M’MEMBE DENOUNCES UPND GOVERNANCE AND ELECTORAL MISCONDUCT

M’MEMBE DENOUNCES UPND GOVERNANCE AND ELECTORAL MISCONDUCT

Lusaka, Zambia—Socialist Party President Dr. Fred M’membe has condemned the current state of governance and electoral integrity under the United Party for National Development (UPND).

And Dr. M’membe has challenged the notion that there is no alternative to the prevailing political failures and highlighted significant issues in the conduct of by-elections.

“If there is no alternative to political failure, then where are we headed?” he questioned.

He emphasized that the true alternative to misgovernance and misrule lies with the people.

“Wherever democratic rights are being taken away, there will be people who will defend their democratic rights. So, there will always be an alternative in circumstances like these,” he asserted.

The Socialist Party leader expressed concerns over the integrity of by-elections, accusing the UPND of deliberately causing vacancies by offering sitting councillors jobs to prompt their resignation.

He condemned the financial and social cost of these tactics, particularly in a country where citizens are already struggling with basic services like electricity.

Dr. M’membe detailed the undemocratic practices witnessed during by-elections, including vote-buying, violence, and the misuse of government resources.

“Votes are being bought. Violence is the order of the day. Our people have been attacked, abducted. Our vehicles have been destroyed by known UPND cadres,” he said, noting that these incidents have gone unpunished despite being reported to the police.

“Government vehicles are allegedly being used in these by-elections, with number plates removed or covered to avoid detection. Complaints to the Electoral Commission of Zambia have reportedly yielded no action.”

Dr. M’membe also accused District Commissioners (DCs) of participating in the elections on behalf of the UPND, undermining their supposed neutrality as civil servants.

“Mr. Hakainde Hichilema is on record saying these DCs are not ordinary civil servants. They are appointed by the UPND and are part of the UPND,” he revealed.

Dr. M’membe warned that if these practices extend to general elections, Zambia will not have free, fair, and peaceful elections.
SP Media