Elisha Matambo: UPND Independent Candidate Expulsion Confirmed

• Elisha Matambo, UPND Copperbelt Provincial Chairperson, confirmed that party members who contested the August 2021 elections as independents remain expelled.
• These individuals ran as independent candidates after failing to secure official party adoption.
• Matambo stated that the UPND constitution clearly outlines the basis for such expulsions.
• The announcement underscores the UPND's strict enforcement of internal party discipline and loyalty.

The party's internal legal framework dictates that members who opt to contest elections independently, especially after failing to secure official party endorsement, forfeit their membership.

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has unequivocally reaffirmed its strict stance on internal party discipline, confirming that members who contested the August 2021 general elections as independent candidates remain expelled from the organization. This clarification comes from Elisha Matambo, who serves as the UPND Copperbelt Provincial Chairperson, emphasizing the party's commitment to its foundational rules.

Mr. Matambo's statement addresses individuals who, after failing to secure the party's official adoption to run for office, chose to pursue their electoral ambitions outside the UPND's designated ticket. The pronouncement underscores that these expulsions are not new decisions but rather a continued enforcement of existing party regulations, signaling a firm approach to maintaining cohesion and loyalty within its ranks.

The Copperbelt Provincial Chairperson conveyed this information to Phoenix News, highlighting the party's consistent position on such matters. This public declaration serves as a reminder to all aspiring candidates and current members about the consequences of deviating from the party's established electoral processes and mandates.

At the core of the UPND's decision lies its constitution, which Mr. Matambo explicitly cited as providing clear directives on such scenarios. The party's internal legal framework dictates that members who opt to contest elections independently, especially after failing to secure official party endorsement, forfeit their membership.

This constitutional provision is a critical tool for political parties in Zambia, enabling them to enforce internal cohesion and prevent fragmentation during electoral periods. It ensures that once a party has selected its official candidates through its adoption process, all members are expected to rally behind those choices, rather than undermining the party's collective effort by running as rivals.

The clarity of the UPND constitution on this matter suggests a well-defined policy designed to manage internal dissent and maintain a unified front. Such rules are common among political organizations aiming to present a strong, singular voice to the electorate, thereby preventing internal competition from weakening their overall electoral prospects.

The August 2021 general election presented a significant political landscape in Zambia, and the UPND's actions reflect the challenges political parties face in managing internal competition during such crucial periods. The decision by some members to run as independents, despite not receiving the party's adoption, was seen as a direct challenge to the party's authority and its chosen candidates.

For the UPND, maintaining party cohesion was paramount, particularly as it sought to secure victory in the August 2021 polls. Allowing members to contest independently without consequence could set a precedent that undermines future adoption processes and encourages internal factions. The expulsions, therefore, serve as a strong deterrent against similar actions in subsequent elections.

This firm stance by the UPND underscores the importance political parties place on loyalty and adherence to internal democratic processes. It sends a clear message that the party's collective interests and constitutional mandates supersede individual ambitions, especially when those ambitions conflict with the party's official electoral strategy.

The UPND's reaffirmation of these expulsions carries significant implications for the broader political landscape in Zambia, particularly concerning political party discipline and the rights of aspiring candidates. It highlights the strict boundaries within which party members must operate, especially during election cycles.

This approach by a major political party like the UPND could influence how other parties in Zambia manage internal dissent and enforce their own constitutional provisions regarding independent candidacies. It reinforces the idea that party loyalty, as defined by internal rules, is a non-negotiable aspect of membership, particularly for those seeking public office under the party's banner.

Ultimately, the continued expulsion of these individuals serves as a powerful reminder of the mechanisms political parties employ to safeguard their unity and electoral strategies. It emphasizes that while internal democracy allows for competition during adoption, the final decision of the party is expected to be respected and upheld by all members, or face severe disciplinary action.

This statement clarifies the UPND's strict stance on internal party discipline regarding members who contest as independents, which is critical for lawyers advising political parties on constitutional adherence, or candidates facing expulsion over electoral participation in Zambia.

Source: Original reporting via Phoenix News