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The United Party for National Development (UPND) has condemned acts of violence and disorder that occurred at the Civic Centre in Mazabuka and other parts of the country, like Choma, during the filing of nomination papers.
The incident happened on May 21, 2026 when former UPND member Garry Nkombo filed in for the Mazabuka Central parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda announced the expulsion of 15 party members identified to have been involved in the disturbances and acts of violence witnessed during the nomination process.
Imenda said the violence and disorder took place at the civic centre in Mazabuka, Mumbwa, Choma and other parts of the country.
He said the UPND respected the Constitution and the rule of law which allowed any eligible citizen to contest elections either through a political party or as an independent candidate.
“As a law-abiding political party, the UPND respects the Constitution and the rule of law which allows any eligible citizen to contest elections either through a political party or as an independent candidate,” Imenda said.
He emphasized that violence, intimidation and attempts to stop any candidate from exercising their democratic rights had no place in the party or in the country’s democracy.
Imenda said the expulsion of the 15 members followed preliminary investigations into the incident.
“We wish to make it categorically clear that the UPND does not condone lawlessness, hooliganism or political violence in any form,” he said.
Imenda warned that those responsible acted entirely on their own and outside the principles, values and discipline of the party.
He urged the Zambia Police Service and other relevant law enforcement agencies to move swiftly and professionally in bringing all perpetrators to book regardless of their status or political affiliation.
Imenda said President Hakainde Hichilema had on numerous occasions maintained that whoever broke the law was on their own regardless of their standing in society.
“The President has consistently warned against taking the law into one’s own hands and has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to maintaining peace, law and order throughout the electoral process,” he said.
Imenda said the expulsion was meant to send a strong warning to any individuals or groups contemplating engaging in violence, intimidation or any form of electoral misconduct that such behavior would not be tolerated.
He said President Hichilema had repeatedly assured the nation that the 2026 General Elections would be peaceful, free, fair and democratic for all participating candidates, political parties and stakeholders.
“The UPND remains committed to upholding democratic values and ensuring a peaceful electoral environment across the country,” Imenda assured.
He called on all members and supporters to remain calm, disciplined and focused on issue-based campaigns as the country heads towards the August 13, 2026 general elections.
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