Beleaguered businessperson Oswald Lutepo is set to contest as an independent parliamentary candidate in Kasungu North Constituency in the forthcoming May 20 Tripartite Elections.
The 35-year-old is said to have collected nomination forms from the District Elections Office on Friday through some representatives.
Kasungu district elections officer Sydney Banda confirmed Lutepo’s interest to contest on a parliamentary ticket in an interview yesterday.
“Yes, it’s true. Actually, [Lutepo] sent some of his colleagues to collect the nomination papers on
Friday whose serial number is 200386. He should be handing in his nominations in the afternoon,” he said.
Yesterday, Lutepo personally walked into the Kasungu District Council chamber at 15:49 hours where all candidates are expected to present their nomination papers.
In an interview after presenting his papers, Lutepo was upbeat about his candidacy, saying he will carry the day “come what may” even if he is contesting on an independent ticket.
He also brushed aside fears that his current court cases may stand in his way to represent his constituents in Parliament.
Lutepo is implicated in the Capital Hill cashgate for allegedly encashing a K1.2 billion (US$2 870 813) cheque for goods and services not rendered to government. He is currently answering a charge of money laundering.
Before his arrest and the subsequent trial, Lutepo was tipped to contest on People’s Party (PP) ticket.
He resigned from his position of deputy director of recruitment and sensitisation in PP late last year.
Beatrice Mwale will represent PP in the May elections after Lutepo pulled out of the race prior to the party’s primary elections.
