11 November 2009
POLITICAL party cadres in a Mitsubishi Canter carrying stones and pangas are reportedly doing rounds in parts of Solwezi Central Constituency threatening villagers with violence if they vote for the MMD candidate, Albert Chifita in next Thursday's by-election.
This was heard in Solwezi yesterday at a public rally at Sandang'ombe Middle Basic School addressed by the MMD campaign team led by Vice-President, George Kunda.
And Mr Kunda warned that police would not tolerate violent behaviour during campaigns for the seat that fell vacant following the death of area Member of Parliament (MP), Benny Tetamashimba.
Mr Kunda said Solwezi, which has Lundas, Luvales, Kaondes and Lambas living in peace, should not allow any violent influences from outside the province to destroy its massive investment.
And at a late rally at Tumvwanganai Basic School on Monday, Mr Kunda praised the people of Solwezi for their entrepreneurship skills, saying they should not let the opposition disturb that.
"Give us an MP who will continue with the policies of the MMD," he said.
He reiterated that the electorate of Solwezi should reject the United Party for National Development (UPND)-Patriotic Front (PF) Pact which was only exporting violence to the province.
And MMD deputy general secretary, Jeff Kaande said UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema had lost late party's leader, Anderson Mazoka's thinking by partnering with PF leader, Michael Sata, whom he alleged insulted the people of North-Western Province.
But when reached for a comment, PF-UPND Pact candidate, Watson Lumba denied the allegations and said the MMD should accept that the pact was campaigning effectively.
He said they had stationed a vehicle in the area but it was meant for logistics because the area could not be covered without the use of a vehicle.
Mr Lumba said the pact could not intimidate voters because they needed their votes on polling day.
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