Petauke independent, candidate backs PF

INDEPENDENT candidate in the Petauke Central by-election, Elias Daka has withdrawn his candidature, opting to support the Patriotic Front (PF) candidate Leonard Banda.
Mr Daka said he had made the decision because of the good leadership exhibited by President Michael Sata in handling national affairs.
Mr Daka said in a letter addressed to President Sata dated August 16, 2013 that the decision to withdraw his candidature was meant not to divide votes and give an advantage to other political parties vying for the seat.
“After wide consultation with my family members and PF officials, I have decided to step down and support the candidature of the official candidate, my brother Leonard Banda, for the sake of the party and you Mr President. I would not like the situation where we split the votes,” Mr Daka said.
He pledged his support for President Sata and Mr Banda’s candidature to ensure the ruling party emerged victorious during the by-election.
Mr Daka denied allegations that he was arrogant towards other senior party officials, saying he was a sober-minded man.
“I pledge total loyalty to you and the party and I will support the candidature of my brother Leonard Banda in any way possible to ensure that at the end of the day our party wins the seat,” he said.
The Petauke Central, Mulobezi and Mkaika seats have since been stayed by the High Court pending the outcome of an injunction filed by candidates challenging the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)’s decision to bar various candidates from contesting for engaging in corruption.