UPND Copperbelt Secretary Resigns, Enters Kabushi Race as Independent

LUSAKA – In a significant political development on the Copperbelt, Mr. Melbin Simangolwa, who served as the Copperbelt Province Secretary for the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), has officially resigned from his party post. This resignation paves the way for his entry into the fiercely contested Kabushi parliamentary by-election, where he has filed his nomination papers to run as an independent candidate. Mr. Simangolwa's decision sends ripples through the political establishment, particularly within the UPND, which has been working to consolidate its influence in the mineral-rich Copperbelt region. His departure from a key provincial leadership role and subsequent challenge as an independent candidate suggests potential internal disagreements or a strategic calculation to appeal to a broader electorate beyond party lines. The Kabushi constituency, located in Ndola, is a pivotal battleground, and the by-election has attracted considerable national attention following the nullification of the previous election results. Historically, by-elections in Zambia are often seen as litmus tests for the popularity of the ruling party and the strength of the opposition. The Kabushi contest, in particular, has been fraught with legal challenges and political maneuvering. The entry of a former high-ranking party official as an independent candidate could fragment the vote, potentially benefiting other contenders or making the race even more unpredictable. Observers will be keen to see how the UPND leadership responds to this challenge from within its former ranks. Mr. Simangolwa's campaign is expected to leverage his prior experience and connections forged during his tenure as provincial secretary. His independent stance might resonate with voters disillusioned with traditional party politics or those seeking a candidate focused solely on local issues without the constraints of party directives. This development underscores the fluid nature of Zambian polit