By Obed Lijimuin Mwiniunga
Four aspiring parliamentary candidates for Mwinilunga constituency in the forthcoming August, 12, 2021 polls have successfully filed in their nominations.
New Heritage Party (NHP) candidate Edward Malanji Katang’a 43, was the first to file in at 9:30 hours.
Speaking after filing in his nomination Mr Katang’a said he is available to serve the people of Mwinilunga.
Mr Katang’a said he will push for the economic development of the constituency if elected as MP and called for peaceful campaigns.
Socialist Party (SP) candidate 27 year old Miriam Mutonga, the only female candidate in the race filed in her nomination at 11:00 hours.
Ms Mutong’a said as a youth and the only female candidate she is not intimidated and expressed confidence of wining the seat.
“It is time the youths stood up to claim leadership positions they should not be afraid” she said.
Ms Mutong’a promised to be a voice for the youth in the constituency and pledged to work with them if elected as their parliamentary representative.
She called on political players to campaign peacefully.
Meanwhile, Patriotic Front (PF) candidate Brighton Kalowa Matoka was last to file in his nomination at 14:00 hours.
In an interview, the 61 years old former ZNBC radio one broadcaster said the platform set by President Edgar Lungu in delivering development in the area will give him and the party a sure vote.
He said as believer in Jesus Christ he comes to Mwinilunga to bring a voice of hope and with the newly launched party manifesto, the PF will continue to deliver development in the area.
“I can assure you Mwinilunga is turning green because people have realised the importance of working with the party in power” he said.
He expressed confidence that the campaigns will go on peacefully because the people in the area are peace loving.
Earlier United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Newton Samakayi 58, called for issue based campaigns.
He said campaigns should be about how the aspirants intend to provide solutions to various challenges being faced by citizens.
“I don’t expect fights, confrontations and confusion, all we want are issue based campaigns” he said.
Mr Samakayi who is recontesting the seat asked electorates in the area to vote for the UPND and its leader Hakainde Hichilema stating that this will enable him to easily lobby for development/ZANIS.