Lusaka ------- President Rupiah Banda arrived back home Wednesday after a two-day campaign trail for the MMD candidate in the Luena Parliamentary by-election in Mongu, Western Province .

President Banda who arrived in Lusaka aboard a Zambia Air Force plane, touched down at city airport at 17:30 hours.

Mr. Banda was in Luena to drum up support for Mr. Mwangala Maopo in the 5 August, 2010 Parliamentary by-election.

Mr. Banda told journalists upon arrival at City airport that the seat was hotly contested but that the people have to wait and see the outcome once theyhave cast their votes.

The President said the people of Luena feel abused by their former Independent Member of Parliament, Mr. Charles Milupi when he decided to resign and then come back to ask for their vote.

The Luena seat fell vacant after Mr. Milupi resigned to form a political party, Alliance for Democracy and Development, on whose ticket he is re-contesting the same seat.

Others in the race include Musole Sikatala of ULP, Mutakela Mutakela of UNIP and Muyunda Ililonga who is representing the UPND.

President Banda was welcomed by Defence Minister Kalombo Mwansa, Home Affairs Minister Mkhondo Lungu, Presidential Affairs Minister Ronald Musukuma, Service Chiefs and other senior government and MMD party officials.