UPND WARNS MEMBERS AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED CAMPAIGNS
Lusaka… Sunday September 21, 2025 – The United Party for National Development (UPND) has issued a warning to its members and aspiring candidates against engaging in unauthorized campaigns in constituencies and wards currently represented by the party’s elected officials.
In a statement, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda reminded members of the party’s standing resolution, adopted by the National Management Committee (NMC) in 2020, which prohibits internal campaigns in areas where the party has sitting Members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairpersons, or Councillors.
He explained that the directive also extended to constituencies held by Independent MPs who were working with the UPND, as well as certain opposition MPs who were cooperating with the administration.
Mr. Imenda said the measure was intended to safeguard party unity, strengthen cohesion, and allow elected officials to focus on delivering development without unnecessary disruption.
He further warned that any aspiring candidate found violating the directive would face disciplinary action in line with the party’s regulations.
Media houses were also cautioned against quoting party members or aspiring candidates on campaign-related matters, as the UPND had not issued any official position regarding individual ambitions.
Mr. Imenda stressed that the UPND remained a disciplined and democratic organization and urged all members to respect the NMC resolution while working together to advance the party’s development agenda for the people of Zambia.
Early campaigns must not be tolerated.The spirit of ” to be known on the ground” causes such behavior. This must not be like relay in sports.We must allow the incumbent office bearers to finish their terms well without any interference.Let their performance be judged accordingly within the allowed time of their term of office.We must not allow some people going to the constituencies and start giving money to churches, chiefs and village heads.That is another form of corruption.Ati- ” I am known on the ground” but you are busy breaking the law.This is what causes the electorates to vote for wrong characters who later fail to perform.They have bought your vote and they relax after winning the election.But the polical parties, be it the rulling UPND and alliances, the opposition political parties must not bring some sanctions to those who have the desire to to contest for any elective position.This reminds me some years ago, certain people were discouraged from applying for courses to train because they were not working in departments that concerned the training.Yet those in the concerned departments were not having the qualifications or were not interested and the closing dates for applications were indicated.Please allow members to compete with incumbents when the season opens.This must be done in a transparent manner.The choice must be up to the people to decide.