwanawasa's body.
He joined other aspirants who include acting President Rupiah Banda, Home Affairs Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha and Finance and National Planning Minister, Ng'andu Magande.
Others who have applied are two former vice-presidents, Nevers Mumba and Enoch Kavindele, former Works and Supply minister, Ludwig Sondashi, and Lusaka businessman and MMD chairperson for commerce and industry, Sebastian Kopulande.
The NEC, which currently comprises 55 members, will next Friday pick the party's representative for the by-election to be held in less than 80 days following the death of President Mwanawasa.
Meanwhile, ZANIS reports that tempers flared among some MMD members gathered at Kambule Technical High School in Mongu yesterday over who should succeed Dr Mwanawasa.
The succession debate started at Country Lodge, but the ensuing confusion made some senior party officials change the venue to the school.
The change of venue did not help much as a group of cadres followed the officials to the new meeting place.
There was a near punch-up between some NEC officials and party members in Western Province.
Some officials proposed the acting President, Mr Banda for the presidency while others supported Mr Magande and Commerce Minister, Felix Mutati if he showed interest in the race.
Provincial chairperson Simasiku Namakando, who addressed the members, said the province was in support of Mr Banda for the national presidency, but some irate cadres demanded that the decision be subjected to a secret vote.
However, Mr Namakando overruled the decision of the members at the lower levels of the party.
He contended that Mr Banda was the right candidate for the presidency because he had worked closely with the late president.
He also said Mr Banda was more popular than the aspirants proposed by other members, adding that the MMD has no resources for campaigns.
Some cadres demanded that the candidate to succeed Dr Mwanawasa should be elected at a national convention where they would be fully represented.
But some officials circulated a petition that Mr Namakando approved. Over 300 signatures endorsing Mr Banda were collected.
Among those who attended the meeting at Kambule Technical High School were Steven Manjata, Sipula Kabanje, Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika, Batuke Imenda, Ireen Imbwae, Charles Milupi and some opposition supporters.
And in an interview, Dr Kabanje said the entire province had endorsed Mr Banda to succeed Dr Mwanawasa.
He said the MMD under President Mwanawasa had delivered on its promises and there was, therefore, need to continue the legacy he has left. - Times Reporter/ZANIS
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