Victory certain for HH in August, says Mushanga
By Thandizo Banda
BWACHA member of Parliament (MP) Sydney Mushanga says President Hakainde Hichilema will win the August 13 general elections.
Speaking when he defected to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) in Kabwe on Thursday, Mushanga said development projects in Central Province had won over the voters.
He said Hichilema’s focus on reviving Mulungushi Textiles, supporting over 6,000 cotton out-growers, and unlocking the US$104 million project had changed the mood in Kabwe.
“I want to assure Your Excellence of a clear victory in the August general elections. People have seen the difference. Unlike in the past, this is not electioneering, it’s real business,” he said.
Mushanga said Zambians were already benefiting from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and other empowerment funds such as agriculture inputs.
He said the developments in the province would win Hichilema the election.
Several members of Parliament (MPs) and councillors in Central Province defected to the UPND alongside Mushanga from the Patriotic Front (PF) as well as independent MPs.
They include Chitambo MP Remember Mutale, Serenje MP George Kandafula (Independent), Muchinga Emmanuel Banda (Independent) alongside several key PF leaders.
Mushanga defected with Bwacha Constituency Chairperson Levy Chikungu, Chimanimani ward councilor Watson Mwale, Ngungu ward Councilor Sam Muhone, Muwowo East ward councilor Moses Mumba, Muwowo West councilor Kayombo Mihova and over 3000 PF members from across 15 wards of Bwacha constituency.
Serenje Town Council Chairperson Staivous Mulumba and Chitambo Town Council Chairperson Brian Mwelwa, both formerly aligned with the PF, also defected.
Those who defected said their decision was motivated by the need to support national development and align themselves with the vision of Hichilema.
They praised the UPND administration for its focus on economic recovery, unity and inclusive growth.
The defectors said working with the ruling party would enhance service delivery and accelerate infrastructure and social development programmes in their respective constituencies.
Meanwhile, Hichilema welcomed the defectors and urged UPND structures to embrace the new members.
