SEVEN aspiring candidates have successfully filed their nominations in the Petauke Parliamentary by-election out of the nine who had previously indicated their intention to stand.
The nomination process was declared open at 09:00 hours and closed at 15:00 hours by the returning officer, Sibeso Muimui.
The Leadership Movement Party ( LMP) was the first to file, with Joshua Tembo submitting his nomination at 11:24 hours.
Democratic Union Party (DUP) followed, with its candidate Moses Phiri filing his nomination at 12:05 hours.
Socialist Party’s Julius Mwale did his nomination at 12:48 hours.
Citizens First Party, represented by Calous Chama, was the fifth political party to file at 13:33 hours. Simon Banda of the New Congress Party filed his nomination at 14:16 hours, and Mutale Nkole, an independent candidate, filed his nomination at 14:55 hours.
UPND’s Severano Lungu was the last to file his nomination at exactly 15:54 hours.
The independent candidate, who had been reported ill in the morning and Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) candidate failed to submit their nominations.
Meanwhile, all candidates have pledged to focus on developing the constituency, with a particular emphasis on agriculture, water, and roads.
The Citizens First Party’s Calous Chama said once voted in he will revamp the agricultural sector, emphasizing that Petauke is a hub for agriculture.
Mr Chama, said that he has been a farmer with 25 years of experience, highlighted his understanding of the district’s agricultural challenges, especially in the face of drought, and expressed his commitment to addressing the issues that farmers face.
“My focus will be helping farmers resolve the challenges they are facing during the drought,” he said.
The New Congress Party (NCP) emphasized that their journey is not about conflict but about patiently waiting for the day their candidate is declared the winner.
Severano Lungu of the United Party for National Development (UPND) promised to unite Petauke, stating that the district seems to be divided.
He also pledged to address water shortages and improve the road network in the district.
