UNIP unveils a youthful list of candidates for Southern Province

THE United National Independence Party (UNIP) in Southern Province has unveiled five adopted parliamentary candidates and more than 45 aspiring councillors most of whom are youths and females.

The five parliamentary candidates are Ian Munkombwe for Livingstone Constituency, Lubinda Silumesi for Katombola Constituency, Cheelo Hakasenke for Magoye Constituency, Broaden Chikalanga for Chikankata Constituency and Febby Mapulanga for Mazabuka Central Constituency.

In terms of councillors, Livingstone and Mazabuka are leading in terms of numbers of adopted candidates although the former ruling party will not field candidates in other parts of Southern Province.

Out of 17 wards in Livingstone Constituency, UNIP will be fielding in nine candidates out of which five are females and four are males.

UNIP Southern Province chairperson Robert Mukengani announced the adopted candidates at a media briefing at his home in Livingstone yesterday.

Capt Mukengami, who also launched the party manifesto and strategic plan for 2016 elections, said the former ruling party had rebranded itself and that it was confident of winning this year’s elections.

On Wednesday, UNIP successfully fielded in the 100 presidential supporters for Southern Province in Choma.

“Our candidates are young and brand new without any political dent and they are going to serve our people better.

“We are a party that has experience and a track record. We have ruled Zambia before and we will win this year. Our candidates are not going to be masters but servants. They will change the face of councils and constituencies,” Capt Mukengami said.

And several UNIP adopted local government candidates for Livingstone Constituency, who were present at the media briefing, promised to improve the welfare of citizens once elected as councillors.

Elbina Musakanya, 22, a candidate for Kariba Ward, said she would ensure that the young people were empowered once she was elected as councillor.

Daniel Phiri, 25, a candidate for Lizuma Ward, said he would upgrade the clinic as well as roads and drainages in the area.

Ireen Likokoto, 24, a candidate for Simoonga Ward, said she would improve on the markets and water supply situation in the area.

Mudenda Happy, 25, a candidate for Lizuma Ward, said he would ensure that proper access to health and education were enhanced in the area.

Mubanga Clifford, 39, a candidate for Akapelwa Ward, said he would ensure that traders who were displaced to pave way for the construction of Town Centre Market were given space and priority in the modern market currently under construction.