Resolute Party Zambia: Will Not Contest 2026 By-Elections, Backs UPND

• The Resolute Party (RP) will not participate in the by-elections scheduled for November 5, 2026.
• RP leader Dr. Martin Phiri stated the party is not ready to contest the upcoming polls.
• The Resolute Party has pledged its support to the United Party for National Development (UPND) for these by-elections.
• The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) set November 5, 2026, as the date for the Lumezi North and Mandevu parliamentary elections.

This strategic alignment underscores a calculated political maneuver by the Resolute Party, opting for influence through endorsement rather than direct contestation in the upcoming polls.

The Resolute Party (RP) has publicly declared its intention not to participate in the forthcoming by-elections scheduled for November 5, 2026. This announcement came directly from the party's leader, Dr. Martin Phiri, who indicated that the party is not adequately prepared to contest these specific polls. The decision marks a significant strategic move for the Resolute Party Zambia by-elections 2026 landscape, signaling a shift in their immediate electoral approach.

Instead of fielding its own candidates, the Resolute Party has pledged its full support to the United Party for National Development (UPND). This endorsement highlights a potential alliance or a shared political objective between the two parties for these particular contests. Dr. Phiri's statement clarifies the RP's immediate electoral strategy, focusing on backing an established party rather than engaging in direct competition in the upcoming parliamentary races.

The by-elections in question, set for November 5, 2026, will determine new parliamentary representatives for two crucial constituencies. The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has designated this date for the parliamentary elections in both Lumezi North and Mandevu. These contests are significant as they will fill vacant seats in the national legislature, impacting the balance of power and representation within the Zambian political system.

The Zambia Lumezi North by-election and the Zambia Mandevu by-election are parliamentary contests, meaning they will elect members to the National Assembly. The Electoral Commission of Zambia is the independent body responsible for overseeing and conducting these elections, ensuring adherence to Zambia electoral law. Their role involves setting election dates, registering voters, and managing the entire electoral process to ensure fairness and transparency.

The decision by Dr. Martin Phiri and the Resolute Party to abstain from contesting and instead offer Martin Phiri UPND support carries several strategic implications. For the Resolute Party, it suggests a focus on consolidating resources or perhaps a recognition of their current organizational capacity ahead of the 2026 by-elections. By supporting the UPND, the RP might be aiming to build political capital, influence policy, or strengthen future alliances without the immediate financial and logistical burden of running campaigns.

This strategic alignment underscores a calculated political maneuver by the Resolute Party, opting for influence through endorsement rather than direct contestation in the upcoming polls. Such decisions are often made with an eye toward broader political objectives, potentially including future general elections or solidifying a particular political narrative. The impact of this endorsement on the outcomes in Lumezi North and Mandevu will be closely watched as the election date approaches.

This news primarily concerns political strategy and party participation in upcoming by-elections. It does not present a direct legal obligation, compliance exposure, or new precedent for lawyers or compliance officers to act upon, beyond general awareness of the political landscape.

Source: Original reporting via The Mast