Independent Presidential Candidate Given Katuta Mwelwa has charged that Zambians who vote for the ruling UPND in the August 13 elections will effectively be “voting back PF.”
The UPND has become a “safe haven” for Patriotic Front members who were allegedly previously labeled thieves by the ruling party itself.
“Voting for UPND is voting PF back into power, because UPND has become a safe haven for PF members who they themselves called thieves,” Katuta said.
Meanwhile, political commentators have argued that the continued absorption of former PF officials into UPND ranks contradicts the ruling party’s anti-corruption stance and betrays voters who backed change in 2021.
Democratic Union President Ackim Antony Njobvu has recently urged Zambians to reject “recycled leadership” and rally behind the DU as an alternative.
Katuta’s remarks come amid heightened political realignments ahead of the 2026 general elections, with several former PF officials defecting to the UPND.
Francis Chipalo
