UPND warns members against unauthorised statements on internal elections

Zambia’s ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has criticised party members issuing public ultimatums over the holding of intra-party elections, saying such statements do not reflect the party’s official position.

UPND Media Director, Mark Simuuwe, said the party had noted media reports quoting a member calling for internal polls, adding that the statements had caused confusion among members and the public.

“We wish to categorically state that the UPND has not issued any statement dismissing or cancelling intra-party elections as insinuated in the said publication,” Simuuwe said in a statement on Sunday.

He said any suggestion that the party had cancelled or abandoned internal elections was misleading and did not represent its official stance.

Simuuwe said the party had established communication channels and leadership structures through which official positions and policies are conveyed.

“The UPND would like to remind all members that the party has an established communication system and leadership structure through which official positions, policies and guidance are conveyed to the membership and the general public. Statements on matters of party policy, including those relating to intra-party processes, can only be issued through these established channels,” Simuuwe said.

He urged members to refrain from issuing unauthorised statements to the media, particularly those that could bring the party into disrepute or create confusion.

Simuuwe added that the party’s constitution and regulations prohibited members from publicly disparaging the party or misrepresenting its position.

Those who disregard the guidance and bring the party into disrepute could face disciplinary action in line with party regulations, he said.

Simuuwe also warned that individuals should not issue public statements purporting to speak for the party or question internal processes without engaging established party structures.

He assured party members that the leadership would provide guidance at an appropriate time on intra-party processes, including elections.

“Members are therefore urged to remain calm, disciplined and united as we continue to strengthen the party and serve the Zambian people under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema,” he said.

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