UPND mayoral aspirant says party cleared her but nomination blocked

LUSAKA – A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the United Party for National Development (UPND) in Lusaka following claims by aspiring mayoral candidate, Ketty Nanyangwe, that she is being prevented from filing her nomination papers despite receiving clearance from the party. The allegations, made on Friday, suggest a potential internal rift or significant procedural hurdles within the ruling party as it prepares for crucial local government elections. Ms. Nanyangwe, a prominent figure seeking to represent the UPND in the capital's mayoral race, expressed her dismay, stating that all necessary internal party processes had been completed, and she had received the green light to proceed. "I have been cleared by the party, but for reasons unknown, I am being prevented from submitting my nomination papers," she reportedly stated, without elaborating on the specific individuals or mechanisms obstructing her path. This development casts a shadow on the party's commitment to internal democracy and transparent candidate selection, especially given the high stakes of governing Zambia's most populous city. The timing of these claims is particularly sensitive, coming amidst a period where political parties are finalising their candidate lists for various elective positions. Such internal wrangling, if not swiftly addressed, could undermine public confidence in the UPND's ability to manage its affairs cohesively. Historically, issues surrounding candidate adoption have been a contentious point for many Zambian political parties, often leading to disgruntlement, defections, and even legal challenges, thereby impacting electoral outcomes. Analysts suggest that the party leadership must urgently investigate Ms. Nanyangwe's claims to ensure fairness and uphold its democratic credentials. Failure to do so could lead to accusations of favouritism or a lack of internal accountability, potentially alienating a segment of its support base. The UPND, having come to power on a platform of