Vice-President, Mutale Nalumango, says the United Party for National Development (UPND) is a strong, reliable and disciplined political party capable of competing effectively in a democratic environment. Mrs Nalumango says the withdrawal of some opposition candidates from…

Vice-President, Mutale Nalumango, says the United Party for National Development (UPND) is a strong, reliable and disciplined political party capable of competing effectively in a democratic environment.

Mrs Nalumango says the withdrawal of some opposition candidates from by-elections raises questions about their preparedness to compete politically.

She said this in Parliament today, during the Vice-President’s Question Time in response to Choma Central Member of Parliament (MP) Cornelius Mweetwa, who sought advice for the opposition candidates who had withdrawn from participating in the Mandevu parliamentary by-election.

Mrs Nalumango said democracy thrives on competition and political parties should be prepared to compete within the established rules rather than withdraw when faced with challenges.

She said political competition requires strength, discipline, competence and commitment to one’s political convictions.

The Vice-President observed that political parties should not expect their competitors to create room for them, stating that every party must work hard to win the confidence of the electorate.

Mrs Nalumango further urged MPs regardless of their political affiliation, to work together in promoting national development, noting that all elected representatives were servants of the people.

She, however, expressed concern over what she described as a lack of discipline and competence among some political players, urging them to remain committed to their political principles.

UPND candidate, Adrian Banda, has reportedly gone unopposed in the Mandevu parliamentary by-election after three rival candidates withdrew from the race.

The candidates that have withdrawn are Daniel Chisenga who stood on the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) ticket, Ntazana Muntungwa of the Leadership Movement as well as Independent candidate, Daniel Daka.

Banda’s unopposed election means no poll will be held in the constituency.

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