New Congress Party (NCP) president Peter Chanda has lashed out at the United Party for National Development (UPND) for launching early campaign activities in Mfuwe, describing the move as premature, immoral, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
Mr Chanda expressed shock at the UPND’s decision to begin campaigning when the court has yet to deliver a verdict in the case involving Mfuwe Member of Parliament Maureen Mabonga, who is facing charges of seditious practices.
“It’s a sad day for our democracy when a ruling party can begin campaigning for a seat that is still legally occupied. What do they know about the judgment that the rest of the country doesn’t?” Mr Chanda questioned. “Printing posters and holding rallies at this stage is not only premature, but disrespectful to the legal process.”
He vowed that the opposition would defend the Mfuwe seat at all costs. “Come rain or sunshine, we will not allow UPND to grab Mfuwe through underhanded tactics. We will fight to the end.”
Mr Chanda also took aim at Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti, accusing her of making politically biased and illegal decisions, particularly regarding the declaration of parliamentary seats as vacant.
From front
“I’m currently in Lumezi to scout for a candidate, and I must say the pattern is worrying. The Speaker declared the Lumezi seat vacant even though Honourable Munir Zulu has not exhausted all appeal processes,” he said. “We saw how previous Speakers handled such matters. In Chishimba Kambwili’s case, despite being expelled, he continued to attend Parliament until every legal process was completed.”
He alleged that the same strategy is now being used in Mfuwe to forcefully take away opposition seats. “They’re not winning the hearts of the people, so now they want to win by default—by manipulating the process,” Mr Chanda charged. “But we will not sit back and watch. We’ll resist any attempt to hijack our democratic space.”
Drawing parallels with recent electoral outcomes, Mr Chanda pointed to UPND’s loss in the Petauke by-election as a sign of waning public support. “They lost in Petauke, and they will lose again in Lumezi. The people have spoken, and they don’t want UPND.”
He further urged Zambians to reject the ruling party in upcoming by-elections, accusing it of inflicting suffering, hunger, and stripping citizens of their rights.
“Zambians are living through misery under UPND. They’ve had their rights trampled on, their voices silenced. But this time, we won’t back down. We’re ready to defeat UPND at the ballot box again,” Mr Chanda said.
