PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2024
IF IT IS RIGHT FOR NORTHWESTERN AND SOUTHERN PROVINCES, THEN IT MUST NOT BE WRONG FOR EASTERN AND OTHER PROVINCES
We, the KUM’MAWA DEVELOPMENT COALITION (UMODZI KUM’MAWA), wish to address an important matter regarding political endorsements within our nation. We have observed the recent endorsements by chiefs in Northwestern and Southern Provinces of President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) and the United Party for National Development (UPND).
While it is their prerogative to express support for political leaders and parties, we feel it necessary to highlight the implications of such actions on the broader political landscape in Zambia.
We therefore, respectfully urge our Eastern Province chiefs to take note of these endorsements and to understand that they, too, have the right to express their stance freely. If it is not considered wrong for the chiefs in Northwestern and Southern Provinces to endorse HH and UPND, we appeal to our own chiefs to recognize that they will not face condemnation for supporting any politician or party that they find favorable.
It is crucial that our chiefs feel empowered to endorse or oppose candidates and parties based on their own beliefs and the interests of their constituencies. If our chiefs find themselves pleased and satisfied with the current administration or any political party, they are free to endorse HH and the UPND. Their voices are vital in shaping the political dialogue in our regions, and their endorsements should reflect the will of the people they represent.
However, we must express our disappointment and concern regarding the introduction of what appears to be tribal and regional politics by the endorsements from NorthWestern and Southern Province Chiefs. Such practices threaten the unity and cohesion that we strive to maintain as a nation.
It is critical that we remain vigilant against any divisions that may arise from political alignments based solely on ethnicity or geographic affiliation.
Issued for and on behalf of KUM’MAWA DEVELOPMENT COALITION aka UMODZI KUM’MAWA
Chanoda Ngwira F
SPOKESPERSON
