New party with Chiluba-ties
2004-09-23 17:03
Lusaka - A new political party has been formed in Zambia, which has drawn its key membership from close allies of former president Frederick Chiluba, an official said on Thursday.
The Party for Unity, Democracy and Development (PUDD) was legally registered last week with its interim leader Clifford Mwaba saying it has poached members from the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).
"We have a strong backing from key government leaders who are opposed to President (Levy) Mwanawasa," said Mwaba.
Former deputy finance minister Dan Pule, a close ally of Chiluba, announced Thursday that he had quit the ruling MMD to join PUDD, a move analysts said confirmed the former president's backing of the new party.
"The hour has come to re-group so that the original ideals of the MMD, which have now been largely lost may be attained through PUDD," Pule told reporters at a news conference.
Asked whether Chiluba was sponsoring the party, Pule said: "Let's leave out people I did not mention in my speech."
The ruling MMD has been divided for a long time between supporters of Chiluba and current President Levy Mwanawasa, who launched an anti-corruption crusade against his predecessor in 2001.
Earlier this month, a Zambian court dropped corruption charges against Chiluba, but he was arrested hours later, accused of embezzling $1m.