“ACCEPT THAT YOU LOST” — MTONGA TELLS MASEBO TO DROP CHONGWE PETITION
“ACCEPT THAT YOU LOST” — MTONGA TELLS MASEBO TO DROP CHONGWE PETITION
UPND member George Mtonga has urged former Cabinet Minister Sylvia Masebo to accept defeat in the Chongwe parliamentary election and withdraw her petition against newly elected MP Anita.
Mtonga says Masebo, having served in government for many years, should now consider mentoring younger leaders rather than challenging an election outcome which he believes clearly reflected the wishes of the people of Chongwe.
“What exactly is she petitioning for? To come and do what?” Mtonga questioned.
He said the margin separating Anita and Masebo was evidence that voters had made a decisive choice, with Anita polling more than 16,000 votes against Masebo’s about 6,000.
According to Mtonga, the result represented a strong rejection of Masebo by the Chongwe electorate and should therefore be respected.
“This was a resounding No from the people of Chongwe,” he said.
Mtonga further recalled that he had previously called for Anita to be adopted as the ruling party’s candidate, arguing that Masebo could have used her experience to mentor the younger politician.
“I specifically said adopt Anita,” Mtonga said.
He maintained that political leadership should also involve recognising when it is time to give way to a new generation and support emerging leaders.
Mtonga said Masebo’s long experience in public service gave her an opportunity to guide younger politicians rather than remain at the centre of political contests.
“The sun rises and it sets. It has set on ba Masebo,” he said.o