FORMER UPND PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES DEFECT TO TONSE ALLIANCE, CITE MARGINALIZATION

FORMER UPND PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES DEFECT TO TONSE ALLIANCE, CITE MARGINALIZATION

A group of former United Party for National Development (UPND) parliamentary candidates who lost in the 2021 general elections have announced their resignation from the ruling party, citing alleged marginalisation, unfulfilled promises, and economic hardships.

Speaking in a joint press statement issued on March 14, 2026, the former candidates said they had taken a “painful but necessary decision” to sever ties with the UPND after what they described as years of neglect following the party’s rise to power.

The group accused the UPND leadership, under President Hakainde Hichilema, of abandoning loyal members who sacrificed resources and time to campaign for the party in difficult regions, particularly in former Patriotic Front (PF) strongholds such as Luapula, Northern, Muchinga, Copperbelt, Central, and Eastern provinces.

They recalled that during the 2021 campaigns, then Secretary General Stephen Katuka assured candidates that no one would be left behind and encouraged them to focus on securing victory for the presidential candidate.

However, the former candidates claim that since the UPND formed government, many of them have been excluded from appointments in the diplomatic service, public institutions, and parastatals.

The group further alleged that government appointments have been skewed along regional lines, leaving some provinces underrepresented. They expressed concern that despite their contributions, they have not benefited from opportunities within government structures.

According to the statement, the situation has led to serious personal and economic challenges among members, including financial struggles, loss of assets, and strained family relationships. They also claimed that some members have faced public criticism from constituents due to unmet campaign promises.

Beyond internal party grievances, the defectors also raised concerns about broader governance issues, including rising cost of living, unemployment, and what they described as the ineffective implementation of initiatives such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

They further accused the government of failing to deliver meaningful economic relief to ordinary citizens, alleging that many Zambians continue to face hardships despite expectations of improved living standards following the 2021 elections.

As a result, the group announced that they have joined the Tonse Alliance, a political alliance they say is better positioned to address the country’s socio-economic challenges.

They pledged to mobilize their supporters to rally behind the alliance ahead of the August 13 elections, expressing confidence in its leadership under Brian Mundubile.

The statement was signed by Charles Mulenga Musanya, Justin Pembela Mumba, and MacDonald Phiri on behalf of the affected candidates.
The UPND has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.