Sata, PF MPs attack Chizyuka over Hakainde should be leader of Pact proposal

Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata says it is too early to pick a presidential candidate for his party and the United Party for National Development (UPND) pact. Commenting on Robby Chizyuka's proposal that Hakainde as leader of the pact Sata said there is still time before picking a presidential candidate.

“Between now and 2011, anything can happen to both the young and the old,” Sata said and added that Chizyuka was not speaking on behalf of the UPND.

“Who is Chizyuka? He is just an MP. He is not speaking on behalf of UPND,” he said.

And Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili alleges that Chizyuka is being used to declare Hichilema as the right candidate for the PF-UPND pact. He says Chizyuka could be used by people who do not want the pact to work because it is premature for people to start commenting on a candidate for the 2011 elections. He said the pact has appointed a National Governing Council (NGC) which will choose the presidential candidate. But he added that Chizyuka is entitled to his own opinion.

And Mazabuka MP Garry Nkombo says both Hichilema and Sata are good enough for the job. He says as members of the pact, they will support either of the two candidates to be picked by the NGC. He, however said it is too early to start discussing issues of a presidential candidate for the pact.

“For the moment, we are faithful followers of the pact. Who becomes the candidate is not an issue at the moment. It may become an issue in future when the NGC meets to decide. So, there is no need for controversy and there is no reason for people to be anxious,” he said.

Mandevu MP Jean Kapata said it is not yet time to discuss who the candidate for the pact should be.

“We have just started this process, so, the UPND member of Parliament (Major Chizyuka) can’t say that. We have not reached that stage yet,” he said.

And Moomba MP Vitalis Mooya said it is better to leave the presidential candidate issue in the hands of the NGC.

“It is too early for that. What is important is for us to consolidate the pact,” he said.

Bweengwa MP Highvie Hamududu said the pact will choose a presidential candidate when the time is right.