Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, who is facing four challengers in next week’s general elections, on Friday predicted an outright victory for himself and the ruling party.
Mwanawasa, who is seeking a second term in office, said the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) would triumph on September 28 as most Zambians had been impressed with his performance since being elected in 2001.
”It is not a question of rating the MMD because we are winning,” Mwanawasa told reporters when asked about his chances of victory.
”In fact, the September 28 elections are just a formality because we have already won,” a confident-looking Mwanawasa said before leaving for a campaign meeting.
Mwanawasa faces two main challengers with Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front at the head of the chasing pack, and Hakainde Hichilema of the United Democratic Alliance also closing the gap.
Hichilema, who has won the backing of Zambia’s independence leader Kenneth Kaunda, accused the MMD of using state resources for its campaign and attempting to buy votes.
”We have received reports of people buying voters’ cards. They are using state resources … this is corruption,” Hichilema said on Zambian television.
Hichilema said the MMD was using campaign vehicles that were bought using state funds in 2001 and wondered why the anti-corruption commission had not confiscated the vehicles.
”This is serious, it is unfair,” said Hichilema, a young wealthy businessman who appears to share Mwanawasa’s confidence about the outcome next Thursday.
”Just watch this space because there will be a little bit of a shock on September 28. We are certainly winning,” Hichilema said.
While there have been no reliable opinion polls in recent days, some analysts believe Hichilema has managed to pick up support at the expense of Sata, whose populist campaign has included threats to expel Chinese traders.
Sata has also raised eyebrows by promising to drop graft charges against former president Frederick Chiluba.
The Anglican Church in Zambia, meanwhile, appealed to all parties to address issues such as poverty and put a halt to personal attacks.
”In our prayers and reflections, we were dismayed by the lack of seriousness among some political parties. Some parties are not addressing issues of poverty but are busy insulting,” read a statement by the Anglican Council’s bishops.
The clergy also condemned the reported incidents of violence between MMD and opposition supporters.
Mwanawasa has ordered the police chief to immediately arrest all those involved in the pre-election violence so that they can be prosecuted.
”If these culprits are brought to book, they will regret their action,” Mwanawasa said.
The presidential elections will run alongside parliamentary votes in which 14 political parties are competing for seats in the 150 constituencies.
Local government elections will also be held at the same time. — Sapa-AFP