ZWW Rejects Unconstitutional Claims
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia – (10/4/2026) — The Zambia We Want (ZWW) Party has rejected claims that its decision to terminate the membership of Ms. Bupe A. Ponga, Mr. Kapembwa Simbao, and Mr. Murari Lungu was unconstitutional, insisting that the action was carried out strictly within its constitutional and disciplinary framework.
The party maintains that the affected former members engaged in unauthorised collaboration with other political parties, a move it says contravened internal rules and automatically triggered cessation of membership under its Constitution.
Addressing the media, Information and Publicity Chairperson and Party Spokesperson, Charles Mwila Matambala, said the National Leadership Council acted within its mandate and followed established procedures in resolving the matter.
Mr. Matambala explained that the former members voluntarily associated and collaborated with other political formations without prior approval from relevant party structures, an action the party considers a serious breach of discipline, loyalty, and internal engagement protocols.
He said the party’s Constitution clearly provides that unauthorised participation in or alignment with other political parties results in automatic loss of membership.
Mr. Matambala further stated that the conduct of the individuals undermined core party principles, including accountability, collective responsibility, and organisational discipline.
He also defended the legality of the decision-making process, noting that the National Leadership Council acted within its constitutional authority and met the required quorum thresholds for the resolution.
He disclosed that although the Council’s membership had reduced to 29 following resignations and the death of one member, 15 members participated in the decision—exceeding the one-third quorum requirement under Article 22(1) of the party Constitution.
Mr. Matambala dismissed assertions that the process was unconstitutional, describing such claims as factually incorrect and legally unfounded.
The party has since urged the public to disregard what it calls misleading narratives, reaffirming its commitment to constitutional governance, internal discipline, and adherence to established political procedures.
When contacted for a comment, Muhabi Lungu rejected claims of leadership changes in the opposition Zambia We Want (ZWW), stating that the process was unconstitutional and invali was unconstitutional and invalid.
Mr. Lungu said the individuals who addressed a recent press conference had no authority to speak on behalf of the party, as no National Leadership Council (NLC) meeting was officially convened.
He cited Article 22 (1) of the party constitution, which provides that an NLC meeting can only be called by the Chairperson or the Secretary General, stressing that “no such meeting was held.”
Referring to leadership removal procedures, Mr. Lungu pointed to Article 43, particularly Clause (5), which requires that any decision to remove a party president must be passed by a two-thirds majority following a formal process.
He said even where a petition is raised, the constitution still requires a properly convened NLC meeting in line with Article 22, a procedure he said was not followed.
“What is being suggested has no basis in the constitution,” Mr. Lungu said.
He further noted that matters relating to alliances are clearly provided for under Articles 21 and 81 (1) and (2), and must be handled through established party structures.
Mr. Lungu also cited Article 22 (7), stating that members who miss three consecutive NLC meetings without apology cease to be recognised, and questioned the standing of some individuals involved.
He alleged that the actions by were aimed at destabilising the party and disrupting its planned activities.
“There was no lawful meeting, no process followed, and no valid decision made,” he said.
Mr. Lungu urged members to adhere to the party constitution and avoid actions that undermine party unity.
Additionally, Kapembwa Simbao questioned the legitimacy of Charles Mwila Matambala presented as party members following a press briefing led by party spokesperson Charles Mwila Matambala, saying proper procedures were not followed and warning that the process appears to lack constitutional backing.
Speaking in an interview after the briefing, Simbao said he had attempted to seek clarification immediately after the event, where individuals described as “stewards” of the party announced what appeared to be a continuation of membership and the admission of new members.
Simbao said he does not recognize the individuals being introduced and questioned the process through which they were allegedly admitted into the party.
“I have never seen or interacted with those individuals being presented as members. To the best of my knowledge, proper procedures must be followed before anyone can be accepted,” he said.
He added that the development raises serious concerns about adherence to internal rules and transparency in party operations.
Simbao further stressed that any legitimate membership process must be guided by the party constitution, warning that actions taken outside established frameworks risk undermining the organisation’s credibility.
“What is being done appears to lack support from the constitution, and that is a matter of concern,” he said.
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