“EF joins UPND Alliance”
… As Kabimba SC advocates for direct engagement with the UPND to address past issues and drive economic transformation, while defending his party’s previous support for PF against allegations of corruption.
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 (1-09-2024) – The opposition Economic Front (EF) has alleged that individuals facing accountability-related charges are distorting historical facts and undermining national memory to gain sympathy from those previously exploited and claim are being persecuted for ethical and political reasons.
Winter Kabimba SC told journalists at a media briefing that his party has resolved to engage with the UPND to forge an alliance aimed at addressing the negative issues left behind by the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) when they were the ruling party. “We are committed to working closely with the UPND,” Kabimba stated.
He emphasized that there were no concerns raised within his party about the potential alliance.
Kabimba acknowledged the democratic practices within his own ranks, noting that internal discussions had been conducted transparently.
He praised the UPND-led government for bringing positive change, particularly in its anti-corruption efforts, which he said starkly contrast with the political culture of the PF era.
“The UPND’s anti-corruption efforts are commendable,” Kabimba remarked. “We support their efforts to create a just and civil political environment that promotes peace, unity, and development.”
Kabimba expressed a strong desire to work with the UPND Alliance not merely to share ideas through media platforms but to actively influence events from within the organization.
“Being part of the alliance would enable us to have direct input in shaping policies and decisions,” he said.
This engagement would allow his party to present ideas directly to President Hakainde Hichilema (HH), giving HH the chance to consider or reject them based on their merits.
He acknowledged that supporting the PF was made despite being aware of the party’s perceived corruption and involvement in controversial activities.
Kabimba explained that the rationale behind this support included a natural affinity with PF members and the hope to reform the party from within.
“Our intention was to actively contribute to reforming the PF and restoring its integrity,” Kabimba defended.
However, this support has led to accusations of lacking principles, with critics questioning how his party could back a party known for corruption and misconduct.
Kabimba defended the decision, asserting, “The goal was to drive internal reform and address the issues within the PF.”
Kabimba also emphasized the need for a new approach to transform Zambia’s economy, advocating for a shift away from the models used by both the PF and UPND, which he claimed have excluded citizens from driving economic activities.
“Zambians should be the primary drivers of economic growth,” Kabimba argued, “rather than relying heavily on foreign direct investment (FDI).”
He discussed how the name change from Rainbow Party to PF and then to EF reflects a strategic shift.
The EF is now focused on building alliances with other political parties to offer checks and balances to the UPND. “There was internal debate about engaging with other parties,” Kabimba said, “but the majority agreed that isolation was detrimental to the party’s image.”
Kabimba expressed surprise that the EF was not invited to the inaugural meeting of the United Culture Alliance (UKA), indicating potential communication issues or oversight.
“We were not invited to the UKA’s inaugural meeting in Germany, which raises concerns about possible communication issues,” Kabimba noted.
Regarding UKA, Kabimba highlighted that decisions about affiliation can only be made by the central committee, which is the highest governing body below the National Congress Alliance.
The EF had requested documentation from UKA outlining its objectives and principles for review by the central committee but had not received any.
“UKA has faced registration issues due to a lack of information,” Kabimba observed, “and PF remains the dominant party in Ocha, with UKA’s influence being relatively minor.”
In December 2023, the central committee debated forming alliances with other parties and decided to defer the matter.
Recent developments saw the EF central committee meeting on August 10, 2024, where political party alliances were discussed, and the committee resolved to engage with the UPND and its partners to form a future alliance.
Kabimba noted that there is internal interest in UKA, but the central committee remains divided on alliances, which impacts the party’s performance.
He also addressed the name change from the Rainbow Party to the Economic Front (EF) in April 2022.
“The change was motivated by negative associations with the LGBTQ movement due to similar rainbow imagery,” Kabimba explained.
Despite efforts to clarify this change through the party’s website, there was inadvertent reinforcement of the association with LGBTQ issues.
Kabimba added that the upcoming event aims to communicate specific points to the nation through the press, ensuring accurate information is disseminated.
He provided historical context, noting that the Economic Front was established on December 4, 2014, following the death of President Michael Sata.
This event led to the formation of the party due to perceived persecution of certain members. “The Economic Front was established to address the challenges we faced following President Sata’s death,” Kabimba said.
Regarding past performance, Kabimba highlighted that the Rainbow Party won one council seat in Nakonde District during the 2016 elections and achieved a notable victory in a local government by-election in Solwezi District in 2015.
He also mentioned the 2021 alliance with the PF, which, despite the initial support, ended after the PF’s defeat by the UPND.
Kabimba concluded by emphasizing the party’s current focus on ensuring accurate communication and addressing any questions from the press, aiming to clarify their position and intentions.