82 Views Citizens First, CF, Roan parliamentary candidate Chishimba Kambwili says the party risks losing both the presidency and the Roan parliamentary seat if it expels him for endorsing another candidate in the August 13 elections. Kambwili says it would be political suicide for the Harry Kalaba led CF to take disciplinary action against him […]

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Citizens First, CF, Roan parliamentary candidate Chishimba Kambwili says the party risks losing both the presidency and the Roan parliamentary seat if it expels him for endorsing another candidate in the August 13 elections.

Kambwili says it would be political suicide for the Harry Kalaba led CF to take disciplinary action against him after he publicly declared support for National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, NRPUP, presidential candidate Brian Mundubile.

“It will not be in the best interest of the party to lose both the presidency and a parliamentary seat in Roan if they went ahead to expel me,” Kambwili told the Daily Revelation yesterday.

The former Information Minister disclosed that he made the decision to back Mundubile independently, adding that CF leader Kalaba was equally free to pursue his own political path.

“Kalaba has a right to pursue his political choices. I cannot force him to join me in endorsing Mundubile, just as he cannot force me to endorse him,” Kambwili said.

Kambwili is contesting the Roan parliamentary seat on the CF ticket. Roan has traditionally been considered a stronghold for him, having won the seat in previous elections.

When asked what would happen if CF leadership moved to expel him for endorsing a rival presidential candidate, Kambwili said the party would have to weigh the consequences.

CF has not yet issued an official position on Kambwili’s endorsement.

Kalaba is also on the ballot as a presidential candidate for the August 13 polls.

Political parties have in recent weeks been cracking down on members seen to be supporting candidates from other parties, citing breach of party constitutions and electoral code of conduct.

Zambia goes to the polls on August 13 to elect a President, Members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairpersons and Councilors.