- Nkandu says members have seen how strong, unifying he has been
PHILIP CHISALU,
MATHEWS MALAZIKA
Lusaka
UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) deputy spokesperson Elvis Nkandu says the unanimous adoption of President Hakainde Hichilema as the party’s presidential candidate highlights the unity among members and their belief in his leadership.
Despite the contest being open to all interested individuals, on Sunday, Mr Hichilema successfully filed his nomination unopposed ahead of the party’s general conference tomorrow.
Mr Hichilema expressed humbleness at the decision by UPND’s membership to have him as their presidential candidate in the August 13 general election.
In an interview, Mr Nkandu said the lack of opposition against Mr Hichilema shows that UPND members trust him.
“This [being a sole candidate] highlights also a growing belief among citizens and us as party members in his commitment to, obviously, national development, unity and also inclusive governance.
“Members have seen how strong he has been, how unifying he has been and how he would want to transform the party to be a very strong party and also transform the nation,” he said.
Mr Nkandu, who is Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, said President Hichilema has continued to inspire many Zambians, adding that majority of citizens want to see meaningful transformation in their respective communities.
“Now that [the filing of nominations] is
done, we now look forward to working very hard to better the lives of our people,” he said.
Mr Nkandu said the party is still intact and ready to participate in the August 13 general election.
UPND deputy media director Sikwindi Situla said President Hichilema was unchallenged because the party did not want to jeopardise the positive gains achieved so far.
Mr Situla said every member of the party has vested their confidence in Mr Hichilema’s leadership.
He said Mr Hichilema has effectively organised the party for many years, hence the confidence that has been placed in him.
“This leader has brought political stability not only in the party, but also in the country. He continues to follow the path of unity,” Mr Situla said.
UPND director-general for media under the presidential support system Frank Bwalya said there is no political party throughout the world that would change its presidential candidate for no good reason.
In reference to Mr Hichilema, Mr Bwalya said: “You cannot have a striker on the bench who scores goals in a football match.”….https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
