By NORMA SIAME –

GANGS from rival political parties fought amid gunshots in Luwingu resulting in the injury of one person, as violent conduct resurfaced ahead of voting in the Lubansenshi parliamentary by-election.
Lubansenshi is witnessing a heated electoral campaign between political parties competing in the elections as supporters of rival parties roam, in their cars covered with individual party regalia, in the streets until late hours of the night.
Acting Northern Province Police chief Luckson Sakala confirmed the skirmish that happened around 01:00 hours yesterday.
He said police were investigating the matter in which two shots were fired.
“We received a report of cadres from unknown political parties that clashed and we are pursuing the issue,” he said without releasing additional information.
The rival gangs were believed to be members of the United Party for National Development (UPND) and Patriotic Front (PF).
Witnesses said some youths were seen wielding machetes and blockaded one street, harassing motorists whom they questioned which party they belonged to, before they were dispersed.
Those that witnessed the incident said the parties involved were UPND and PF as the combatants wore distinctive party colours.
The election is being contested by five candidates, the PP’s George Mwamba, UPND’s Patrick Mucheleka, MMD’s Gabriel Mulenga, Rainbow’s Daniel Mubanga and independent Charles Chimumbwa.