Miles Sampa’s PF Faction Endorses Hichilema for August Presidential Election

LUSAKA – In a significant political development that underscores the deepening schisms within Zambia's main opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party, a faction led by Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa has formally thrown its weight behind incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema for the August presidential election. The endorsement, announced at a media briefing in Lusaka, cites President Hichilema as the most capable leader to steer the nation's future. Mr. Sampa, who has been embroiled in a protracted leadership dispute for the soul of the PF since the party's defeat in the 2021 general elections, articulated his faction's belief that President Hichilema possesses the vision and leadership qualities necessary for Zambia's continued development. This move is seen by many political observers as a calculated maneuver that further isolates the faction loyal to former President Edgar Lungu and the acting party president, Given Lubinda, who have consistently maintained their opposition to the current government. The endorsement comes at a critical juncture, with Zambia grappling with various socio-economic challenges, including the rising cost of living and efforts to restructure its national debt. Mr. Sampa's group's decision to back the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) leader could be interpreted as a strategic alignment aimed at securing political relevance and potentially influencing policy direction, or simply as a pragmatic recognition of the current political landscape. Historically, such endorsements from factions of major opposition parties are rare and often indicative of profound internal strife rather than a unified political strategy. The PF, once a dominant political force, has struggled to present a united front since its electoral loss, with leadership wrangles often spilling into the public domain and even the courts. This latest development is likely to intensify the internal power struggle and further fragment the party's suppor