Thirteen opposition parties in Zambia back President Lungu

Thirteen opposition parties in Zambia have formed an alliance with the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), to campaign for the re-election of President Edgar Lungu in the forthcoming elections.

Thirteen opposition political parties in Zambia have formed an alliance with the ruling party to endorse President Edgar Lungu's re-election— TransAfricaRadio (@TransAfrica872) April 19, 2016

Media reports in the country indicate that the coalition dubbed National Opposition Alliance (NOA) included Zambia Direct Democracy Movement (ZDDM), Christian Democratic Party (CDP) and the All People’s Congress (APC).

The chairman of the opposition coalition Edwin Sakala said that they wished for Lungu to continue rolling out developmental projects that had already been rolled out by the PF in the southern African country.

“This, is beyond just endorsement, but adoption which will see a long-term working relationship with PF, while maintaining our individual political parties’ identity and ideologies,” he said.

Lungu has come under criticism in recent weeks in what is viewed as an attempt to intimidate opponents ahead of the elections.

The southern African nation will hold presidential, parliamentary and local government elections on August 11.