Opposition UPND scoops the Solwezi central seat

The opposition UPND has scooped the Solwezi Central Parliamentary by-election.

 Announcing the election results this morning at about 03:00 hours at the civic centre,  Returning Officer Sara Lunda declared Dawson Kafwaya as duly elected Member of Parliament after polling 4, 577 votes against his closest rival the PF candidate Newton Malwa who polled 3,105 votes.

 The MMD candidate Lucky Mulusa who was re-contesting the seat was  in the third position with 1, 897 votes, FDD candidate Nathan Mulonga got 304 votes while UNIP candidate Mary Katiki only managed to get 158 votes.

 The by-election which was characterized by voter apathyas 10, 242 out of 52, 900 voters registered voters participated in the elections.   

 210 ballot papers were rejected as invalid votes

 And Mr Kafwaya said his victory has vindicated him against what he termed as insults during the campaigns by Mr Mulusa.

 He said he was humbled to be elected as Member of Parliament at the age of 30, and pledged to work with the people to development Solwezi.

 UPND vice president Ben Kapita said he was happy that the campaigns in Solwezi were peaceful.