Sampa, Mudolo reject Makebi Zulu, confirm Zambia Monitor report of deep splits within Patriotic Front

Following the Patriotic Front (PF) election aftermath, two senior contenders have rejected the outcome of the convention that declared Makebi Zulu as leader. Matero Member of Parliament, Miles Sampa, and South Africa–based PF hopeful, Willah Mudolo, have both rubbished the gathering, insisting it did not qualify as a legitimate party convention. “What they may have had is a friendly social game,” he said, adding: “What is factual is that beyond court hurdles, the PF will hold a legally binding convention with voting done on a PF-logo-branded ballot papers.” Mudolo, issuing a statement on Sunday from South Africa, reinforced the same position.

“It absolutely clear that there was no PF convention, and therefore any claim to the contrary is null and void.” He said claims that Zulu had been elected through a PF convention were false, misleading, and intended to create public confusion. “The PF has not yet held its lawful and constitutionally recognised convention,” he said. Mudolo stressed that any attempt to declare winners or assign legitimacy before a lawful convention is held is invalid and without effect.

“The nation must be clear on this point: the gathering that has been referred to as a ‘convention’ has absolutely nothing to do with the PF,” he added. He said the Patriotic Front is a constitutional organisation whose rules cannot be bent for personal ambition. “Its constitution cannot be applied selectively, twisted to suit personal ambition, or suspended to accommodate indiscipline,” he reiterated.

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According to results compiled from 110 districts, Zulu led the field with 49.2 percent of the vote. Former PF vice-president Given Lubinda finished with 8.7 percent, while Chanda Katotobwe managed 4.8 percent.

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