By 
Tonse Alliance Deputy Spokesperson, Ephraim Shakafuswa, has clarified that the Patriotic Front’s (PF) leadership role within the Tonse Alliance is not symbolic but constitutionally mandated.
In a statement issued on Friday, Shakafuswa addressed growing public commentary and what he described as misinformation suggesting that the Acting PF President was not constitutionally permitted to continue leading the Alliance.
“This statement seeks to provide clarity, grounded in the Tonse Alliance Constitution and the founding agreements binding all member parties. PF’s leadership of the Tonse Alliance is not symbolic or assumed—it is constitutionally mandated,” Shakafuswa said.
Read more:tonse-alliance-to-challenge-electoral-commission-of-zambia-over-pf-campaign-ban-in-mfuwe
He explained that the preamble of the Alliance Constitution expressly designates the PF as the lead entity across all structures, organs, and bodies of the Alliance.
“This arrangement was the product of consensus among all signatory parties at the Alliance’s inception,” he emphasized.
Shakafuswa said: “The chairmanship of the Alliance is not subject to rotation or renegotiation. It is a role exclusively reserved for the PF, as stipulated in the constitutional framework.”
Shakafuswa warned that any attempt to alter this leadership arrangement would violate the founding principles of the Alliance and risk undermining its cohesion.
At the formation of the Tonse Alliance, Shakafuswa noted, the PF made it clear through its Rules of Engagement that it would only participate under the condition that it assumes the leadership role—a condition accepted by all partners and now embedded in the Constitution.
He said the appointment of Given Lubinda as Acting Chairperson of the Alliance was both lawful and procedurally sound.
“His appointment followed the temporary absence of the substantive Chairperson and was carried out in accordance with Articles 10(b) and (c) of the Constitution, which affirm PF’s authority as the Alliance’s anchor party to ensure leadership continuity,” Shakafuswa said.
He further stated that PF’s status as the Alliance’s anchor party was not a matter of contention but a constitutionally defined designation.
“The Constitution, through multiple clauses including Article 10, Article 12(d), and Appendix 2, outlines PF’s central role and dominant representation within the Council of Leaders and other governing structures,” he said.
On the matter of the Vice Chairperson position, Shakafuswa pointed out that the role must be filled through an electoral process, as specified under Article 11 of the Constitution.
“No such election has taken place. Therefore, while Dan Pule may be acting in that capacity, he cannot be regarded as the substantive Vice Chairperson until due process is followed,” he said.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments