Five political parties have joined Zambia’s ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) Alliance, expanding the coalition to 15 member parties ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for August 13.
The new entrants were formally received on Wednesday at the UPND headquarters in Lusaka.
The parties include the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia, led by Charles Chanda; the United Progressive People, led by Saviour Chishimba; the United National Independence Party, led by Henry Muyoba; the Patriotic Front, led by Miles Sampa; and the National Congress Party (NCP), led by Peter Chanda.
Welcoming the development, UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema said the expansion of the alliance reflected growing confidence and support for the governing coalition as it prepares for the polls
“Bring your people onboard as well so that this UPND Alliance can grow to unify the country. This alliance is available to grow and accommodate more members,” he said.
He said the UPND Alliance, formed in February 2021, belongs to the people of Zambia rather than to any individual.
The UPND Alliance currently includes; the Alliance for Democracy and Development, the Democratic Party, the New Nation Party, the National Democratic Congress, the National Restoration Party and the Republican Progressive Party.
Other existing alliance members are the Democratic Party, ABA, the Party of National Unity and Progress, the Movement for Democratic Change and the United Party for National Development (UPND) itself.
He also thanked long-standing coalition partners for accepting that the alliance should continue to grow, adding that it belongs to the people of Zambia rather than to any individual.
Zambians are due to go to polls on 13 August to elect a president, members of parliament and local government councillors.
AP
