Any MMD aspiring candidate claiming president Banda’s support will be disqualified-Nyangu

THE ruling MMD has threatened to disqualify aspiring parliamentary and local government candidates who are misleading people that they are the preferred candidates.

MMD deputy national secretary Chembe Nyangu told a press briefing yesterday that the party has continued to receive reports that some aspiring candidates in this year’s elections are claiming Mr Banda’s support.

“I would like to send a stern warning that any party member using the name of the President, State House or the Secretariat to bulldoze his or her way to adoption will be severely disciplined and disqualified,” he said.

“The President has categorically stated that every party member is free to aspire for any ward or parliamentary seat. I would therefore like to emphasise that every member in good standing, wishing to contest either ward or parliamentary elections should apply to relevant authorities without any intimidation,” he said.

Mr Nyangu said candidates will be chosen by the grassroots and that there are no preferred candidates.

He said all well-meaning members of the party wishing to stand should apply.

Mr Nyangu also advised lower organs not to be too rigid in the process of adoption but assess the situation on the ground, considering, among other things, distances to be covered by the candidates to reach central points where interviews are being conducted.

He said lower organs should be flexible because the party wants to bring every member on board.

[Zambia Daily Mail]