UPND Deputy Secretary General, Getrude Imenda, has called on long-serving party members of Parliament to consider stepping down to pave the way for aspiring candidates ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Ms. Imenda says a dignified exit for veteran MPs would allow for party renewal while highlighting the crucial role experienced lawmakers play in mentoring newcomers.
“It is honorable for long-serving MPs to leave the stage while still appreciated, making way for fresh faces….” Ms. Imenda told Radio Phoenix.
Hardly before the dust could settle down, the Secretary General distanced the pary from such assertions. He clarified that the party secretariat has no mandate to decide as to who should contest or not; stressing that the selection of parliamentary candidates involves a comprehensive process, including consultations at various levels, from ward to provincial, before being reviewed by the National Management Committee.
What do we make of all this?
In our last article, aptly entitled, “Heed the President’s counsel; read the signs & retreat….” we encouraged UPND MPs who have overstayed in parliament or may not have served according to people’s expectations to carefully gauge the mood in their respective constituencies and do the right thing. If the ground does not favour them, they must learn from former Local Government Service Commission Chairman, the late Ackson Sejani, who also once served as Mapatizya member of parliament, and make a strategic decision to withdraw from the race otherwise they’ll suffer from ignominious defeat of unimaginable proportions!
We fully understand power is sweet, of course……nay, a stint in parliament is absolutely glorious – you get to enjoy sitting allowances, enjoy the privilege of an impressive SUV as a substantial gratuity awaits you at the end of your tenure.
But lo and and behold, power belongs to the people. If they’ve seen enough of your face or they are not impressed with your performance, you can’t impose yourself on them. According to the research we’ve conducted so far, we should expect a lot of casualties in the constituencies where we have long serving MPs or those that have failed to perform, let alone even failing to open their mouths in the August house!
Why can’t we emulate Siavonga member of parliament, Hon. Douglas Siakalima who has also been personal advisor to President Hichilema from the days of UPND in opposition. Hon. Siakalima made his debut in parliament in 2001; however, once he realised the environment wasn’t favourable for him after serving two terms, he opted out but remained loyal to HH. He only bounced back to parliament during the last elections!
In conclusion, we are encouraging the Secretary-General to grab the bull by its horns and do the needful. There’s no need to be apologetic about it; if there are intelligence reports senior members are likely to tumble at the polls, this must be spelt out to them in no uncertain terms otherwise we shall find ourselves in mwamoneni (trouble)!
Until next time…..
Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst
Zambezi
Does that iclude the top to reconsider
Does this include your Uncle Garry Nkombo ai Auntie Bill?
This the most Creative way forward- The Constitution has allowed for 2 terms for the President, this I think should apply to our Honorable MP’s to allow chance for others.
When President Nyerere (Tanzania ) Stated that he had served enough there was nothing innovative from extending his tenure. The whole world applauded the Gesture. President Mandela served and gave back power to others to also contribute in the Party.
The Forefathers of the Party (who we give praise , grateful and honor ) should give examples of not clinging to be MPs for all their Lives give space to others.
Young people should get experience in other areas in life so that they actually have something to say and contribute. If they want to be an MP they can start at the bottom and learn from experience MPs. Why get rid of experience just for the sake of inexperience young people. Shambles!
They don’t want you in your constituency
They don’t want you in your constituency
Popularity in terms of results should dictate and not duration of service. I think Liswaniso who normally says the truth can say it better. For now Liswaniso is under attack from UPND for being truthful that UPND has lost popularity on the ground.
Is it in order for the UPND media team to influence the SG to start gagging freedom of expression in the party. Now that deputy SG has asked SG not to consider long serving UPND MPs for adoption and Liswaniso has also painted the gloomy economic picture on the ground since 2021 where our party is very unpopular now, our dysfunctional media team is influencing SG to gag important debates by issuing a circular curtailing debate