ANOTHER OPPOSITION FIGURE SWITCHES TO UPND, LOSES IN MANDEVU ADOPTION PRIMARY
Christopher Shakafuswa, who describes himself as the “young Willy Nsanda”, has applied for adoption under the United Party for National Development, UPND, for Mandevu Constituency.
Shakafuswa’s application comes after he abandoned the Tonse Alliance faction led by Brian Mundubile.
However, he received zero votes in the ward adoption primary elections for the constituency, according to results from the process.
Opposition cadres defecting to the UPND at the last minute should not be condoned or tolerated, and the UPND National Management Committee must be cautious about adopting such individuals. Many of them are political opportunists seeking to reap where they did not sow, after having contributed little or nothing to the party’s struggles and growth. Rewarding such behaviour risks demoralizing loyal members who have stood with the party through difficult times.
However, there should also be room for fairness and political maturity. Some individuals in the opposition, particularly Members of Parliament who consistently supported the progressive policies and national development agenda of the UPND government, demonstrated sincerity, patriotism, and goodwill even while outside the party. Their conduct sets them apart from opportunistic defectors. Such people can reasonably be considered friends of the UPND and may deserve the benefit of the doubt, provided their intentions are genuine and aligned with the party’s values and long-term vision.