BRIEFING | Kalaba Brushes Off Veep Exit, Says CF Campaign Remains Intact
Citizens First presidential candidate Harry Kalaba has dismissed suggestions that the departure of his running mate, Moses Mawere, has weakened his presidential bid, insisting his campaign remains firmly on course ahead of the 13 August General Election.
Speaking during a radio interview in Mpika, Kalaba told supporters there was no reason for concern, saying the party would appoint a new vice-presidential nominee before a Citizens First government is sworn in should it win the election.m
“Don’t worry. We’ll appoint a new Vice President before swearing-in after we win the elections,” Kalaba said.
His remarks come days after Mawere defected to the Tonse Alliance, becoming one of the most high-profile figures to leave Citizens First during the campaign. The alliance has also attracted former Roan lawmaker Chishimba Kambwili, further fuelling perceptions that opposition politics is increasingly consolidating around Tonse.
The defections have triggered debate over the direction of Citizens First and whether the loss of senior figures could affect the party’s momentum. Kalaba, however, maintained that the campaign remains focused and gave no indication that the developments had altered his electoral strategy.
Kalaba is contesting this year’s presidential election under the Citizens First Orange Alliance.
With just weeks remaining before polling day, the party now faces the dual task of replacing its vice-presidential candidate while sustaining its national campaign in an opposition landscape that has become increasingly competitive.
© The People’s Brief | Goran Handya