Zambian Acting President Rupiah Banda is among four prominent members of the ruling Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) who have applied to stand on the party ticket to be floated for the republican presidency for the forthcoming by-election, Times of Zambia reported Wednesday.
Others are Finance Minister Ng'andu Magande and former vice-president Enoch Kavindele as well as former Works and Supply minister Ludwig Sondashi.
MMD spokesperson Benny Tetamashimba said in a telephone interview that Banda handed in his application on Tuesday but could not give further details.
"I can confirm that Mr Banda has filed his application. I am happy that Dr Katele Kalumba and Mr Michael Mabenga have not filed because this will enhance unity in the party," he said.
Kavindele who personally handed in his application at the party's secretariat in Lusaka said he was the best candidate because he had no problems with people at the grassroots, who also knew his capabilities.
"I do have considerable political experience dating back to the time I served as member of the central committee in the UNIP government whilst also participating in several committees.
"The political positions I have held have exposed me to the breadth and width of the country. Other than that, I am able to communicate with the grassroots in vernacular quite easily in any part of the country as I speak 29 Zambian languages," he said.
The MMD in Eastern Province has also called for the adoption of acting President Rupiah Banda as the party presidential candidate.
Eastern Province MMD NEC members, the provincial executive committee (PEC), district and constituency committees as well as members of Parliament (MPs) said this is a statement issued in Chipata Wednesday.
Source:Xinhua
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