By Francis Chiplao
The Operation Save MMD says the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has no association whatsoever with the new political party launched by Dr. Nevers Mumba at the NASDEC Sports Complex in Lusaka.
Gaston Sichilima, the leader of the Operation Save MMD says the grouping was established with the sole purpose of protecting, restoring, and returning the MMD to its rightful place in Zambia’s political history — as the movement that delivered democracy and national transformation.
Sichilima says Dr. Mumba’s constitutional ten-year tenure as MMD President expired in 2022, adding that any continued claim to that office beyond this period has been unconstitutional and illegal.
“What took place at NASDEC was therefore not an MMD convention, but rather the launch of a new political party, which he has named the New Nation Party (NNP),” Sichilima has told the media.
He described the NASDEC gathering as a coronation rather than a convention, which saw Dr. Mumba declared a “Life President”.
“While we wish Dr. Mumba well in his new political journey, it must be clearly stated that he is no longer a member of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy. This is not the first time an individual has broken away from our great party, and it will not be the last,” he said.
“We therefore call upon all genuine MMD members across the country to remain calm and celebrate this moment. Like the children of Israel, the hard-hearted Pharaoh who kept our party in bondage has finally let us go. Today marks the first day of our journey to the promised land of renewal and restoration,” Sichilima said.
Sichilima added that in the coming days, Operation Save MMD will convene a national consultative meeting to outline the roadmap toward a genuine and inclusive MMD Convention, where the voice of every member will be heard.
