. Bwalya

By REBECCA MUSHOTA –
THE Patriotic Front (PF) is more intact now that some members that were acting like obstacles, have left the party.
PF deputy spokesperson Frank Bwalya said that the party in the past year or so, had to deal with members who were interfering with its unity and progress.
This is in reference to some senior party officials that have since left the party or announced their support for the opposition in the recent weeks.
Former vice-president and PF Member of the Central Committee Guy Scott and  former minister of Commerce Miles Sampa, are the two members  who recently left the party to back United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr Bwalya said the PF was now in a better position because those members had voluntarily left the party.
He was speaking when he featured on the ‘Burning issue’ a 5FM Radio programme on Thursday.
“The party had stones in the shoes. There were stones in our shoes that made it difficult  for us to walk properly.
“Now that those stones have left, the party is even more intact,” Mr Bwalya said.
He said the party was focused on working towards delivering development rather than concentrating on disgruntled politicians in the party.
Mr Bwalya said President Edgar Lungu and his Cabinet as well as  civil servants were hard working people, whose aim was to deliver infrastructure development.
On the participation of senior party officials in the race for adoption on the party ticket for various Constitutional offices, Mr Bwalya said the PF was open for everyone to participate and allowed diverse views.
He said no official was receiving special treatment based on their position in the party or Government.
“The party knows that in order to provide a service and remain united , we cannot sacrifice the leadership we have in order to please a few leaders,” he said.
Mr Bwalya said members were free to vie for any position .