FOUR candidates yesterday filed in nominations for next month's Solwezi Central Parliamentary by-election amidst violence between MMD and Patriotic Front-United Party for National Development (UPND) Pact supporters.

The four successful candidates for the November 19 election were Albert Chifita of the MMD, Watson Lumba of the PF-UPND Pact, Muhammad Kalela of the Forum for Democratic Alternatives (FDA) and an independent, Thomas Kafula.

Trouble started after Mr Lumba, accompanied by the Pact supporters including UPND president Hakainde Hichilema, marched back to Kyawama market grounds where they had gathered before escorting their candidate to file his nomination around 11:25hrs.

When they returned to the market grounds where they were scheduled to hold a rally, the Pact supporters found MMD cadres had occupied the grounds resulting in a confrontation.

The uncompromising cadres from both camps failed to agree and a free for all fight broke out sparking panic among on-lookers at the market.

The confrontation left some vehicles smashed and three people rushed to Solwezi General Hospital including Kitwe PF ward councillor Elias Kamanga.

Riot police fired teargas canisters to disperse the unruly cadres.

Armed police led by the North-Western Provincial Police chief Fabian Katiba and his deputy, Lackson Sakala were deployed in the area to keep vigil as the crowd dispersed.

Later, scores of MMD supporters regrouped at the showgrounds and escorted Mr Chifita to the civic center where he filed in his nomination around 13:40hrs.

UPND spokesperson, Charles Kakoma blamed the violence on MMD and police whom he accused of causing confusion after allocating Kyawama market grounds to the Pact before re-locating it to the ruling party.

Mr Kakoma accused police of directing canisters at Mr Hichilema and said he would seek audience with Mr Katiba.

When reached for comment, Mr Katiba referred all queries to police spokesperson, Bonnie Kapeso in Lusaka.

MMD campaign manager Kabinga Pande said the ruling party which had not imported people for the nominations, was determined to retain the seat left vacant by late Benny Tetamashimba.

Mr Pande called for clean and peaceful campaigns.

Caritas Solwezi Catholic diocese coordinator Frederick Nabanda and AVAP information officer Shepherd Mulumbi condemned the violence with both calling for peaceful and clean campaigns.