‘Luapulans will shock opposition'

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

 
By ALEX NJOVU
 
CHIENGI member of Parliament Katele Kalumba has advised opposition parties to forget about winning elections in Luapula Province because local people are satisfied with Government’s performance under President Banda’s leadership.
Dr Kalumba said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday opposition parties cannot win votes in Luapula because they do not have an agenda to develop the nation, and that voters cannot be deceived.
"When I was a young man, in fact when I was a deputy minister, former Prime Minister Mainza Chona told me that the people of Luapula Province are enlightened politically, and should not be taken for granted.
This is very true. They are not interested in political jokers, they may attend rallies organised by jokers but when it comes to voting, they are very wise and sensitive people," Dr Kalumba said.
He said the people of Luapula have refused to be hoodwinked by opposition parties because they appreciate the development projects Government is undertaking.
"Opposition parties, especially those which entertain people when they have rallies, must forget about getting votes from the people of Luapula.
"The people want to listen to serious politicians. They want real issues. I must say that as a province, we are very fortunate to have benefited from the infrastructure development in the country. Health centres and education facilities are all over the province," Dr Kalumba said.
He said the people of Luapula will support Mr Banda in this year’s tripartite elections because they are happy with his performance in the two years he has been in office.
Dr Kalumba urged opposition parties to stop taking people for granted.
"The MMD may have its own challenges, but the truth of the matter is that the people of Luapula appreciate the efforts by the ruling party to develop the country and the province. The government recently released money for road rehabilitation, and there are other projects which are going on," he said.
"This is what the people want, and not political jokers who want to take advantage of villagers to get to State House. The people there are very wise when it comes to voting. They speak loudly through the ballot paper," he said.
Dr Kalumba is confident that the MMD will win this year’s elections because President Banda’s administration has demonstrated commitment to developing the country.
"The major difference between the MMD and opposition parties is that the ruling party has an agenda for Zambians, while most opposition parties have nothing. The people want the MMD to continue in power because it has demonstrated love for Zambians," Dr Kalumba said.