Patriotic Front Secretary General Davies Mwila says the Party’s victory in the Nchelenge ward and Masaiti district local government chairperson by-elections respectively showed that the ruling party was still formidable and popular on the ground.

And PF deputy spokesperson Frank Bwalya has saluted the peaceful campaigns carried by the opposition UPND.

In a statement after the PF scooped the local government seats, Mwila said the ruling party was expanding it’s support base.

“Our party’s political strategy has continued to bring political dividends as evidenced by the massive support we have continued to receive before, during and after elections,” Mwila said.

Mwila also congratulated all the Party functionaries and members for dedicating their time and resources to ensure the party emerged victorious in areas where the by-elections were being held.

“On behalf of the Party President His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, let me pay special tribute to all members of Central Committee, Cabinet Ministers, Provincial Ministers, Members of Parliament, Mayors and all the campaign teams and indeed the party at large for getting us the victory. Let me note that this is the unity of purpose and discipline that the party deserves from all of us. We can do more when we are united,” Mwila said.

The PF Secretary general urged his party structures to get back to work and mobilize the party as well as explain the 2021 election manifesto and the development works which were being rolled out by the government.”

Mwila also congratulated the newly-elected PF Kasamba Ward Councilor Aaron Tende and Masaiti council chairperson Christine Chande.

“To the elected officials, there is no time for honeymoon. Roll back your sleeves and start to work. The electorate in Masaiti and Nchelenge aspire to be part of PF’s developmental agenda,” added Mwila.

Chande of the ruling Patriotic Front scooped the Masaiti council chairperson seat after polling 7,777 votes whilst her closest rival from UPND got 5222 votes.

The district chairperson by-elections were necessitated by the resignation of UPND council chairperson Edward Musamba

The PF in Kasamba ward of Nchelenge district polled 1,057 votes against the UPND’s 646 votes.

And Bwalya said: “We worked hard. Credit accrues to all of us. The Party under the leadership of HE ECL provided necessary logistical and financial support. Joy therefore should be on the lips of all of us. We should congratulate UPND for peaceful campaigns and for giving us a good run hence making multiparty politics a reality.”