Defecting to UPND does not guarantee adoption, independents risk losing membership – Mufalali

 The United Party for National Development (UPND) has cautioned aspiring candidates defecting to the ruling party that joining does not automatically guarantee adoption for the August 13 general election.

UPND Elections Chairperson Likando Mufalali said candidates who opt to stand as independents after failing to secure adoption will automatically lose their membership in the party.

Speaking in an interview, Mufalali stressed that the party does not support independent candidacy among its members.

“UPND does not believe that we should go independent. For sure, it will be difficult for anyone in UPND who goes independent. Definitely, you lose your membership. We won’t allow you to be a member,” he said.

He explained that adoption into the party will be based on popularity and support at grassroots level, rather than previous positions held.

“To say anyone who comes and wants to contest will be accepted, I don’t think that will be the way to go. We are looking at how popular a candidate is from an electoral point of view. We are looking for people who can win us seats,” he said.

Mufalali added that even former Members of Parliament or mayors will not be adopted if they lack support on the ground.

“As you come to join the UPND, don’t come with preconceived ideas. You need to believe in the party’s policies and be ready to work with President Hakainde Hichilema,” he said.

He further noted that adoption is not guaranteed for any individual, including party officials, if they do not have strong grassroots backing.

“Even Likando, as elections chairperson, is not guaranteed a seat without groundwork. Politics is about numbers, and you must have numbers on the ground,” he said.

Mufalali also stated that while the party supports increased participation of women, adoption will still depend on popularity.

“If you are a woman and we need 30 percent representation, but you are not on the ground, we would rather pick another woman with more numbers,” he said.

He urged those who may not be adopted to remain patient and support the party’s overall goal of securing victory in the upcoming elections.

“For those who may not get a seat, there are other ways to contribute. What matters is ensuring the President wins in August. In UPND, we believe in teamwork,” he said.