UPND wins ward by-elections
By Obinato Saili & Justine Akakulubelwa
United Party for National Development- UPND candidate RICHARD KASEMBELE has scooped the Kabalenge Ward by-elections in Mwansabombwe.
Announcing the election results, Kabalenge Ward Returning Officer MOSES SIMUKONDE said Mr. KASEMBELE polled 420 votes while his closest rival JONATHAN MAMBWE of the Socialist Party got 287.
SAM MWANSA of the Patriotic Front polled 84 while six ballot papers were rejected out of 797 total votes cast.
And Luapula Province UPND Chairman CHISHIMBA CHILUFYA said the win by his party is testament that UPND has penetrated the province.
The UPND has also scooped the CHIDI Ward by-election in Mapatizya Constituency in Zimba district.
CHIDI Ward Returning Officer, EVANS MUKUKA, declared UPND candidate IVAN SEEMANI as duly elected at 22:54 hours on Thursday.
Mr. SEEMANI got 1,555 votes, while his closest competitor, TONKA MAPULANGA of Socialist Party got o143 votes
GEVERS SIALWIINDI of Leadership Movement got 12 votes while eleven votes were rejected
A total number of 1,721 votes were cast against four thousand and eighteen registered voters.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. SEEMANI thanked the voters for giving him an opportunity to serve the community.
Mr. SEEMANI has promised to work hard and serve the people diligently.
And UPND Spokesperson, CORNELIUS MWEETWA says the party’s victory in both Chidi and Kabalenge ward elections is a vote of confidence in President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s leadership.
Mr. MWEETWA, who is also Minister of information and Media has thanked the Socialist Party and the Leadership Movement for upholding democracy by taking part in the election.
Meanwhile, UPND Southern Province Chairperson, BILLIARD MAKWEMBO has attributed the victory to President HICHILEMA’s good leadership.
And Mapatizya Member of Parliament, EMELDAH MUNASHABANTU has thanked party structures for a spirited campaign to retain the seat.
