Zambia. – The ruling PF, headed by Republican President Edgar Lungu, will hold their Manifesto and Campaign Launch at the 60,000-seater Heroes Stadium in the capital, Lusaka, while the Hakainde Hichilema-led UPND have settled for the iconic Freedom Park in the Copperbelt city of Kitwe.
Both parties are widely expected to name the running mates to their respective presidential candidates and also unveil their candidates for the parliamentary, mayoral and local government elections. They are also expected to receive high-profile defections and endorsements.
The PF event will reportedly be graced by two former presidents Kenneth Kaunda and Rupiah Banda, diplomats accredited to Zambia, over 50 traditional leaders, Church mother bodies and notable names such as Kalusha Bwalya
According to a sources, over 6000 Zambians living abroad have travelled for the event. Lodges and guest houses in the capital and nearby towns such as Kafue, Chilanga and Chongwe are reportedly fully booked as the ruling party has gone to great lengths to transport people from across the country to attend the event.
A number of Zambia’s top musicians will be on hand to entertain what is expected to be a capacity crowd. The event will be televised live on the state broadcaster ZNBC.
The opposition UPND is also expecting a massive turn out at their Kitwe event, having already held a series of successful ‘warm-up’ rallies in various Copperbelt towns. Party leader Hichilema will officially spell out details of his ’10-point plan’ to turn around the country’s economy.
Former Republican Vice-President Guy Scott, UDF leader Miles Sampa, UPND Vice-Presidents Geoffrey Mwamba and Canisius Banda, Mulenga Sata and Sylvia Masebo are among the high-profile figures who will address the rally. Controversial musician and social activist Pilato will head the list of local artists scheduled to entertain the gathering. – Zambian Eye
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