UPND DEFENDS SELECTION OF YOUTHS UNDER PR FROM HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS
By Nelson Zulu
UPND deputy spokesperson Elvis Nkandu says youths who were selected as members of parliament from higher learning institutions under proportional representation deserved the positions for having supported and fought for the party.
In an interview with phoenix news, Mr. Nkandu has dismissed claims that other youths loyal to the ruling party were sidelined, saying the selection of young people was done in a balanced manner.
Mr. Nkandu explained that the number of youths coming from higher learning institutions does not constitute the majority of young people elected to parliament, stressing the need to consider the broader representation of youths.
He indicated that the elected youths had also demonstrated loyalty and supported the UPND through structures in higher learning institutions, which he said were equally important in mobilizing support for the party in the run upto the august 13th polls.
Mr. Nkandu said the inclusion of young people in decision-making structures was intended to give them an opportunity to participate in leadership, regardless of where they came from, as long as they met the required age criteria.
PHOENIX NEWS