MMD president Nevers Mumba has said his party will scoop the Mpongwe parliamentary seat in the forthcoming by-elections because the constituents are thirsty for a credible leader.

Dr Mumba said the MMD had fielded Miniver Mutesa who personifies good governance on which the party's original ideals are premised.

"That is the message we are getting from the people that they want credible leaders and luckily that is exactly what we are offering them in Miniver," he said.

"If what Stephen Masumba did in Mufumbwe was wrong how does it become right now that Namulambe is the one who has done it?" he asked.

MMD treasurer, Mwansa Mbulakulima said Ms Mutesa is the only suitable candidate in Mpongwe because she has served the community before when she was District Commissioner.

Mr Mbulakulima said MMD will take the Mpongwe seat barring a repeat of what happened in Mufumbwe when agents of the PF candidate allegedly distributed money and food and intimidated the voters on the eve of polling day.

"We have done enough ground work in Mpongwe. This time we have equipped ourselves to block any wrong doings in the run up to the elections. We won't entertain any manipulation of the vote," he said.

Others contesting the Mpongwe seat are Ken Kuveya on the UNIP ticket, Raphael Ndlovu NAREP and the UPND's Rapson Chilufya.