PF May Adopt New Name Amid Internal Dispute

Opposition party, Patriotic Front (PF) says it may rebrand if it fails to reclaim its official party name, currently controlled by a rival faction.

Given Lubinda, the party's acting president, told Millennium TV that the PF is exploring several options, including negotiations with Robert Chabinga, who holds the registered party name.

"We could abandon it and use another vehicle," Mr Lubinda said, comparing the situation to passengers switching buses when one breaks down.

The PF plans to hold a convention in late November, either under its current name or an alternative.

The party hopes the judiciary will resolve the dispute before the convention, though Mr Lubinda acknowledged a full trial may be necessary.

"Chabinga has the registered name called Patriotic Front. But does he have the party? No," he said, insisting that party members remain loyal to the central committee elected alongside former president Edgar Lungu in 2021.

Mr Lubinda admitted keeping the party united has been challenging since its 2021 election defeat, with many members distancing themselves or resigning.

He dismissed allegations that he wanted to merge the PF with the Socialist Party, saying he was simply following Mr Lungu's vision to unite opposition parties against the ruling UPND government.

"There's no person who can be more loyal to the Patriotic Front than myself," Mr Lubinda said.