One hundred and three people in Chitambo District have defected from the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) to join the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).
The defectors cited the UPND government’s sound policies such as free education and the lack of vision and leadership in the former ruling party as reasons for their decision.
One of the defectors, Sydney Kalunga of Chalilo Ward, said he decided to leave the PF due to what he described as poor leadership that hindered the country’s development.
Mr. Kalunga added that he was drawn to the ruling party because of its progressive programmes, such as the free education policy, which has enabled many rural children to access schooling, and the Cash for Work Programme, which has helped young people avoid drug abuse.
Another defector, Juliet Kamima of Mpelembe Ward, said she joined the UPND because all her children who had stopped school due to her inability to pay fees during the PF administration are now able to attend school for free under the current government’s policy.
“I have decided to follow the UPND because of its good policies. It is not only because of the free education policy but also how the ruling party managed to support rural people during the drought experienced in the 2023/2024 farming season, when vulnerable households received assistance under the Emergency Social Cash Transfer (ESCT) programme,” Mrs. Kamima stated.
Speaking when he received the defectors, UPND Chairman General William Banda urged them to put the past behind, emphasizing that they are now part of the UPND family and free to work and hold any position within the party.
He further cautioned existing members against frustrating new members who may wish to serve in various party positions.
Mr. Banda assured the new members in Chitambo that he would present them as an “Independence gift” to the First Family.
Chitambo District Chairperson, Mable Kunda, also welcomed the defectors, assuring them that the party in the district remains open and ready to accommodate all new members.
