I’ll support whoever will be chosen as running mate – Kabanshi

Community Development Minister Emerine Kabanshi says she will be happy with whoever will be picked as running mate for President Edgar Lungu in the August 11 general elections, reports Mwatitha Lubinga.

President Lungu has categorically stated that he will choose a woman as his running mate in this year’s elections. This makes Kabanshi – being one of the senior most women in the current  administration – a contender for the role.

But Kabanshi, who is also Luapula Member of Parliament, says it is up to the President to choose and that no one can put themselves there.

She however bemoaned the low levels of female representation in decision making positions in the country, highlighting the need to have more women participation as a way of combating some of the social and economic challenges they face.

She has since advised women not to give up but avail themselves during this election period by participating in the electoral process even with the violence currently obtaining on the county’s political landscape.

“Violence is everywhere and men want to fight women over positions but as women we should not give up but avail ourselves and God will protect us,” she said. “I am happy that a woman will succeed the president but it is up to him to chose who he wants. He is the only one who can decide, I can’t put myself there. There are so many women to choose from but I will be happy with whoever he chooses.”

And Kabanshi disclosed that she will apply to re-contest her seat as Luapula MP but is “leaving everything to God” in terms of the adoption process.

Meanwhile, Kabanshi  has asked political parties inciting violence to stop pretending that they are not behind the vice, stating that she has personally witnessed violent acts from the opposition parties. She claims those who used to perpetrate violence in the ruling PF have left the party.