Zambian opposition leader denies forming parallel government

Zambia's opposition party leader Michael Sata denied that he was forming a parallel government to be run through the councils dominated by his Patriotic Front (PF), Times of Zambia reported on Tuesday.

Reacting to President Levy Mwanawasa's concerns that he was forming a parallel government, Sata said here on Monday that his party would follow the law in discharging duties of the councils, and he was merely guiding the councils on how to be effective in discharging their duties.

Last week, the PF leader who lost his presidential bid in September 28 elections said his party would implement campaign promises including reduction of rates, revision of tenancy agreements at Luburma, Town Center and City Markets in Lusaka.

Sata said not all was lost as the party would contribute to national development through the parliament where he won a number of seats and councils.

Announcing his new cabinet on Monday, re-elected Mwanawasa told Sata not to risk committing the offence of treason.

"It is a pity that some people choose to lose badly. Now Sata says he wants to run a parallel government, let me take this opportunity to warn him that such an act is treasonable," "Treason according to the penal code amounts to a death penalty and Sata should therefore not push his luck too far because I will sort him out," said the president.

Mwanawasa called for reconciliation and advised Sata and other losing presidential aspirants to work with his government in developing Zambia, saying political differences should be buried now as the elections were gone.

Source: Xinhua