from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – ENDING days of speculation, incumbent Hakainde Hichilema has emerged unopposed as the candidate for the United Party for National Development (UPND) in Zambia’s presidential elections in August.
He filed his nomination at the UPND national secretariat’s Anderson Mazoka House in the capital, Lusaka, on Sunday.
Hichilema has officially assumed a renewed mandate as president of the party.
There had been speculation in the governing party that some members would challenge him.
In recent days, some members of the party, which has governed Zambia since 2021, had argued that Hichilema’s mandate had lapsed.
Patrick Tembo Banda had declared himself interim UPND president.
Elvis Nkandu, Kaputa Constituency lawmaker and Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, said the emergence of Hichilema this past weekend was “a strong show of unity and confidence” from all party members.
“His unchallenged endorsement reflects both internal cohesion within our party and continued support for his vision, policies and commitment to national development,” the legislator said.
“As we prepare for the upcoming elections, this renewed mandate strengthens our resolve to build on our achievements and deliver inclusive growth, economic stability, and improved livelihoods for the people of Zambia.”
Hichilema has been UPND president since 2006, following the death of Mazoka.
He is in line for a second term as Zambia’s president.
The Patriotic Front (PF), dislodged in 2021, is likely to once again pose the biggest threat.
Former Vice President Nevers Mumba urged Zambians “not to gamble with the country’s future” by returning the PF to power.
“The former ruling party lacks a credible agenda for the nation,” he said during the filing of nominations for Hichilema.
– CAJ News