ELISHA MATAMBO SAYS UPND MEMBERS WHO CONTESTED AS INDEPENDENTS IN AUGUST GENERAL ELECTION REMAIN EXPELLED

United Party for National Development (UPND) Copperbelt Provincial Chairperson Elisha Matambo has firmly stated that all party members who chose to contest as independent candidates during the August general elections, after failing to secure official party adoption, remain expelled from the ruling party. Addressing the party's position, Mr. Matambo emphasized that the UPND constitution is explicit regarding members who flout internal directives and run parallel campaigns against adopted candidates. Mr. Matambo explained that the internal disciplinary measures are necessary to safeguard party cohesion and maintain organizational discipline across all structures. Several members across various provinces had opted to stand independently at parliamentary, mayoral, and local government levels after missing out on the party's adoption process. Despite the fallout, the provincial chairperson clarified that the door is not permanently shut for everyone, noting that affected individuals retain the liberty to reapply for membership. However, Mr. Matambo stressed that readmission is not automatic or handled at the lower grassroots levels. The ultimate prerogative to welcome former members back into the fold lies strictly with the UPND National Management Committee (NMC). He further advised those wishing to trace their steps back to the ruling party to seek formal guidance through the office of the party Secretary General, which holds the exclusive mandate to process such appeals. The strict stance highlights the ruling party's broader strategy to enforce internal loyalty and curb independent ambitions that threaten to fracture its support base. As political parties recalibrate following the fiercely contested August polls, leadership is drawing hard lines to ensure party supremacy and discourage indiscipline ahead of future electoral cycles.