Sata accused of tribalism, interviewing MPs from home

By Jimmy Chibuye

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) president Michael Sata is alleged to have hijacked the process of adopting parliamentary candidates in his party, leaving no room for other members to have a say.

Impeccable sources said in Lusaka yesterday Mr Sata has been conducting interviews in person and drafting a list of preferred candidates from his home.

The development is said to be frustrating older members of the party, who fear that the opposition leader will give preference to new members.

“Mr Sata is allegedly conducting interviews at his home, and he has drafted a list of candidates for Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces,” one source said.

He said Mr Sata’s action has caused anxiety among party faithfuls because they do not know their place in the party.

The sources said Mr Sata’s alleged tribal inclination has affected the adoption process of the PF.

The names on Mr Sata’s list include Miles Sampa (Sata’s nephew) for Matero Constituency, Sylvia Chalikosa (Lusaka Central) and the PF president’s son, Mulenga.

Mulenga is reported to have initially been eyeing Lusaka Central and Kabwata, but may now have to settle for the lower position of councillor in one of the wards in the capital city.

The sources said Mr Sata’s action contradicts what the lower organs of the party have recommended.

They said because of lack of democracy in the PF, the MMD has adopted some of the opposition members of Parliament to stand on its ticket.

Grassroots members of the PF have rejected former minister of Health Nkandu Luo, who is PF leader Michael Sata’s preferred candidate for Munali Constituency, to take over from incumbent MP Mumbi Phiri.

Sources said Ms Phiri has also not been interviewed because the members prefer someone else for the seat.

The development comes a few days after some PF members of the central committee said members in Munali Constituency have also rejected former Chongwe MMD MP Sylvia Masebo, whom Mr Sata wanted to impose on them against the wish of the party members in Chongwe, who prefer Geoffrey Chumbwe.