Kaunda, Grey Zulu support RB for 2011

First Republican president Kenneth Kaunda and former UNIP Secretary General Grey Zulu have backed calls by some provinces to have Banda adopted as MMD presidential candidate for the 2011 presidential elections. Dr Kaunda said there is nothing wrong with people endorsing Banda as the MMD Presidential candidate.
“What is wrong with people calling for the adoption of Rupiah Banda as a Presidential candidate for 2011?” Dr Kaunda asked.

Zulu, a veteran politician, said it is good that people have identified Banda as an ideal presidential candidate for the 2011 general elections. He said people are free to express their views on suggestions to adopt Mr Banda as a presidential candidate.

“Those who want President Banda to be adopted as a presidential candidate for 2011 are doing the right thing but others are free to make suggestions as to who should be adopted,’’ Zulu said.

Zulu appealed to Zambians to be careful when choosing leaders, saying the stability of a nation depends on the type of leader it has. He said if people choose bad leaders, they create problems for the nation.

And Isoka East member of Parliament Catherine Namugala said Banda was the right presidential candidate for the MMD because he managed the transition well from the time President Mwanawasa died to the time he was elected into office. Namugala, who is an MMD national executive committee member, said Banda has been a father to Zambians and has worked hard to unite the nation.

“After he was elected as Republican President, he retained almost everyone who was appointed by President Mwanawasa in Government. He is the kind of leader the party requires…one who works to unite everyone,” Namugala said.

She said Banda has not solicited for people to request that he be adopted as presidential candidate for 2011 elections. Namugala said MMD members are the ones requesting that Banda be adopted because they have seen his leadership qualities.

“The fact that the President does not respond to every attack means he is strong and people should learn to respect him,” Namugala said.

And political analyst, Dante Saunders said those who are in support of Banda should be respected but that it should not deter those interested in leading the MMD to express themselves. He said if the election process is conducted in a free and fair atmosphere, no one will complain.