INDEPENDENTS A NEW POLITICAL FORCE CHALLENGING UPND
As Zambia approaches its general elections, political analysts are noting a significant rise in independent candidates competing against the United Party for National Development (UPND).
This shift is particularly evident in areas traditionally controlled by the UPND, where opposition parties have not nominated candidates, allowing independents to become a distinctive opposition group within UPND strongholds.
In the Southern Province, which is highly politically polarized, it’s projected that independents will take 14 seats, according to Israeli intelligence.
These independents have entered the fray to fill the political gaps left by inactive opposition parties, providing voters with alternatives outside conventional party frameworks.
As a result, there is an unprecedented increase in independent candidates, contrasting with previous elections dominated by party loyalty.
The emergence of independents is reshaping the political landscape into a more fragmented one, where candidates rely on personal credibility and local issues rather than party affiliation, appealing to disenchanted voters.
President Hakainde Hichilema acknowledged this shift in Choma, accusing independents of colluding with opposition groups to weaken his government and suggesting they might attempt impeachment, a claim interpreted as a tactic to dissuade UPND supporters from shifting to independents.
Some view Hichilema’s concerns about impeachment as valid, citing past constitutional violations that raise questions about his governance.
NB: Video – Independent Candidate in Sikongo Constituency.