Zambian President Edgar Lungu Announces Running Mate
Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Monday filed in his nomination papers as a candidate in this year’s general elections and appointed a female candidate as his running mate.
Lungu’s papers as well as those of his running mate, Professor Nkandu Luo, were verified and duly certified as correct by Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson Justice Esau Chulu for the August 12 polls.
The Zambian leader later told journalists that he was happy over his choice of his running mate, saying he has chosen her because she was politically strong and professionally accomplished.
He said he was not worried about people who may have reservations about his choice of a running mate and called for peaceful campaigns. He said:
_After great reflections and prayerful thought, I have picked Professor Nkandu Luo as my running mate in the August 12 elections. I have no doubt that we are going to make a great team that will not only give our party the electoral victory but, ultimately, the progress we desire for our great nation._
Luo, 69, is a scientist and a holder of a doctorate in microbiology who has served in various ministerial positions in government.
- First elected as a legislator in 1996 under the former ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).
- Elected as a lawmaker in 2011 under the Patriotic Front (PF) – served in various ministerial positions.
- Her last position was Minister of Fisheries and Livestock.
Lungu’s current Vice-President Inonge Wina announced that he intends to retire from politics after the August 12 polls.
Some observers were arguing that Lungu was not eligible to contest in the August poll because he has served two terms in line with the constitution.
The Constitutional Court, however, ruled that the first term does not count as a full term because he was only finishing the term left by his predecessor, late President Michael Sata.
The development comes as President Emmerson Mnangagwa of neighbouring Zimbabwe has signed into law Constitutional Amendment No. 2 which scrapped the running mate clause.
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More: Pindula News; CGTN Africa
