WHAT IS YOUR OPINION!
The growing number of withdrawals within the United Party for National Development (UPND) ahead of the 2026 elections is no longer a coincidence,it’s a pattern.
From former ministers like Elijah Muchima, Elias Mubanga and Douglas Syakalima, to emerging uncertainty around figures such as Rodney Sikumba and Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai, one thing is becoming clear: this is not just about personal decisions.
While these moves are being framed as strategic and in the interest of party unity, the reality appears more complex.
The tightening adoption process, coupled with strong warnings against independent candidacies, has left many aspirants with limited options.
In such a political environment, stepping aside may not always be voluntary it may be the safest way to remain relevant.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s emphasis on loyalty and discipline, alongside signals that those who remain aligned could still be considered for future appointments, has introduced a new dynamic. For many, the calculation is simple: withdraw today, position for tomorrow.
*But this raises an important question are these withdrawals about unity, or quiet political repositioning?*
While this strategy may help avoid vote splitting and strengthen the party in the short term, it also risks weakening internal democracy if capable candidates are edged out or pressured to step aside.
Politics is about strategy, yes but it must also remain about choice.
As 2026 approaches, these decisions will shape not just the election outcome, but the future direction of Zambia’s political landscape.
Freely choosing to do a particular thing, and not the other, notwithstanding the consequences, is good.
From, the expirience ,of the past,
Many of those,who chose ,to serve in Government ,
While at the same time,,
Running ,their ptivate family businesses,
Confessed, many times, that ,it was not easy ,,at all,
And in comparison, most of them, would, say,that ,it was more rewarding and profitable doing personal private business ,than to be fully comitted
Doing Politics & serve in Government
Many by the time ,they had left politics all their businesses had totally colapsed
And ,had ,shut down
So for ,people ,like Muchima,,who owns a lot of business companies, even before He joined politics,,Really
Its understandable, for his decission
Like, they say ,politics is a short & temporal career,, Dont gamble it with your business,,or money it may destroy, your future ,and that of your family
If you have proved that you are no longer wanted, why forcing matters? You can just frustrate the voters. Sometimes ukuibwela mo is better than embarrassing yourself with a heavy loss.