GBM, Nevers Battle For UPND Running Mate

Opposition UPND are still playing delaying tactics with the announcement of president Hakainde Hichilema’s running mate. While the ruling party has announced Inonge Wina as running mate to President Edgar Lungu, Hichilema is still struggling to make the call.

Speculation within the party suggest a Bemba speaking running mate will give the UPND a balanced complexion in overcoming the perception they were a tribal or Southern Province inclined political party.

Sources disclose former defence minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba is favourite to be named running mate, but the arrival of former MMD president Nevers Mumba may have given Hichilema some more challenges.

Mumba and GBM have varying popularity levels with the latter much ahead; first for his vibrancy and the ease with which he parts away with cash while the former is extremely unpopular.

Others that are tipped and have been under consideration are Dr Christine Kaseba-Sata, Dr Maureen Mwanawasa and party chairperson Mutale Nalumango. Both Jack Mwiimbu and Dr Canisius Banda are out of consideration.

Mwiimbu has since been adopted to contest the parliamentary seat in Monze. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson Justice Essau Chulu has announced the reduction of the nomination for Presidential candidates to K60, 000 from the initial K75, 000.

Nominations for various positions will characterize the political atmosphere this week.

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