The MMD in Eastern Province refute reports of defections.

The Movement for Multi- Party Democracy, MMD in Eastern Province has refuted reports that some of their members have defected to the ruling party.
MMD Provincial Secretary, Samuel Lugomo Phiri says both Vice Provincial Treasurer, Jacob Mwanza and a Member, Timothy Kafa Nyirenda are still in the MMD.
Mr. Phiri was reacting to a statement issued to the media by Patriotic Front PF provincial Chairman Mike Tembo last week on four councillors from Msanzala Constituency in Petauke district who defected to PF.
Mr. Tembo had alleged that apart from the four councillors, Mr. Mwanza and Mr. Nyirenda had also ditched the former ruling party to join PF.
The four MMD councillors who defected to the ruling party last week are Ukwimi Ward Councillor, Mathews Tembo, Mawanda Ward councillor, L J Phiri, Khovyane Ward councillor, Makalam Phiri and Singozi Ward councillor, Inos Manda.
And Mr. Phiri says that the MMD is not shaken by the resignation of the four councillors even if they have joined the ruling party.
He charged that the four former civic leaders will not deliver to the expectations of the people because they failed to do so whilst in the opposition.