Mazabuka was not among constituencies where adoptions were messy as acknowledged by president HH-UPND

LUSAKA – The United Party for National Development (UPND) has moved swiftly to clarify the integrity of its parliamentary candidate adoption process in Mazabuka Central, asserting emphatically that no irregularities marred the selection. This statement directly addresses concerns that might have arisen from President Hakainde Hichilema’s earlier remarks acknowledging 'messy' adoption processes in certain constituencies across the nation. Party officials in Mazabuka Central, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of internal party matters, underscored that the selection of their parliamentary candidate was conducted with utmost transparency and adherence to party guidelines. They highlighted that the local structures meticulously followed the prescribed procedures, ensuring that all eligible aspirants were given a fair hearing and that the eventual candidate emerged through a legitimate and democratic internal process. This assertion aims to quell any speculation that the Mazabuka Central adoption might have been among those the party president alluded to as problematic. President Hichilema, in previous public addresses, had candidly admitted to facing significant challenges during the party's adoption exercises, particularly in areas where multiple strong contenders vied for a single position. These challenges, he noted, sometimes led to disgruntlement among unsuccessful aspirants and, in some instances, to processes that could be described as 'messy' or contentious. However, the Mazabuka Central leadership insists their situation was an exception to this general observation, portraying a picture of unity and satisfaction with the outcome. The clarification from Mazabuka Central is crucial for the UPND as it seeks to project an image of internal cohesion and democratic principles ahead of the upcoming general elections. The party is keen to avoid any perception of internal strife or unfair practices, which could potentially undermine public con