Socialist Party (S.P) Copperbelt Provincial Vice Chairperson and spokesperson Reagan Kashinga says staging defections is an outdated way of doing politics.
The ruling UPND last Saturday claimed that over 4000 people in Ndola had defected from opposition political parties to the governing party.
But Mr. Kashinga said UPND won’t gain popularity through defections which he branded as an archaic way of conducting politics devoid of civility.
“As the Socialist Party in the Copperbelt Province, we wish to challenge the governing United Party for National Development (UPND) to practice modern and civilized politics ahead of the 2026 General Elections. We have observed with utmost dismay how the UPND is faking defections especially on the Copperbelt Province with the aim of hoodwinking people that the party is gaining popularity,” he said.
“Last Saturday, UPND on the Copperbelt claimed that 4000 people from opposition political parties have defected to the ruling party in Ndola. We are aware that UPND has been parading the same people as defectors starting from Mufulira, Kalulushi, Lufwanyama and now Ndola. We wish to school the UPND that stage managing defections is an outdated or archaic way of gaining political popularity in this computer age. The UPND is losing popularity on the ground due to their failed promises made to the people of Zambia,” Mr. Kashinga said.
He said the surest way of gaining popularity is by ending the long hours of load shedding, bringing down the cost of mealie meal, fertiliser, fuel and the cost of electricity connections.
“Our colleagues in UPND are out of touch with reality as evidenced by the use of underhand methods to gain political mileage.UPND claimed to have unlocked Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) but literally there is nothing happening at the two former mining giants. Go to Wusakile in Kitwe, go to Nchanga in Chingola, go to Kakoso in Chililabombwe and go to Kankoyo in Mufulira people can’t feel the impact of the alleged unlocking of the mining sector. UPND are in panic mode after learning that the opposition is getting united. We want to warn that with or without fake defections UPND kuya bebele come 2026,” Mr. Kashinga added.
During the defections, UPND Ndola Central Member of Parliament Frank Tayali said people are leaving opposition political parties to join the UPND because they do not want to be left behind.
Mr. Tayali said Zambians must learn not to receive anything that comes their way.
Mr SP, where does your party stand with regards to ending load shedding? What is your manifesto? How much have you grown? Your articles and that of your party is always criticizing. Please also interview those employed now, those pensioners who paid now, those pupils who sit on desks and in school now, ask them!
Ask God why he brought serious drown! And simple ans was so that we can learn from it to think outside the box. Do you even do farming? It would be nice for any of our serious political parties to engage and produce farm products to increase food security. Criticism for the sake of it is what is outdated!
We desparately need opposition so they should be guided and encourage
otherwise we could become a one party NON participatory democrocy
bear that in mind
Parties dont farm. They are in politics. Even you UPND doesnt farm!
Does the so called Socialist Party even exist. No MP no Ward councilor. Do they even have a physical address?
Wina azakafenta, kkkkk!
By all means take all the gitts and banter it my come with
BUT dont let it change your way of thinking
These chaps have more funds than most will realise so ask for more !! and play them at their own dirty game
Making asumptions or grasping at straws? Ba Tikki…be consistent in your position.
Kwa lola mwela everyday?
Mr. SP last time it was about the financial position of Vantada the owners of KCM, today mwatampapo funti?
Tell us what you will do. Like Kalaba always speaking of the negative. What will do bettet for the people of Zambia? Already you are being led by a man who wrecked three institutions. Failed ACCA, how do then critic others when within your own home you have failures. It does little to inspire the nation.