Michael Sata's widow joins succession race

Lusaka - The battle for Zambia's presidency became even more of a family affair on Wednesday with late leader Michael Sata's widow joining the race to become the ruling party's candidate.

Christine Kaseba joins Sata's stepson Mulenga and his nephew Miles Sampa, who have also declared themselves in the running to be the governing Patriotic Front's candidate. The country is set to go to the polls on 20 January.

According to private radio station-radio Phoenix, Kaseba said she was still mourning Sata, who was buried last week, but the pain of seeing her husband's work uncompleted would be more excruciating.

"The pain I am feeling will be nothing compared to the pain I would feel if president Sata's desires are not met," the radio station quoted her as saying.

"Vibrant, young and focused leader"

Lusaka mayor Mulenga filed his candidacy papers on Tuesday and told reporters the party needed a youthful leader to further his father's vision.

"It is time for a vibrant, young and focused leader. We need to refresh the party while furthering the vision of my father," Mulenga said at a news conference.

His cousin Sampa, the deputy commerce minister, has also said that Sata's death should pave the way to younger leaders.

"Sata is the last of that generation that Zambians voted for. Some people are saying I am young and I will be controlled by others. Only my uncle used to control me," said Sampa, an economist by profession.

At least seven candidates have so far applied to run for the presidency.

Sata, nicknamed "King Cobra" for his biting rhetoric, died of an unspecified illness in London on 29 October. He was 77.

He had ruled Zambia since elections in 2011.

He has been replaced by Vice President Guy Scott until the election is held.