By SYLVESTER MWALE –
POLITICAL analysts say the endorsement of President Edgar Lungu as Patriotic Front candidate in next year’s elections has enhanced the ruling party’s chances to remain in power beyond 2016.
Thomas Mabwe and Alex Ng’oma said the decision would also unite the ruling party after a turbulent period during the election and adoption of Mr Lungu to contest the 2015 presidential elections.
The PF Central Committee announced on Saturday that it has settled for Mr Lungu to contest the 2016 tripartite elections.
The announcement came against confusion that rocked the party last year. The PF went under difficult times after the death of its founder Michael Sata last year when two factions emerged in a struggle for leadership.
Mr Mabwe a lecturer in political science at Zambian Open University said the Central Committee’s decision had put to rest uncertainties which arose after the death of President Sata on the future of PF.
“This is the logical thing that they (the Central Committee) have done. Mr Lungu is already there and he is gaining experience, so if they give him another five years, then they have a chance to win because the incumbent always has an advantage.
“I have no doubt that this will also end those problems where everyone wanted to succeed Michael Sata last year to become the president,” he said.
Dr Ng’oma, a lecturer at the University of Zambia (UNZA) in the department of Political and Administrative studies, said Mr Lungu would be easy to sell to the electorate because he was already in the right position with resources and privileges than any other member in the PF.
He said there was need for every member of the ruling party to support the candidature of Mr Lungu in the interest of the party.
“This is good for the party because it will be easy for them to sell the candidate, so in the interest of the party. Those that are positioning to take over should now wait and support the person who is there,” he said.
Dr Ng’oma noted that it was a normal practice world over that a President was given an opportunity to do at least two terms unless he or she was not willing to do so.
Meanwhile, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Given Lubinda has called on every member in the ruling party to go flat out to campaign and work for the party to further enhance chances of winning.
Mr Lubinda was one of about 10 people that had expressed interest to succeed Mr Sata before the Kabwata MP backed Mr Lungu for the 2015 presidential election.
However, he said the decision of the party’s supreme organ did not surprise him because Mr Lungu had proved to be the right man not only for the ruling party but also for the nation.
“I support the idea by the Central Committee entirely and I call upon all the members of the PF to rally behind President Lungu. However, it is one thing to sing for him and another working for him,” he said.