People’s Pact Expels M’membe and Sichinga, Withdraws Presidential Endorsement

 

LUSAKA – In a significant political development ahead of the August 13, 2026, general election, the People’s Pact Initiative has expelled its presidential flag bearer, Fred M’membe, and its vice president, Robert Sichinga, following internal disciplinary actions.

According to official notices dated July 3, 2026, signed by Secretary Joseph Chishimba, the organization formally declared a vote of no confidence in M’membe’s leadership. Consequently, the People’s Pact has revoked its endorsement of his presidential candidature, stating that his nomination no longer holds any standing within the organization’s framework.

In a separate action, Sichinga was expelled following disciplinary proceedings. Both men have been ordered to surrender all organizational assets, records, and property in their possession. The notices further warned that any attempts to challenge these decisions outside the organization’s charter or any public statements undermining the People’s Pact would not be recognized, and that the organization reserves the right to pursue further legal and disciplinary measures.

While the notices cited the organization’s charter as the basis for these decisions, the People’s Pact did not disclose the specific details regarding the vote of no confidence or the disciplinary findings against Sichinga.

Despite the withdrawal of support, M’membe continues to campaign as the presidential candidate for the Socialist Party. In recent remarks, which did not explicitly reference the expulsion, M’membe emphasized the importance of integrity over popularity, stating, “Doing the right thing isn’t always about winning a crowd; it’s about going to sleep at night knowing you honoured your conscience.”

The People’s Pact has not yet announced a replacement candidate, and neither M’membe nor Sichinga had publicly responded to the notices at the time of reporting.