M’membe Warns Against Zambia’s ‘Turncoat Politics’
M’membe Warns Against Zambia’s ‘Turncoat Politics’
Socialist Party (SP) president Fred M’membe has criticised the growing practice of politicians switching political parties, arguing that frequent defections are weakening democratic institutions, eroding public trust and undermining political accountability in Zambia.
In a strongly worded commentary, M’membe argues that some politicians treat political parties as vehicles for personal ambition, abandoning them when their political interests are no longer served. He says such defections fuel voter cynicism, weaken party structures and create instability by encouraging political horse-trading and shifting alliances.
M’membe also takes aim at parties that welcome defectors with positions or electoral opportunities, arguing that this can disadvantage long-serving members who have built party structures and supported their organisations over time. He contends that rewarding defections creates incentives for further political opportunism.
While acknowledging that leaving a political party can be justified when it is based on genuine disagreements over principles or policy, M’membe questions the motives behind what he describes as frequent and opportunistic defections.
He calls for stronger internal discipline within political parties and greater scrutiny by voters of candidates’ political histories. According to M’membe, Zambia needs a political culture that places principles, loyalty, public service and institutional development above personal political advancement.
He concludes by urging politicians to move away from what he describes as “turncoat politics” and to rebuild public confidence in political leadership and democratic governance.