Following the death of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s founding father and first president, the country’s main opposition party United party for National Development (UPND) has called off all its campaigns until further notice.

The party’s leader Hakainde Hichilema announced the development in his Facebook post.

“As the nation comes together in mourning, remembrance and celebration of the life of our dearly departed founding father of our nation, Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, it is agreed and therefore directed, that the UPND and all our alliance partners, suspend all active mobilization activities until further notice.

It is also agreed and therefore directed, that all our people out on the campaign trail  across the country, immediately call off all campaigns and return to their original bases as the nation comes together in unity and pay our respects to our nation’s founding father,” Mr Hichilema said.

He urged members to remain calm and mourn the founding father. “We urge all to remain peaceful and united as we continue to reflect on the life of the Dr. Kaunda, the immense sense of duty, service and sacrifice with which he led and served our country and our people,” he said.