THE OPPOSITION NOT SURPRISED WITH POLLS DATE

The lead opposition party in Zambia, Patriotic Front has expressed no surprise with the announced elections date.

The opposition party’s leader, Michael Sata has told the local media that the announcing of the polls date is long overdue.

Mr Sata has been reacting to the republican President, Rupiah Banda’s announcing of 20^th September 2011 as the day Zambians go to the polls to elect their leaders.

The outspoken opposition leader has since declared that his party is more than ready for the polls.

Mr Sata had earlier this month predicted that the polls would be held on 28^th September 2011.

Meanwhile, another opposition party, the United Party for National Development has also welcomed the polls date.

The party’s Secretary General, Winston Chibwe however says he is not surprised with the announced date for the polls.

Mr Chibwe has stated that the UPND, whose stronghold is pre-dominantly Southern Zambia, started preparing for the polls a long time ago.