Mundubile, others escorting HH to State House, says Cornelius Mweetwa as Nalumango urges Zambians not to behave like witches

LUSAKA – The political landscape in Zambia continues to simmer with heightened rhetoric as the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) expresses unwavering confidence in its electoral prospects. Acting party spokesperson, Mr. Cornelius Mweetwa, recently declared that the UPND harbours no apprehension regarding the array of opposition presidential candidates, asserting that their participation inadvertently aids President Hakainde Hichilema's return to State House for a second term. In a statement that has since garnered significant attention, Mr. Mweetwa specifically named Matero Member of Parliament, Mr. Miles Sampa, and Patriotic Front (PF) presidential hopeful, Mr. Brian Mundubile, as individuals whose political activities are, in his view, effectively 'escorting' the incumbent President. This provocative analogy suggests that the fragmented opposition, rather than posing a formidable challenge, is inadvertently consolidating support for the UPND, thereby simplifying their path to re-election. Such pronouncements often aim to project an image of strength and unity within the ruling party, while simultaneously sowing seeds of doubt and disunity among opposition ranks. Adding another layer to the discourse, Vice President Mutale Nalumango weighed in on the prevailing political climate, delivering a stern admonition to the Zambian populace. The Vice President urged citizens to eschew divisive political tactics and rhetoric, which she controversially likened to the practice of witchcraft. Her remarks, delivered with gravity, underscore a growing concern within the government regarding the potential for political animosity to undermine national unity and stability. This appeal reflects a broader call for responsible political engagement and a focus on issues that genuinely advance the nation's development agenda, rather than personal or partisan interests. The context of these statements is crucial. Zambia is navigating a period of significant economic