By CHUSA SICHONE-

 THE National Restoration Party (NAREP) has devised strategies aimed at wooing the electorate to vote for its candidate in the February 25, 2014 parliamentary by-election in Katuba Constituency.

The United National Independence Party (UNIP) has, on the other hand, embarked on an anti-voter apathy campaign, while the United Party for National Development (UPND) has chosen to conduct its campaigns out of the limelight.

NAREP candidate Joseph Mushalika and the party’s spokesperson Wallace Kakoma said in separate interviews yesterday that they were on the ground to garner more support ahead of the polls.

Mr Mushalika and Mr Kakoma said in a bid to attract voters, NAREP, through its candidate, had pledged a written social contract as well as establish a Katuba Parliament office where representatives from all wards would be meeting their Member of Parliament to discuss the utilisation of resources such as the Constituency Development Fund and other matters relating to the development of the area.

“The campaigns are going on very well; the messages are being received very well by the people.

“We are going to do a social contract with the constituents. That is one of our messages to the people,” Mr Mushalika said.

Mr Kakoma predicted victory for Mr Mushalika judging by the response in Katuba Constituency and especially that Chieftainess Mungule had received him well in her chiefdom.

“Mr Mushalika is a man of God and everyone loves him for that,” Mr Kakoma said.

UPND candidate Jonas Shakafuswa refused to give an update on how the campaigns were progressing, saying his campaign team wanted him to conduct the campaign activities quietly.

UNIP candidate Friday Malawo said the campaigns had gained momentum and that the former ruling party had embarked on a sensitisation drive to avoid voter apathy.

Asked how he rated his chances based on what he had seen on the ground, Mr Malawo reiterated that it was too early to predict.

“It is too early to call because Katuba Constituency is heavily contested.

“We will be able to give a good position to justify our strength in the next four to five days,” he said.

Mr Mushalika, Mr Shakafuswa and Mr Malawo are among the seven candidates contesting the Katuba Constituency parliamentary by-election caused by the death of former area MP Patrick Chikusu.

Other contestants are Patriotic Front’s Moses Chilando and Cecil Holmes for MMD.

Alliance for a Better Zambia is being represented by Patricia Mwashingwele while Shakespeare Mwakamui is standing on the National Revolution Party ticket.