NATION REPORTER
THE Citizens First (CF) has rebuffed assertions by the Socialist Party (SP) and the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) that it has sold its soul to the UPND and thereby had become a surrogate of the ruling party for deciding to field its own candidate in the Lumezi parliamentary by-election.
The CF has instead reaffirmed its commitment to working in political coalitions but says it will only align with parties that uphold Christian values and steer clear of tribalism and moral compromise.
In a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday, CF deputy national chairman John Mulenga said the party would not affiliate itself with alliances that were promoting agendas contradictory to biblical teachings or the Christian foundation of the Zambian nation.
Mr. Mulenga was responding to sentiments made during a live radio programme in which UKA chairperson Sakwiba Sikota SC, appeared on a platform with Dr Fred M’membe, the Socialist Party leader where they called on voters in Lumezi not to entertain opposition political parties that had decided to go solo, accusing them of being surrogates of the UPND.
“While we understand Dr. M’membe’s political motivations, we are surprised that a senior legal mind like Mr. Sikota, SC would share a platform with someone making such divisive statements.
The CF is an independent party that is founded on Christian values and principles. As a party we acknowledge that Zambia is a Christian nation that is tolerant and accommodates other religious groups.
We also want to state for the record that as a party, the CF will pursue partnerships with well leaning parties that uphold the Christian values that we have come to embrace” Mr. Mulenga said.
He emphasised that CF shall remain an independent political party founded on Christian principles, and although it is open to coalitions, it will not compromise on its values.
He listed two key reasons for CF’s decision to withdraw from UKA such as ambiguity on homosexuality.
“We are clear on what the Bible says. Amos 3:3 reminds us that two cannot walk together unless they agree. CF demands clarity from potential allies on their stance regarding gay rights.”
Mr Mulenga also said tribal politics, promoted a particular leader purely based on tribal affiliation.
“This tribal agenda is primitive, divisive, and unworthy of any credible political movement,” he saidd.
Mr Mulenga said despite these challenges, CF leader Harry Kalaba initially insisted on staying in the alliance until a leaked audio emerged.
He said the recording allegedly featured two individuals mocking Mr. Kalaba and conspiring to install another leader within the alliance.
Mr. Mulenga criticised the silence of the implicated party leader, suggesting complicity.
“Who is the real surrogate?” he asked. “The one speaking across the country offering solutions, or the one hopping from meeting to meeting, de-campaigning anyone who is a viable alternative to the current government?”
Mr. Mulenga also rejected suggestions that CF was aligning with the ruling UPND, saying such claims were distractions from individuals unwilling to address the real issues affecting the nation – poverty, repression, and the erosion of civil liberties.
