UPND adoptions to be merit-based, not imposed — Mufalal

Likando Mufalali says the adoption of candidates in this year’s general elections will be strictly based on merit and grassroots recommendations, not seniority or political history.

Speaking during an interview on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview, Mufalali emphasized that the United Party for National Development (UPND) will not impose candidates but will instead rely on popularity and performance on the ground.

He dismissed claims that new members, including recent defectors, may be sidelined in the adoption process, stating that many of them have long been working with the party behind the scenes.

“A lot of them approached us a long time ago and UPND, being a democratic party, welcomed them but allowed them to continue representing their parties to avoid by-elections,” he said.

Mufalali stressed that both old and new members will be judged equally, with adoption decisions guided by who has support from the grassroots.

“We are trying to avoid making mistakes of adopting people who have failed to perform or are not popular. Politics is about numbers, and if a new member has the numbers, why not adopt them?” he said.

He added that the party will prioritize the will of the people, even though determining genuine grassroots preference can sometimes be challenging.

“We will go with what the people on the ground have decided. We are not going to impose leaders,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mufalali said the party has mechanisms in place to manage those who may not be adopted, in order to maintain unity.

He noted that such members can still contribute to the party in other roles, as UPND seeks to avoid internal divisions ahead of the elections.