Govt calls for peace as PF converge in Kabwe for convention

—-Government has urged delegates at the Patriotic Front (PF) general conference at the Mulungushi rock of authority to remain peaceful as they elect their part President to contest the January 20^, 2015 presidential by elections.

 

Chief Government spokesperson, Joseph Katema, describes the 2014 PF conference as the most peaceful party conference in the history of Zambia.

 

Dr Katema, who is also Information and Broadcasting Service Minister, commended the Zambia Police service for maintaining peace and order at the conference.

 

Meanwhile, thousands of PF delegates have converged at the Mulungushi Rock of Authority in Kabwe to elect the party President.

 

The delegates gathered at the graduation square as early as 07:00 hours in readiness for the general conference which is expected to be opened by Acting President, Guy Scott.

 

The mood at the conference is peaceful and no act of violence has been reported.

 

Songs of solidarity for Defence and Justice Minister, Edgar Lungu, echoed around the square as cadres and party members danced and ran around.

 

Some Cabinet Ministers, deputy Ministers, MPs and members of the Central Committees, led by Nkandu Luo, could not resist and joined the jubilant cadres in songs and dances.

 

And PF National Chairperson, Inonge Wina, expressed surprise and concern over the delay to open the conference as delegates have been waiting for over five hours.

 

Ms WIna said there was no room for delay in electing the person to lead the party in the upcoming election so that the ruling party can kick start the campaigns.

 

She said it was unfortunate that the secretariat, which is in charge of accrediting delegates, has delayed in completing the exercise.

 

On rumours that the party conference had been postponed to Sunday to allow delegates to accredit, Ms Wina said the information had not been communicated.

 

She could neither confirm nor deny the sudden withdrawal of Commerce Minister, Miles Sampa, from the PF presidential race.

 

There is a rumour in the camp that Mr Sampa has withdrawn from the presidential race.