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Former UPND Official Quits Party, Eyes Kariba Ward Seat

By CHALI MULENGA

Former United Party for National Development (UPND) official Friday Nkonde has resigned from the ruling party and announced his intention to contest the 2026 local government elections as an independent candidate for Kariba Ward in Livingstone's Maramba Constituency.

In a resignation letter addressed to the UPND Livingstone Branch Chairperson dated June 21, 2026, Mr Nkonde said he had decided to exercise his constitutional and legal right to seek election as an independent candidate.

"Please accept this letter as a formal notice of my resignation from the United Party for National Development (UPND) effective immediately," Mr Nkonde stated.

He thanked the party for the opportunity to contribute to its mission and achievements but said it was time for him to pursue a different political path.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Nkonde said his decision was driven by what he described as the failure to complete key development projects in Kariba Ward.

He cited unfinished sanitation facilities, sewer infrastructure and a footbridge among projects that have remained unattended to for more than a decade.

"Most of the projects that were lined up in 2011 have never been attended to. The toilets in my block area, the sewer system in Linda Ace, toilets in the quarters and the footbridge are all essential projects that have not been completed," he said.

Mr Nkonde said sanitation remained a major concern in the ward, adding that residents had waited too long for improvements.

"Imagine after 10 years, no one dared to complete those toilets. Sanitation is important for the people," he said.

He further questioned the impact of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in the ward, alleging that little tangible development had been undertaken despite increased allocations over the years.

"From 2021 up to 2025, even after the CDF was increased, nothing tangible can be seen in the ward," he claimed.

Mr Nkonde said residents had encouraged him to seek elective office so that he could push for the completion of stalled projects and address outstanding development challenges.

"The people of Kariba Ward have vowed that they will give me a vote so that we can continue with the projects," he said.

His resignation adds to the growing number of aspiring candidates positioning themselves ahead of next year's local government elections.

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