PRP presidential candidate withdraws from the race, as Green Party struggles to organise supporters
People’s Redemption Party president, Gerry Sikazwe, has withdrawn his candidature for the January 20, 2015 Presidential elections and has rallied his support for Patriotic Front Presidential candidate, Edgar Lungu.
And Green Party leader Peter Sikamba had difficulties in organising the 200 supporters.
Mr Sikazwe was expected to file in his nomination papers between 14:30 and 17:30 hrs today before Acting Chief Justice, Lombe Chibesakunda, at the Supreme Court ahead of the forthcoming Presidential elections.
He informed the Acting Chief Justice that he opted out of the Presidential race following discussions his party held with the PF where it was agreed that PRP supports the candidature of Mr Lungu for the January 20 elections.
The PRP leader said it became pertinent for him to withdraw from the race after discovering during the meeting that both parties pursue the same endeavours and have similar official position on governance issues.
Mr Sikazwe also parried assertions that his withdrawal from the Presidential elections was necessitated by a cabinet position he has been offered in the PF government, saying no such thing was ever a topic of discussion.
He further stated that the fact that he is supporting the PF and its Presidential candidate for the forthcoming elections does not mean that that is the end of his party.
Mr Sikazwe said he is not joining the PF but merely withdrawing his candidature to support the PF.
He also stated that the perceived wrangles and confusion in the ruling party only exist in the minds of people who are enemies of the party.
He also stated that he can only agree to serve in the PF government when Mr Lungu wins the forthcoming Presidential elections depending on the position he is offered.
And Acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda thanked Mr Sikazwe for his intentions to seek to serve the people of Zambia as President, saying this was his democratic right.
Justice Chibesakunda said Mr Sikazwe’s expression of interest to run for the highest office in the land was noble, his democratic right and a courageous act.
The Acting Chief Justice encouraged the PRP leader to continue exercising his God-given rights which every Zambian is entitled to.
Earlier, filing of nomination papers for the January 20, 2015 Presidential elections got underway with Forum for Democratic Alternative president, Ludwig Sondashi, being the first aspirant to file in his nomination papers before Justice Chibesakunda at the Supreme Court.
The second presidential candidate to file in his nomination papers was Green Party leader Peter Sikamba who had difficulties in organising the 200 supporters as per requirement. Sinkamba only managed to file in around 3pm. He however finnaly managed and filed in and announced that if elected he will legalise the use of marijuana.