President Lungu dispels rumours of PF support for independent candidates

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has dispelled rumours that the Patriotic Front (PF) is supporting some independent parliamentary candidates ahead of the August 11 elections.

Speaking when he addressed scores of Mambwe residents at Mfuwe International Airport yesterday morning, President Lungu said he only supports parliamentary candidates contesting on the PF ticket and not independent candidates.

He observed that some independent parliamentary candidates are claiming that the Head of State is supporting them and stated that he did not send anyone to contest on an independent ticket and those saying he did are merely telling lies.

President Lungu, who was in Mambwe on transit to Muchinga province, said the PF supports candidates who are contesting on the party ticket.

He said Makebi Zulu is the only parliamentary candidate contesting on the PF ticket and that he has got support from the PF.
He appealed to the people of Malambo to vote for Mr Zulu and PF candidates at local government level.

Meanwhile, President Lungu has echoed his calls for peace and unity as the country goes to the polls next month.

President Lungu called for peaceful campaigns and advised PF members and their sympathisers to ignore those who want to engage in violent campaigns.

He stated that the PF will continue spreading messages of peace, unity and development in its campaigns.

President Lungu who touched down Mfuwe International Airport at about 10:00 hours yesterday morning, was received by Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, ChandaKasolo, PF National Mobilisation Chairperson, Charles Banda, Provincial chairperson, Andrew Lubusha and several other government and PF party officials and members.

He was accompanied by PF Presidential Campaign Manager, Samuel Mukupa and his Press aide, Amos Chanda among others.