Major opposition political parties MMD and UPND have indicated that they will not contest against each other in the September 5 round of parliamentary by-elections.
According to MMD president Nevers Mumba, the two parties will step aside for the more popular party in any of the forthcoming by-elections in Malambo, Mkaika, Petauke Central, Mulobezi and Itezhi Tezhi.
Mumba said although it was very challenging to leave a seat to another party the opposition would cast aside their differences to enahnce their numbers in parliament and effectively provide checks and balances.
“The ideal is what we did last time where we allowed each party to contest in the area they are stronger to capitalize on the strengths of us. It is not always easy but we are going to do that once again,” Mumba said.
“We have not yet exactly apportioned but that is not urgent yet but we have heeded the Zambian people’s advice and are going to advocate unity to ensure the opposition is stronger.”
In the last round of by-elections, the opposition UPND grabbed two seats while the MMD scooped one with the ruling party winning only the Mkushi North.
UPND won Solwezi East and Kafulafuta their first seat on the Copperbelt with MMD getting Chipata Central. The ruling PF won the Mkushi North seat.
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