UPND rebuts convention demand as leadership clarifies position on intra-party elections

The United Party for National Development has issued a strong clarification after remarks attributed to a party official calling for a convention before the upcoming general elections. The ruling party says the statements circulating in the media do not represent its official position and have the potential to mislead party members and the public. The clarification follows a report in the Daily Nation newspaper quoting Mr Longwe demanding that the party hold internal elections before the country heads to the polls. According to the report, Longwe argued that the governing party must conduct a convention to renew the mandate of its leadership.

The Daily Nation article quoted Longwe as saying the UPND constitution requires the National Management Committee to face elections every five years. He suggested that since the current leadership was elected around August 2021, the party should organise a convention ahead of the next general elections. Longwe reportedly raised the matter in correspondence addressed to UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda, where he urged the leadership to act quickly on the issue. In his argument, he proposed that the party should convene an internal election process in June to allow members to choose their leaders before the national polls.

Longwe further suggested that holding a convention before the elections would allow the party to renew its internal mandate and strengthen democratic participation among members. He indicated that such a process would demonstrate the party’s commitment to internal democracy while preparing it for the next national contest. According to the newspaper report, Longwe questioned whether the party’s leadership intended to proceed without holding the internal elections required by its constitution. His remarks introduced a fresh discussion around internal processes within the ruling party as the political season gathers momentum.

However, the UPND leadership has moved quickly to distance itself from those remarks. In a statement issued by UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe, the party said it had not issued any communication cancelling or dismissing intra-party elections as suggested in the publication. Simuuwe said the statements attributed to Longwe were misleading and did not reflect any official decision taken by the party leadership. The party spokesperson emphasised that official positions of the UPND are communicated through established structures and recognised party channels.

Simuuwe explained that the party maintains a clear leadership framework through which policies and organisational decisions are conveyed to members and the public. According to him, statements relating to party policy, including matters concerning intra-party elections, can only be issued through authorised party structures. He said members who bypass these structures and issue statements to the media risk creating confusion among the party membership. The UPND spokesperson warned that such actions may undermine internal discipline within the organisation.

The party has also questioned Longwe’s authority to speak on internal matters relating to party governance. Simuuwe said records available to the party indicate that Longwe left the UPND some time ago. He added that it remains unclear whether Longwe has formally rejoined the party or through which process such readmission may have occurred. Because of this, Simuuwe said Longwe cannot claim to interpret party policies or speak on internal organisational matters.

Simuuwe further noted that Longwe is not a member of the National Management Committee, the body responsible for guiding the party’s administrative and policy direction. As such, he said Longwe does not hold any position that authorises him to issue statements on behalf of the party or interpret its constitutional provisions. The UPND spokesperson said members must rely on official communication channels when seeking clarity on internal party processes. He added that speculation in the media should not be mistaken for official party positions.

The UPND leadership has urged members across the country to remain calm and disciplined as the party continues to strengthen its internal structures. Simuuwe said the party leadership would guide members at the appropriate time on all matters relating to internal processes, including intra-party elections. He explained that such guidance would come through the established party structures rather than through public commentary or media speculation. According to him, maintaining organisational discipline remains essential for the party’s stability.

Simuuwe also reminded members that the UPND constitution contains provisions discouraging members from publicly disparaging the party or misrepresenting its position. He said individuals who disregard these rules and bring the party into disrepute could face disciplinary action in accordance with party regulations. The party spokesperson emphasised that unity and discipline remain central to the organisation’s strength as it prepares for future political activities. He urged members to focus on strengthening the party rather than engaging in public disputes.

The UPND says its priority remains serving the Zambian people and strengthening the party under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema. Simuuwe said the party remains focused on governance and development while continuing to organise its internal structures. He assured members that the leadership would communicate clearly when the time comes to address matters relating to internal elections or other party processes. For now, the party has urged members to remain united and avoid speculation about internal organisational matters.