By FLAVIOR CHISHALA –
THE opposition People’s Party (PP) has endorsed  Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi ahead of the August 11 general elections.
PP president Mike Mulongoti yesterday announced his support for Ms Nawakwi, citing her capability to eradicate poverty in the country.
Mr Mulongoti said Zambia would not be built by men only but by collective efforts from every member of society regardless of their gender status.
“I have opted to endorse the candidature of Ms Nawakwi because most men that I have dedicated my time, ideas and energy to support have turned out to be a disappointment not only to me but to many others who trusted them,” Mr Mulongoti said.
He said Ms Nawakwi believed in sincerity and equality of opportunities for all and that the two parties would work together to better the lives of all Zambians.
Mr Mulongoti urged Ms Nawakwi to continue being focused and determined in ensuring that every Zambian was included in national development.
Ms Nawakwi said her party did not believe that fighting or violence would deliver good election results.
She said that although confusion in her opponents’ camps would help her win the presidency, bloodshed was not the solution to problems.
Ms Nawakwi said she was grateful to Mr Mulongoti for his choice to endorse her because it would motivate her to work even harder in her campaigns.
“This is a reconnection of ideas because I have worked with Mr
Mulongoti for some time now and his commitments cannot be doubted,” she said.
Ms Nawakwi said there was need to have peaceful and progressive talks among politicians if the nation was to be redeemed.
FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza accused the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) of not taking matters seriously over educating people on a referendum.
Mr Mwanza said his party would not take part in sensitising the nation on why people should vote for the referendum but that ECZ should use the resources available to do so.