FORMER Petauke Central Member of Parliament, Dora Siliya has quashed growing speculation about her candidacy in the upcoming Petauke Central by-election, set for next month on February 6.
Since the day the Electoral Commission of Zambian (ECZ) declared the Petauke Central seat vacant due to the absence of fugitive law maker, Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda, persons, from all walks of life have flooded Siliya’s inbox with messages of encouragement, urging her to contest and return to active politics.
Even members of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) have expressed their support, a gesture Siliya says she deeply appreciates.
However, in a statement she released yesterday, the former Minister of Information said her decision to step back from active politics remains unchanged, pointing to priorities outside Parliament.
“Petauke Central has been very special to me after serving diligently since 2006. The record will show how many roads, bridges, schools, clinics, and hospitals were built. Under the Water for All initiative, hundreds of boreholes were sunk. Working with Non Governmental Organisations, women and children’s safety was also brought to the fore,” Siliya said.
Siliya mentioned the legacy of development initiatives she spearheaded, from improving access to education and healthcare to food security and private sector growth.
She emphasised her unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of Petauke residents and reminded the public of her announcement on August 30, 2024, during the launch of her book, where she made it clear that she would not contest any by-election in Petauke Central.
“My name will not be on the ballot on February 6, 2025,” she reaffirmed. “I remain indebted to the people of Petauke Central with whom I worked well. I trust that as they go to the polls, Petauke voters, such as myself, will elect a suitable candidate who will benefit from the national cake.”
Siliya, who has been out of active politics since 2021, emphasised her continued dedication to championing development issues for Petauke and the nation as a whole.
“As we enter the new year, I will also continue to consult with the people of Eastern Province on how best we can engage all stakeholders on development issues now and into the future,” she said.
While her name won’t be on the ballot, Siliya’s legacy in Petauke remains intact, leaving voters with a call to choose a leader who will build on the foundation she helped lay.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba January 1, 2024