KALOMBO REFUTES TRIBAL CLAIMS

Defence Minister Kalombo Mwansa

Defence Minister Kalombo Mwansa has dismissed media reports that tribalism and violence has rocked the ruling Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD) party ahead of  its Eastern Province conference slated for next January.

Dr. Mwansa said what was obtaining on the ground was stiff competition among the people wishing to contest positions in the party in Eastern Province.

Responding to questions from Journalists in Lusaka today, Dr. Mwansa said the MMD was resolving the process of candidacy.

He cited positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman as those being looked at.

“There is no tribalism in MMD in Eastern Province.  There is only stiff competition for persons vying for party position at provincial levels,” he said.

The Minister said the MMD was very strong in the East and no amount of violence would disrupt it from holding free and fair elections in that province.

The Eastern Province conference is expected to be opened by President Rupiah Banda next year. The Provincial conferences were deferred to next year to allow party members celebrate the Christmas and New Year festivals.

ZANIS