MMD members fanning anarchy warned

Lusaka MMD provincial chairman Geoffrey Chumbwe has warned party officials and members fueling disunity and confusion among party structures in Lusaka province that they risk being suspended if they do not stop the practice.

Mr Chumbwe has also appealed to party officials in the province to respect and support elected members of parliament and councillors so that unity prevails.

He says there is need to co-exist so that the party delivers on its mandate and promises it made during elections.

Mr Chumbwe made the warning today when he officially opened a District End of Year Meeting for the MMD in Kafue held at Highway Park Lodge which was also attended by Kafue area MP Bradford Machila who is Lands Minister.

He said the party in the province is not ready to entertain officials who undermine the party leadership and just want to fuel confusion.

Mr Chumbwe told party members attending the meeting drawn from both Chilanga and Kafue constituencies, that his office is much aware that the party in Kafue district is still facing a number of problems, among them divisions where some cadres are supporting the current MP and others support their preferred candidate who was not adopted in the 2006 tripartite elections.

Mr Chumbwe wondered why members should form camps instead of concentrating on development in their constituencies and wards.

He said the party as it prepares for the 2011 elections, will flush out individuals who might be a risk to the elections.

Mr Chumbwe who was accompanied by provincial party officials and Lusaka district party officials, appealed to members to remain united and not allow personal differences to interfere in the internal matters of the party.

Mr Chumbwe said party members should also learn to respect elected MPs and councillors .
officials because they are the ones who have made it possible for them to be elected in power.

Mr Chumbwe commended both party members in Kafue and Chilanga constituencies for campaigning hard that ensured that the MMD scooped both parliamentary and local government seats in the 2006 election.

He said as the party prepares for elections it was important members reconcile and work as one.

Mr Chumbwe also admitted that the provincial leadership was partly to blame for the problems district structures are facing as it has not done enough to work with them.

He assured the delegates that the provincial leadership will strengthen the party in all the constituencies of Lusaka province so that the MMD wins election in 2011.

Speaking earlier, MMD Kafue District Chairman Goodson Sansakuwa said unity is still lacking in the party structures starting from national executive committee (NEC) to branches which might cost the party if nothing is done about it.

He said most elected MPS and those in NEC do not have regard for political structures in districts and are never respected.

Mr Sansakuwa said this has demoralized party members in districts who feel neglected and worthless.

He said as a party, it is important to start appreciating and valuing lower organs as these are the ones who campaign and do most of the work for the MMD to run government.

Mr Sansakuwa said as a party in the district, it supports republican President, Dr Levy Mwanawasa’s leadership.

He said the party is also happy with the president’s stance on banning campaigns for theparty presidency as these will just fuel confusion and divisions in the party.

The district chairman also appealed to the party to supply the district with bicycles and chitenge materials as a way of motivating members.