• Holding of the General Assembly by the UPND is in line with Article 60 of the Republican Constitution.
• The UPND have demonstrated is a significant milestone in promoting and consolidating democratic governance in Zambia.
• He said it’s time for political parties to walk the talk of a Zambia united in diversity.
A Consortium of Civil Society Organizations says it has noted with immerse delight, satisfaction and commendation the manner in which the United Party for National Development (UPND), managed the just ended General Assembly.
Zitukule Consortium Executive Director Nicholas Phiri said the holding of the General Assembly by the UPND is in line with Article 60 of the Republican Constitution which among other things seeks to promote and entrench democratic governance in the country.
Mr Phiri has since commended the UPND for respecting the supreme law of the land at a time that it has become fashionable for other political parties to disrespect the supreme law.
“It goes without saying that it is not possible for a political party to promote values and principles of democracy upon which the Republican Constitution is premised when it cannot practice and respect its own intra-party democratic processes, principles and values,” Mr Mwale said.
He explained that what the UPND have demonstrated is a significant milestone in promoting and consolidating democratic governance in Zambia. And we hope and expect that other political parties will emulate what the UPND has done.
“As Zitukule Consortium, we reiterate our strong opposition to the notion of sole candidacy that has characterized political space in our country for some time now. Further, we also condemn in strongest terms possible any form of intimidation, harassment, violence and expulsions from political parties of all those who have openly expressed interest to exercise their democratic rights to contest positions of their choice including the presidency in their respective parties,” he said.
“We also commend the UPND for the reaffirmation of the rainbow character of our nation through the inclusion of all regions of our country in the National Management Committee, because this is a true reflection of the country’s motto of One Zambia One Nation,” Mr Phiri said.
He said it’s time for political parties to walk the talk of a Zambia united in diversity.
Mr Phiri said it is the hope of the organization that other political parties especially the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) will lead by example by holding their General Assembly without undermining democratic values and principles set forth in the Republican Constitution.
