Excessive Aspirants Threaten Party Unity



Overcrowding in constituencies could undermine democratic principles

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 
Lusaka, Zambia24, -- (18 January 2026) --
Governance and Development Advocates Zambia (GODAZA) has warned that the growing number of aspiring candidates within political parties is threatening party unity and undermining democratic principles.

GODAZA Executive Director Elias Mulenga said that in some constituencies, more than twenty individuals from the same party are competing for a single position, a development he described as excessive and destabilising.

Mulenga emphasised that such behaviour weakens party discipline and fosters unnecessary internal friction. “Democracy should not be mistaken for disorder or unchecked ambition,” he said.

He cited Article 60(1) of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, which mandates that political parties uphold democratic principles and promote internal democracy.

Highlighting commitments by major political parties, Mulenga pointed to the UPND Manifesto (2021–2026), which pledges to promote internal democracy and accountability. 

He also referenced the PF Manifesto (2021–2026), which underscores party discipline and cohesion as critical for national unity.

GODAZA urged party leaders to manage the influence of money in candidate selection and appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to support political parties in enforcing internal democratic practices.

“Unchecked, this trend could compromise governance, destabilise the electoral process, and lead to voter apathy,” Mulenga warned, stressing the urgent need for parties to manage internal competition responsibly.

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