THE United Party for National Development (UPND) has called on the Patriotic Front (PF) to put an end to the political violence being exhibited within the party.
The ruling party says it is deeply disturbed by two recent and troubling acts of political intimidation that once again expose the entrenched culture of thuggery and cadreism within the PF.
UPND Deputy National Spokesperson Elvis Nkandu said in a statement that Zambians vividly remember the dark days of PF cadreism, from the bus stops to the markets, when violence, fear, and intimidation became tools of political control.
He said, sadly, the same tendencies have resurfaced as factions within the PF jostle for power and influence.
“Recently, Acting PF President Given Lubinda was forced to cancel a scheduled radio interview at Phoenix FM after suspected PF cadres surrounded the station, creating a hostile and unsafe environment.
“In another incident, suspected PF cadres invaded the home of Sean Tembo, disrupting a planned press briefing, blocking journalists’ access, and violating the sanctity of a private residence,” Mr Nkandu said.
He said the occurrences are deliberate tactics designed to commandeer power through fear rather than persuasion, a trend the UPND condemns in the strongest possible terms.
“We call upon all PF factions, including those aligned with Mr Given Lubinda and Mr Brian Mundubile, to immediately disown these violent methods, restore discipline among their members, and commit to engaging in issue-based politics rooted in dialogue and democratic values,” Mr Nkandu said.
The Kaputa law maker warned that if such behaviour remains unchecked, it will send shivers through the electorate and the general public, raising fears that the 2026 elections may not be violence-free, potentially discouraging voter participation.
Mr Nkandu said under the UPND government, Zambia has continued to record peaceful and violence-free by-elections.
“Our country must never again allow violence and cadreism to dominate its politics,” he said.
The deputy national spokesperson further urged law enforcement agencies to act decisively and impartially in curbing all forms of political violence and protecting the safety of all citizens, regardless of party affiliation.
He added that the PF must rise above violence and thuggery, as politics should be about ideas, not intimidation.
