Dan Pule calls for peaceful Bangweulu campaigns

Opposition Christian Democratic Party (CDP)) president Dan Pule has appealed to political parties participating in the forthcoming Bangweulu constituency by-election to desist from engaging in acts of violence.

Speaking to journalists shortly after witnessing the filing in of his party’s aspiring candidate John Kabila, Dr. Pule advised political parties to engage in issued-based campaigns.

He said politics of violence should be avoided at all cost adding that the electorate should be giving an opportunity to elect their preferred candidates freely.

Dr. Pule said his party will base its campaign on issues affecting the wellbeing of the local people.

He cited education, roads, health and infrastructure as some of the issues the CDP candidate will address if elected as Bangweulu constituency Member of Parliament (MP).

And CDP aspiring candidate John Kabila has pledged to work towards uplifting the living standards of the people of Bangweulu constituency.

Mr. Kabila alleged that the constituency has not recorded any meaningful development in a long time now.

He said his first task will be improving the road infrastructure and network in the constituency.

He lamented that most of the roads in the constituency were in a deplorable state and need urgent attention.

The Bangweulu parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of its area MP Chifita Matafwali on May 20 this year.

The late Mr. Matafwali died at Jehangir Hospital in India where he was undergoing treatment.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia set August 6, 2015 as the date for the Bangweulu parliamentary by-election.

Campaigns are expected to start this afternoon after the filing in of nominations is closed.

A total of seven candidates are jostling for the Bangweulu seat. These are from the CDP, Patriotic Front (PF), United Party for National Development (UPND), National Restoration Party (NAREP), Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) and two independent candidates.