Kabushi Member of Parliament (MP) Bowman Lusambo says he will not contest any position in the Patriotic Front (PF) Copperbelt Province executive committee intraparty elections. The provincial executive committee elections are scheduled for December 29 this year.
Mr Lusambo’s name is heavily linked to contesting the chairmanship position currently held by Stephen Kainga, who is not re-contesting.
“I have declared my position on the provincial elections.

From the onset, I wish to declare that I am not vying for any leadership position in the province at any level,” a posting on his social media Facebook page reads. Mr Lusambo said as a political hotbed, the Copperbelt needs somebody who will strive to unite people and also have a good rapport with the traditional leadership.

He said having lived and practised a good share of his politics on the Copperbelt, he believes the chairpersonship should be occupied by a genuine, sober-minded, mature, humble and committed person.

“As a key stakeholder in this process, I will support those who will be elected into office. My overriding interest as a stakeholder is to ensure that the Electoral College votes for a leader that will work to support President Lungu and not someone who will bring divisions in our great party,” he said.
Mr Lusambo, who is former Copperbelt Province Minister, said the incoming chairman should possess special abilities to easily mingle with people in the rural and urban areas of the province.

And Mr Kainga has said it is time to pass on the mantle after having served the party faithfully. “No, I am not re-contesting the position,” Mr Kainga said. “I decided this is time to give chance to others to also lead and grow the party. I believe I have done my part and it is time for others to also do their part, that is leadership,” he said.

With Mr Kainga not seeking re-election, provincial secretary Mike Manda has opted to vie for the top position.n“Yes, I am contesting the chairman’s post but the filing in of nomination papers will be done once the elections committee comes to the province to conduct the elections,” he said.

Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda is also said to be eyeing the chairmanship but could not state so when contacted for a comment.
Mr Chanda is the PF Copperbelt youth chairman. And Mr Manda said the district intraparty elections in Lufwanyama, Masaiti, Mpongwe and Ndola will be concluded next week. Six other districts on the Copperbelt have concluded