from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – THE ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) reports it has received more than 300 individuals it says have defected from the opposition ahead of the August elections.
This deals a further blow to the opposition that is already divided and jeopardising their prospects in their bid to unseat President Hakainde Hichilema and the governing party.
UPND, in power since 2021, reports that it has received supporters formerly of its predecessor and main opposition Patriotic Front (PF) and Socialist Party (SP).
In the Western province, UPND said on Monday, 360 members from the two opposition parties defected to the UPND at a meeting in Nangula ward, Luena constituency.
Kabuyana Mbulayi, PF Ward Youth chairman and zone coordinator, reportedly led the defectors.
They are quoted as citing Hichilema’s people-centered leadership as the main reason for ditching their parties.
Kapelwa Mbangweta, UPND Western province chairman, who is also Provincial Minister, received the individuals.
“Don’t waste your votes on parties that failed to deliver development in Western province when they were in power,” he said,
UPND dislodged PF in the 2021 elections.
“On 13th August 2026, go out in numbers and vote for President Hichilema so that we all continue to enjoy the unprecedented development and social protection programs his government is implementing,” Mbangweta told the defectors.
UPND further reports that 12 councillors from Kasama district in the Northern province have officially defected from the PF to join the ruling party.
Kasama is seen as a PF stronghold, hence UPND believes the defection marks a significant shift in the district’s political landscape.
The defectors are quoted as saying Hichilema is their preferred candidate for the presidential elections, citing confidence in his leadership and reform agenda.
Likando Mufalali, UPND Vice Chairperson for Elections, urged party members in Northern province to accelerate the recruitment of new members as the country moved closer to the polls.
“The UPND has ample capacity to accommodate more members and remains open to all citizens willing to contribute to national development,” Mufalali said.
Levy Ngoma, the Special Assistant to the President on Political Affairs, said the defections underscored growing confidence in the UPND across the political divide.
“President Hichilema’s love for Zambia is evident in his continued efforts to deliver on campaign promises and advance inclusive national progress,” Ngoma added.
Joseph Mubanga, former Kasama mayoral aspiring candidate, has reportedly defected from the SP to UPND.
PF said Mubanga’s move was driven by a belief in the party’s progressive policies and its commitment to inclusive development anchored on economic stability and good governance.
Ahead of the elections, PF is severely divided, with several factions led by some officials contesting for the presidency of the party. Around ten officials have emerged as candidates to succeed the late Edgar Lungu, former party and country president.
Formed in 2024, the Tonse Alliance, a coalition which PF is a member of, is also beset by leadership friction.
– CAJ News