I’m not a blind follower, says Siamunene
By Thandizo Banda
I WILL not follow political parties blindly, otherwise I would have easily joined the United Party for National Development (UPND) if that were the case, New Focus Party (NFP) leader Dr Richwell Siamunene has said.
Speaking in Lusaka on Monday when he led his party’s leaders in joining the People’s Pact, Dr Siamunene said the alliance’s presidential Dr Fred M’membe’s honesty and integrity inspired him and his followers to align with the pact.
“If I was materialistic or tribal, I would have easily joined UPND or these other parties. It is not about who owns the most cattle or who has the financial muscle,” he said.
Dr Siamunene said that he had a track record of honest service, having served as defence minister under the Patriotic Front (PF) government.
He said Zambia was at a crossroads and needed unity of purpose.
The country required like-minded people with a shared vision to move it forward.
“The opposition needs to be moving towards a government of national unity and not fragmented opposition,” Dr Siamunene said.
Welcoming the newcomers, Dr M’membe said several members of Parliament and councillors from the New Focus Party and other opposition groups had expressed interest in contesting on the Socialist Party ticket.
“We appeal for a formidable opposition to oust President Hakainde HIchilema and UPND from power on August 13, 2026,” he said.
