FORUM for Democratic Alternatives (FDA) president Ludwig Sondashi and Green Party (GP) leader Peter Sinkamba yesterday filed their nomination papers before returning officer Lombe Chibesakunda, as candidates in the January 20, 2015 presidential election. But People’s Redemption Party (PRP) president Gerry Sikazwe has withdrawn his intention to contest the election and has decided to support the Patriotic Front (PF).
Dr Sondashi, who was the first to file his nomination around 10:00 hours, declared assets worth about K36 million. He also said if elected, he would form a federal government and revise the constitution to provide for the appointment of a prime minister.
“We will release a new constitution, which will ensure that the powers of the republican President are lessened because it will include the appointment of a prime minister,” Dr Sondashi told journalists after filing nomination papers.He further pledged to restore and recognise the Barotseland Agreement.
And before Mr Sinkamba could file in his nomination papers, five of his members were picked up by police for allegedly producing wrong national registration cards and voters’ cards. This resulted in a four-hour delay for Mr Sinkamba to file his nomination papers despite having arrived at the Supreme Court at 12:00 hours. Mr Sinkamba declared assets valued about K10 million.
Ms Chibesakunda, who is also acting Chief Justice, congratulated Dr Sondashi and Mr Sinkamba for filing their papers and wished them the “best of luck”. The nominations started yesterday and will end on Tuesday next week. The Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), National Restoration Party (NAREP) and United Poor People of Zambia’s Freedom Party (UPFP) are today scheduled to file their nominations.
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