Five parties set for the forthcoming by-elections

Five major political parties have declared their readiness to win the coming four parliamentary by elections in Solwezi East, Mkushi North, Chipata Central and Kafulafuta.
Meanwhile opposition MMD and UPND have opted not to field candidates for Solwezi East and Chipata Central seats as they seek to help each in the two areas.
Four candidates namely Reuben Mtolo Phiri of the MMD, Lameck Mangani of PF, UNIP’s Elina Nyirenda, and Kazembe Daka of NAREP including Penelope Nkunika an independent successfully filed in their nominations before returning officer Michael Ngulube for Chipata Central constituency.
Phiri who was accompanied by MMD President Nevers Mumba and other party members was the first to lodge in the nominations followed by Mangani of PF who was escorted to the nomination centre by among others Republican Vice President  Guy Scott.
Mangani was followed by Nyirenda, Nkunika and Daka respectively.
In Kafulafuta MMD has fielded in sister to the late republican President Evelyn Mwanawasa, with immediate Member of Parliament James Chishimba standing on the PF  ticket. Jimmy Kasabwa filed in under the PF while Brian Chitafu is standing on the UPND.
In Solwezi East only three candidates lodged in their papers with Peter Ilunga on the PF while former Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Villie Lombanya standing on the UPND and Cephas Liweili standing on UNIP.

In Mkushi North UNIP has adopted Bernard Nsimbi, PF has fielded Ingrid Mpande.
Others who are contesting the seat are Jonathan Kapungwe, UPND has Whyter Libbohole, Albert Kaweya is standing on the NAREP with Felix Chisanga is an independent.