Five opposition Parties Join the Upnd Alliance Ahead of August Elections
The UPND Alliance has strengthened its political base ahead of the August 13 General Elections after five opposition political parties officially joined the coalition, increasing its membership to 15 parties.
The new alliance partners include the faction of the Patriotic Front (PF) led by Miles Sampa, the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) headed by Charles Chanda, the New Congress Party (NCP) led by Peter Chanda, the United National Independence Party (UNIP) under Henry Miyoba, and the United Progressive Party (UPP) led by Saviour Chishimba.
Speaking during the reception of the new members at the UPND Secretariat, Alliance Chairperson Charles Milupi said the growing number of parties joining the coalition demonstrates increasing confidence in the leadership and development agenda of President Hakainde Hichilema.
Mr. Milupi noted that the alliance’s continued expansion signals a shift in the political landscape, with more political groups choosing to work alongside the ruling party ahead of the elections.
Meanwhile, PF faction president Miles Sampa called on opposition leaders to focus on offering practical solutions to Zambia’s challenges rather than engaging in divisive politics.
UPPZ President Charles Chanda said his party’s decision to join the alliance was driven by a desire to help preserve and advance the progress achieved by the government over the past four years.
And NCP President Peter Chanda attributed his party’s decision to join the coalition to President Hichilema’s consultative leadership style, saying the Head of State has demonstrated a willingness to engage citizens and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
UNIP leader Lieutenant Colonel Henry Miyoba also commended President Hichilema for implementing programmes aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens, highlighting free education as one of the government’s notable achievements.
The latest additions are expected to boost the UPND Alliance’s mobilisation efforts as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 13 General Elections