Zambian politics is currently characterized by a stark contrast in perspectives regarding the United Party for National Development's (UPND) electoral successes. While the UPND celebrates instances of its candidates going unopposed, figures like Socialist Party President Fred M'membe vehemently condemn these occurrences, viewing them as a serious indictment on the ruling party and a symptom of deteriorating democratic health. Specifically, in Mazabuka, UPND Mayoral Candidate Kelvin Muleya and Nega Nega ward candidate Live Choongo were declared Mayor-Elect and councillor, respectively, after no other candidates filed nominations. This brought the total number of unopposed UPND candidates in the district to five, including Mazabuka Central Ward Councillor Shira Katunya, Kaonga Ward Councillor Clifford Jolezya, and Nachipoma Ward Councillor Kelvin Muleya, with Mazabuka Central Constituency Chairperson Skinner Pasi Sialubala congratulating these candidates alongside President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice President Mutale Nalumango on their nominations for the August 13 general elections.

Fred M'membe argues that going unopposed should never be celebrated by a liberal democratic organization, especially as it has been unprecedented in the country's history. He asserts that such events vindicate concerns about the shrinking democratic space, alleged human rights abuses, and political violence, intimidation, and other undemocratic tendencies. M'membe describes the celebration of unopposed victories as 'madness,' questioning the integrity of a win against opponents allegedly hindered or prevented from filing nominations. He emphasizes that rather than being a democratic victory, it raises legitimate concerns about the sustainability of political competition and calls for a moment of reflection and even shame from the ruling party.

M'membe further warns that the UPND appears to be actively creating an environment to weaken or eliminate all political alternatives, demonstrating a troubling descent into a historical abyss. He reminds the UPND that power is never permanent, drawing parallels to the eventual falls of previous ruling parties like UNIP under Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, the MMD, and the PF. He concludes with a call to action for Zambians to collectively end what he perceives as impunity in the 2026 elections, reiterating the historical lesson that no political movement is invincible.

In a separate but related demonstration of party commitment, Mulambo Haimbe, the Vice Legal Chairperson of the UPND and former Member of Parliament for Lusaka Central Constituency, played a significant role in President Hakainde Hichilema's nomination filing process. Haimbe reportedly made a humble and selfless decision to withdraw from contesting as a Member of Parliament to serve as an agent for President Hichilema, as the law prohibits an agent from being a candidate. This action was widely praised by political observers and UPND supporters as a testament to his loyalty, humility, sacrifice, and deep commitment to the greater interests of the party and national development. His contribution was seen as key to ensuring President Hichilema's successful placement on the ballot paper for the forthcoming elections, strengthening Haimbe's reputation as a loyal and service-oriented leader committed to the President's vision and Zambia's progress.

Beyond individual acts of loyalty, President Hichilema is described as pursuing a broader institutional philosophy aimed at transforming the UPND. Traditionally, African political parties have been highly leader-dependent, with presidential arbitration required for every dispute and approval for every adoption. However, Hichilema appears to be shifting towards empowering provincial structures, constituency committees, ward officials, party organs, and the general public through voting to handle adoptions independently. This approach seeks to create a political party that can govern itself without constant presidential direction, a significant departure from past models.

This decentralization is deemed crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters organizational maturity, forcing lower structures to develop competence by making difficult decisions and navigating internal tensions independently. Secondly, it aims to reduce the over-centralization of power, a common criticism of African democracies, by distinguishing government leadership from party administration. Thirdly, it prepares the UPND for long-term survival, building resilience through systems, structures, procedures, and internal processes rather than relying solely on the personality of a single leader. This strategy intentionally tests the party's machinery for independent operation, recognizing that a political movement dependent on one leader for daily survival is inherently unstable.

However, this process has not been without its challenges. The adoption process has exposed weaknesses within party structures, leading to complaints about duplicate certificates, communication confusion, allegations of favoritism, and tensions among aspiring candidates. Yet, these issues are framed as typical aspects of institutional development, even in advanced democracies. A political contradiction also emerges: critics might accuse the President of dictatorship if he centralizes candidate decisions, but interpret his non-involvement as neglect when he allows structures to function independently. This necessitates careful navigation by the party leader.

Ultimately, what Zambia may be witnessing is an attempt to transition the UPND from a leader-dependent entity, born from its founding struggles, into a durable governing institution. The long-term success of the party, according to observers, will hinge not merely on President Hichilema's popularity but on its capacity to build robust and efficient systems that can endure and function effectively for years to come, even through changes in leadership. This institutional maturity is seen as the true test of the current political experiment.