UPND Questions Legitimacy of Makebi Zulu’s Election…

United Party for National Development (UPND) deputy spokesperson Elvis Nkandu has described the election of Makebi Zulu as leader of the Patriotic Front (PF) as unlawful, stating that the issue of the party’s legitimate leadership is still before the courts. Mr Zulu was elected president of a PF faction that had been led by Given Lubinda until Saturday. “My understanding is that there’s no PF that can go for a convention.

The PF which we know is still in court, and there is an injunction which I believe will be ruled on March 27,” Mr Nkandu said in an interview. Mr Nkandu, who also serves as Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, said the PF faction should respect the rule of law. “How can you proceed with what you call a convention while the matter is still in court?

This shows disregard for the law,” he said. He added that those involved should not blame authorities if legal action is taken against them. “Once someone is arrested, they will claim that President Hakainde Hichilema has sent police, yet they are acting in defiance of the law,” he said.

[paywall]

Mr Nkandu stated that the UPND respects democratic principles and will not interfere in the PF’s internal matters, but urged the party to follow legal processes. “What happened at that election is their internal issue, but we appeal to them to respect the law,” he said. He further said that while the UPND remains stable, Zambians should carefully evaluate political parties, noting that those experiencing internal confusion may not be fit to lead.

Meanwhile, PF presidential aspirant Willah Mudolo dismissed Mr Zulu’s election in an online statement, maintaining that the party has not held a lawful convention. UPND has too many problems to be even talking about PF. This is what happens when you are not self aware of your environment.

You start self praising yourself in total disconnect to the welfare and living conditions of the people on the ground. For the avoidance of doubt, i was buying my roller meal at K90 during the PF regime.

[/paywall]