I was betrayed, cries independent Mapushi
By a Correspondent
I WENT independent after feeling betrayed by the United Party for National Development (UPND), says former Lusaka Province deputy permanent secretary Alex Chipo Mapushi.
Speaking when he featured on Keembe FM Radio station, Mapushi, the Keembe East aspiring member of Parliament candidate, said he decided to contest as an independent candidate after feeling betrayed by the adoption process within the ruling party.
He, however, said contesting as an independent candidate did not mean he had abandoned the UPND.
“I felt betrayed by the party I love the most. My heart is still with the UPND. This party remains close to my heart,” Mapushi said.
He said he chose the independent route because he believed there was no fair play during the selection process for parliamentary candidates.
Mapushi said the Constitution allows candidates to stand as independents, urging party members to respect his wish.
“…that taking up an independent ticket should not be interpreted as rejecting the party. If elected, I will focus on improving roads, constructing a district hospital, establishing a youth resource centre, supporting decentralisation in the council, building police posts and clinics through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and empowering youths with fish farming projects among many,” he said.
His campaign manager Kelvin Chikatula said Keembe East residents continue to face serious development challenges, especially poor road infrastructure in areas such as Landless Corner, Kafushi and Mutemba.
Chikatula urged Keembe East residents not to vote for leaders who frequently switched from one political party to another, saying such behaviour showed a lack of loyalty and commitment.
He said leaders who failed to remain loyal to one political party might also fail to fulfil their promises once elected.
