PATRIOTIC Front secretary general Davies Mwila says the party’s central committee has unanimously endorsed President Lungu as its preferred candidate for the position of party president at the forthcoming virtual elective general conference.

And Mwila says the people of Zambia are happy with the performance of PF.

At a press briefing, Saturday, Mwila however said the decision of the central committee did not stop anyone from contesting the position of party president.

He said those that wished to contest as party president should send their application letters by Thursday this week.

“I am pleased to announce that the central committee of the PF has unanimously endorsed President Lungu as our preferred candidate for the position of party president at the forthcoming general conference. This is in line with the democratic principles in accordance with article 52 of the party constitution. I wish to note that the decision of the central committee does not stop anyone from contesting the position of party president. Anyone is free to contest. I wish to inform members of the party and the general public that the PF yesterday held a Central Committee meeting that was chaired by His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the party to discuss a number of issues. As announced earlier, the PF will hold its general conference on the 10th and 11th of April 2021, the conference will elect the President of the Party and members of the Central Committee. All those who are interested in contesting the position of the party president should submit their application letters to the party secretary general from Wednesday 7th to Thursday 8th April 2021 from 08:00 to 17:00,” Mwila said.

“Equally, those who want to contest for the position of member of the Central Committee should submit their letters to the President from Monday 5th to Thursday 8th April 2021. In this case I will receive the letters on behalf of the President. The nomination fees for presidential candidates is K10,000 and K2,000 for candidates vying for the position of members of the Central Committee. The conference shall be held virtually and the party shall strictly adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines as prescribed by the Ministry of Health. The central Committee, in accordance with article 68 and 69 of the party constitution, did approve new standing orders and regulations to facilitate for the holding of the general conference.”

He said the party had delivered to the people of Zambia.

“Our party is popular and that is the reason all the people that want to stand, they want to stand on PF because immediately you are adopted, you know that you will win. If you look at Ndola Constituency, you have about 11 applicants. So the response is overwhelming everywhere. That means that the party is popular and we have delivered to the people of Zambia and people of Zambia are happy with the performance of PF,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mwila called on all voters to verify their details.

“As you may be aware, the Electoral Commission of Zambia has extended the days of voters verification. We wish to call on all our members, specifically all the voters in general to take this process very seriously and ensure that they verify their details with ECZ,” said Mwila.