The chiefs’ glowing endorsement of the UPND for perpetual rule shatters their duty of impartiality, turning them into political partisans. In a nation reeling from economic mismanagement and a crumbling democracy, this misplaced allegiance mocks the struggles of the very people they are meant to protect.
Lusaka, Dec. 5 – In a startling display of political devotion, traditional leaders from North-Western Province have thrown their weight behind President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND for the 2026 general elections, declaring, “We want UPND to rule forever; we’re not ready to lose you!” Such pronouncements, rather than inspiring confidence, echo the troubling notes of blind allegiance over critical leadership.
Also Read: Patriotism can transform Zambia into a prosperous nation! Patriotism can transform Zambia because it has the potential to push people to use elections to create a better Zambia for our future generations!
Traditional leaders endorsing a political party undermines their role as impartial custodians of their communities. Chiefs are expected to remain nonpartisan to preserve the dignity and trust of their positions, which are meant to serve all citizens regardless of political affiliation. By throwing their weight behind the UPND, these leaders risk alienating their subjects and eroding the respect accorded to traditional authority.
Their pronouncement raises questions about their priorities, as it appears to disregard the lived realities of the people they represent, who are grappling with economic hardships and a weakening democracy. Despite the rhetoric of progress, Zambia under the UPND has faced a litany of challenges.
The Kwacha’s instability and soaring commodity prices have eroded household incomes, signaling poor economic stewardship. Human rights abuses, coupled with the erosion of governance institutions, paint a bleak picture of a democracy in decline. For chiefs to advocate for “UPND to rule forever” in the face of these glaring failures is not only tone-deaf but also a betrayal of their mandate to champion the well-being of their people over political loyalty.
In a related development, economist Trevor Maliwanda Simumba recently expressed strong criticism of the United Party for National Development (UPND), describing it as the most selfish and greedy ruling party in Zambia’s history. He urged party loyalists who sacrificed everything for the UPND to remain hopeful as the 2026 elections approach, assuring them that change is possible.
Simumba stated that “Lesa Nimalyotola” and emphasized that Zambia’s future is not about one individual leader. He argued that President Hakainde Hichilema, often referred to as Bally, will not be able to fix the country alone, calling on all Zambians to unite and address the nation’s challenges collectively.
Simumba lamented the lack of economic solutions nearly two years to the end of the UPND’s tenure, expressing concern about the many dedicated public servants who have been sidelined and placed on indefinite leave. He accused the current administration of harbouring a cadre of incompetent and corrupt civil servants who are allegedly embroiled in numerous scandals. As a result, Simumba declared he would not vote for President Hichilema in the 2026 elections, expressing hope for a credible candidate to emerge by then.
Also Read: Silencing the Truth Fails to Mask the Reality, Paves the Way for Lungu’s Return. As Zambia’s economic crisis worsens and Hichilema resorts to silencing the revelation of the truth, the likelihood of Edgar Lungu’s comeback grows, reflecting the people’s call for leadership that values accountability and true public service over political suppression.
Regarding former President Edgar Lungu, Simumba acknowledged his role in supervising a credible election in 2021 that brought in a new administration. Looking ahead to the Constitutional Court’s impending ruling on Lungu’s eligibility to run for office, he called on the former President to reflect on his past mistakes and assist in rectifying them, regardless of the court’s decision. Simumba urged Lungu to help usher in a new generation of leaders for the country, emphasizing the need for Zambia to move forward.
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