By KASONDE KASONDE –
MORE than 650 Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) members in Lusaka have defected to the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party.
Munali Constituency FDD chairperson Martin Mambo who led the defectors said he had come with 670 members from Munali and Kanyama constituencies to join the ruling party.
Mr Mambo said the PF had shown true leadership and President Edgar Lungu meant well for the people, hence the desire by the opposition members in FDD to join the party.
Receiving the new members yesterday, PF Secretary General Davis Mwila said as an all-inclusive party, the PF was ready to receive people who wanted to join its ranks.
Mr Mwila said there was enough room for people wanting to join the ruling party and President Edgar Lungu had on several occasions called on party members to welcome new people and help them contribute to thedevelopment of the country.
He said the PF would continue to lead by example in unity of purpose and embracing persons from all backgrounds in fulfilment of the national motto of ‘One Zambia One Nation’.
Mr Mwila said the party had commenced the 2018 mobilising campaign across the country to ensure that more people aligned themselves withthe vision of the party.
“As a party, we believe in the people and will endeavour to provide quality leadership, time for politicking has come to an end and it is time for people to work together and improve the country’s economic status,” Mr Mwila said.
And PF deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri challenged party membersnot to be selfish, but to allow the new members to thrive andcontribute to the party.
Ms Phiri said there was enough room for anyone wanting to join the ruling party to participate in promoting democracy.
She commended the women in the party for being focused and working to unite and resolve issues in the party whenever conflicts arose unlike some men who had decided to leave and insult party leaders instead of offering solutions.
Ms Phiri said the women were the uniting factor in the party.