from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – ZAMBIA’s ruling party has expelled 15 members over the violence that has afflicted the nomination process ahead of the August general elections.
The intervention is a last-ditch attempt by the incumbent administration of President Hakainde Hichilema and his United Party for National Development (UPND), which is seeking a second term.
Nominations, the process to formally register to contest, are ongoing until the weekend, but the exercise has been marred by violence.
Internal fights have ensued.
The governing UPND has not been spared, especially after its ruling that members who lost in internal elections cannot contest as independents.
Garry Nkombo, an aspirant for the Mazabuka constituency, defied the order and was attacked as he filed his papers this week.
The UPND condemned the attack against him.
Batuke Imenda, UPND Secretary General, said following preliminary investigations into the incident, the party had taken decisive disciplinary action by expelling 15 purported UPND members identified as being involved in the disturbances and acts of violence witnessed during the nomination process.
“We wish to make it categorically clear that the UPND does not condone lawlessness, hooliganism or political violence in any form,” he said.
“Those responsible acted entirely on their own and outside the principles, values and discipline of our party,” Imenda added.
Incumbent Hichilema is seeking a second term.
He has assured the nation that the elections will be peaceful, free, fair and democratic.
Polls are set for August 13 in the Southern African country.
– CAJ News