3 to battle for Aford presidency

Three people, including Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Enoch Chihana, have expressed interest to vie for the presidency of the Alliance for Democracy (Aford) at the party’s forthcoming convention.

The others are Aford acting president Godfrey Shawa and incumbent secretary general and former deputy minister of Economic Planning and Development Khwauli Msiksa.

Aford was scheduled to hold its convention this Friday to choose its president and fill positions in the national executive committee (NEC).

Chihana, who is the party’s national chairperson, said on Wednesday he was lowering himself to the presidency to reposition the party when he becomes president.

He said as national chairperson, there were some hindrances to his vision of strengthening the party; hence, he believes he can only achieve his vision by being its president.

“I am very confident that I will be the president of the party and once I become the president I will see to it that the party is strong at grassroots level. We need to have more councillors and MPs and I am determined to make that happen,” said Chihana.

On his part, Msiska said it was the wish of Aford members to see him as president, arguing he is the only person who can take the party to greater heights.

“People have been coming to me telling me it is high time I left the position of secretary general in the hands of others and be the president of the party,” he said.

On the other hand, Shawa said he will defend his position and ensure that the party grows nationwide. He said it is high time people stopped treating Aford as a regional party.

Aford spokesperson Dan Msowoya, who is eyeing the position of secretary general, said there could be more people coming to battle for the presidency and other positions.

He said the party has since raised about K8 million (about $20 000) for the convention.