By NORMA SIAME and MAYA NTANDA –
ALL is set for the parliamentary by-elections for Lubanseshi and Solwezi West constituencies following the successful filing in of nomination papers by candidates contesting the two seats on September 24 this year.
In Lubanseshi electoral officials confirmed that the by-election would be a five-horse race after the aspiring candidates successfully filed in their nomination papers in Luwingu yesterday.
The five that returning officer Christopher Simusokwe declared as eligible were the Patriotic Front (PF)’s George Mwamba, Charles Chimumbwa who is running as an independent and Patrick Mucheleka who is recontesting the seat under the United Party for National Development (UPND).
The MMD has also joined the fray fielding Gabriel Mulenga while the fifth contender Daniel Mubanga will stand on the Rainbow Party ticket.
The UNIP candidate, who would have brought the total number of aspirants to six, was a no-show despite earlier reports that the oldest political party in Zambian politics would join the race.
There was fan-fare in the usually quiet district as candidates with supporters made their way to the filing centre at the Luwingu District Council chambers.
PF candidate, Mr Mwamba said if elected, he would continue pushing the party’s development agenda that had been evidenced by the multi-million development projects in the education and road sectors that are being witnessed in the district.
“It is very visible even here in Luwingu that Government has constructed roads and various infrastructure such as schools and hospitals,” he said.
Mr Mucheleka, who was area MP until the recent judicial ruling by the Supreme Court that saw him lose his seat, promised to work hard to become the first UPND MP in Northern Province.
Mr Mubanga from the Rainbow Party said he would focus on ensuring that he improved the delivery of health services.
MMD candidate, Mr Mulenga’s pledge was unique from the others as he said he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, who was once an MP from the area.
In Solwezi West, the PF candidate Martin Mbaya successfully filed his nomination papers.
Mr Mbaya along with his supporters filed the papers at Mwajibambwe Primary School at 11:30 hours and declared ready to contest the election.

. Ngimbu

He was joined by Lands Minister Christabel Ngimbu, Tourism Minister Jean Kapata and campaign manager Richard Kapita as well as North-Western Province Minister Dawson Kafwaya who were part of the campaign team.
The seat fell vacant following the death of MMD MP Humphrey Mwanza on July 3.
After filing his papers, Mr Mbaya said he was ready to contest polls and was confident of scooping the seat.
UPND candidate Teddy Kasonso also filed in his nominations, the same applied to John Njombi of UNIP.