CHIEF Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has expressed confidence that the UPND is well prepared for next year’s elections, stating that the party has what it takes to secure victory if its members maintain discipline.
Mweetwa stated that President Hakainde Hichilema has scored highly on the maintenance of rule of law, restoring peace and reducing political violence.
“Citizens are happy that President Hichilema has restored normalcy and worked towards the eradication of political violence and with that in hand, we think we have sufficient ground to negotiate for a second term which we believe that the president will win easily and with a bigger slide,” Mweetwa said.
Appearing on Diamond Tv last evening, Mweetwa waned against any form of violence by individuals wearing the party regalia.
“Anyone who resorts to violence while displaying our party’s symbols acts on their own,” he said.
“Zambians detest violence and it’s one of the reasons they voted out PF, who do we think we are to bring back the things that saw PF out? We shouldn’t think we are an exemption.”
Mweetwa also denied concerns that caderism has returned in the country, stating that such practices are not part of the current government’s approach.
“Caderism which means violence to Zambians has not returned to be honest. If you see a few people wearing party regalia, moving like bosses, then that’s an indication of a grouping abusing a party in office, which is not a representative to a party position.”
“The country has no caderism which represents pangas, bloodshed, guns, intimidation or thuggery.”
The minister noted that government is determined to ensure that Zambia does not return to the dark days experienced under PF.
He further warned that those who attacked the PF secretariat, together with those who orchestrated that attack, will face the full force of the law, adding that justice does not discriminate based on political affiliation.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba November 17, 2025
