Ex-minister Pule quits MMD to join opposition

Former Science and Technology deputy minister in the Chiluba administration Dan Pule has resigned from the ruling MMD to join the newly formed Party for Unity, Democracy and Development (PUDD), led by Clifford Mwamba as the acting president. He explained that his resignation had been prompted by the fact that the MMD had allegedly become undemocratic, uncaring and that it had abandoned the original ideals for which it was founded on.
According to MMD spokesperson Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika, Pule's move was expected and his departure was not a blow to the ruling party. He noted, however, that the MMD was trying by all means to avoid wasting time on politicking but by engaging in constructive debates that would enhance national development. Pule nevertheless stated that he could no longer agree with the leadership of President Mwanawasa which he alleged tribalised the electorate and later on the nation. He stated that "PUDD shall pursue policies that will attract investments both local and foreign in all major sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing, transport, financial services and commerce." (The Times of Zambia, Ndola)