Lusaka, Zambia (PANA) – Zambia’s former ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has suspended its president, Nevers Mumba, and announced the adoption of former president Rupiah Banda as candidate for the presidential by-election slated for 20 Jan. 2015.
MMD National Secretary Muhabi Lungu told journalists in Lusaka Wednesday that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) that met Tuesday night agreed to suspend Mumba for “gross indiscipline.”
Banda this week expressed his interest to contest the presidential elections, saying the majority of NEC members preferred that he stands as the presidential candidate under the MMD ticket, instead of Mumba.
But Mumba’s Special Assistant Raphael Nakacinda has dismissed the suspension of Mumba and subsequent adoption of Banda for the forthcoming presidential elections.
“That suspension is nil and void, it’s madness that people would abrogate the constitution, use unconventional means to try and satisfy an individual’s ego and ambition,” Nakacinda said.
Meanwhile, the government has warned it will not hesitate to suspend the payment of retirement benefits, including the construction of a house, for Rupiah Banda if the former president re-joins active politics.
Minister of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Yamfwa Mukanga cited “The Benefits of Former Presidents Act,” which he said is very clear on participation in active politics.
Mukanga said Government held Banda in high esteem and would want him to continue enjoying his pension and respect accorded to his persona.
Banda ruled for three years after he won the presidential by-election in 2008 following the death of President Levy Mwanawasa. He lost power to late President Michael Sata in the September 2011 elections.
The presidential by-elections, caused by the death of President Sata, will be held on January 20, 2015.
The ruling party has not yet picked its presidential candidate.
