— RB’s support to EL does not affect UPND — Mwale

United Party For National Development
(UPND) in Eastern Province says the move by former republican
President Rupiah Banda to support the candidature of PF’s Edgar Lungu
in the forthcoming President election is aimed at ensuring a better deal
for himself.

 

UNPD Provincial Campaign Team Coordinator Maxwell Mwale says the
former head of state wants to secure a deal for himself and his family
as opposed to the people of Zambia.

 

Speaking at a media briefing held in Chipata today, Mr Mwale said the
UPND is not shaken by Mr. Banda’s stance because his decision does not
reflect the wishes of the people on the ground.

 

He stated that the actions of the former President are a clear
indication that he does not support democracy.

 

“We want to react to one statement made by the head of state that
president Hakainde Hichilema would take Zambia to a one party state,
that puzzles everyone’s mind because if President Rupiah Banda is
interested in promoting democracy he should have continued to support
his party MMD on matter the circumstance,” he added.

 

Mr Mwale stated that Mr Banda should have considered MMD is the party
which made him become the fourth President of Zambia as opposed to
supporting another party.

 

 

He  said PF has destroyed agriculture which is the mainstay of
the province adding that the situation has subjected people to abject
poverty.

 

He stated that tobacco farmers had to take their produce to Lusaka to
because there was nowhere to sale in the region while those that sold
maize to FRA have not yet been paid.

 

.
And UPND Eastern province Chairperson, Paul Thole has urged the people
of Eastern Province to vote for HH who he said is a farmer and eastern
being an agricultural hub will benefit greatly.

 

Mr Thole said nothing tangible has been done in Eastern Province
especially in terms of agriculture and even to Mr Banda himself as a
tribe’s man who also has court cases which were influenced by the same
party he is now supporting.

 

Over the weekend, former President Rupiah Banda endorsed Edgar Lungu
candidature for the January, 20, 2015 elections.