Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) aspiring candidate in the Solwezi Central Constituency by-election has said the flourishing mining activities at Lumwana and Kansanshi mines have influenced the political climate in the district.
Mufulira District Party Secretary, Esiyasa Mwelumuka, said the mines have made Solwezi district economically competitive and therefore in need of a person with eloquent and vibrant leadership qualities to aspire for the seat.
He said the battle in the constituency by-election would be an uphill one, but expressed confidence that the MMD would scoop the seat despite the PF/UPND pact having a bit of a following.
In a statement to ZANIS in Mufulira today, Mr Mwelumuka said with that scenario in mind he has declared his intention to contest the forthcoming Solwezi Central parliamentary by election.
Mr Mwelumuka stated that party members in Solwezi and his relatives from Chief Kapijimpanga and Kalelemba villages have endorsed his candidature after wide consultations with them.
He said his intention to contest the seat has also been prompted following the death of the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Benny Tetamashimba, who passed away early this month.
He said he has adequate experience to win the by-election if nominated as he has closely worked with the former MPs, including Dr Ludwig Sondashi and the late Humphrey Mulemba under the National Party, as a strategist.
He added that he is a founding member of the ruling party in the province and had equally worked with the late Mr Tetamashimba.
ZANIS
WE ARE MANY WHO HAVE SHOWN INTERESTS, I WILL BE CONTESTING ON UPP TICKET OR PUDD, OR EVEN ON NADA
But imwe ba Esiyasa Mwelumuka, there is no village and family politics in this day and era.
How can you say that you have been endorsed by your “relatives from Chief Kapijimpanga and Kalelemba villages” and expect to win an election.
People need an MP who can represent them all in the constituency and not you who wants to go to parliament on the mandate of you family.
Representation has to be across board.
Abash NEPOTISM.
There are no locals obviously. They are all villagers who can not read or write. There you go then mwata Mwelumuka. All yours! Africans never stop amusing do they?
#2 Mule, You have hit the nail on the head. Nepotism is one of the many diseases that have killed our country. A man like him if elected will make his family, relatives and friends top priority at the expense of national development. Away with him!
Solwezi is in the process of being detribalised. Environments where all Zambians, other those of one tribe in this case the Kaonde, the politics always favour the opposition. BaMMD bakatena.
I thought this is a unique opportunity for Henry Kyambalesa and his internet based Agenda for Change party to transition and pitch. In your village its happening Solwezi and Kyambalesa must prove his political leverage if he has to build the 2011 credence.
Well, after all is said and done, Zambia practices very high levels of hypocrisy! What do I mean? Even in the way we lead our lives, there’s nothing that shows that we’re a Christian nation, all am saying that we pretend to be doing one thing when the actual hapening is something else! Fom the time of Kafupi, MP’s have been known to stand in constituencies on tribal lines, check them out. What a shame, it’s not just Solwezi, all other constituencies have a tribal man as M.P! I leave everything in the hands of God who sees the hearts of all mankind and is the ultimate Judge.
I personally have intetions to contest that seat. With me it’s about merit and service delivery for our people and not being supported by family members as exhibted by the so called Mwelumuka. My first item on the agenda if elected will be to redesign Solwezi from the shanty state to a morden one with mordern streets complete with lighting, decent housing units among other projects!!
This chap is a dude. I know him very well. He works for Ministry of Agriculture in Muf as Registry Clerk, keeping files for dogs that have been vaccinated. We donot need such charaters. Anyway, do your best, there are other names like, Gen Kayumba, teddy Mulonga, Peter Patel, John Hazel, Ephraim Mateyo, Eng Naaman Kipumbu etc. All the best with this battle with MMD. Personally I wolud go for either Ephraim Mateyo or Eng Naaman Kipumbu. Bravo MMD
Is it Constituency or Parliamentary by – election? Consituency elections can be for electing a Constituency chairman, even.
#7 dont e shy just say it in Kasama they are looking at Bemba speaking why not in Solwezi. Mwelumuka go for it dont worry about those scared that your family tree is supporting you. It a strategic advantage which you need before others can support you. There is tribalism evrywhere Zambia dont be cheated.
Let the MMD adopt this man Mwelumuka so that the PACT can get it easily