The United Party for National Development has with immediate effect passed a vote of no confidence against UPND vice-president Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba for gross misconduct, pursuant to Article 70 and 71 of the party constitution.

This follows long hours of deliberations by the National Management Committee (NMC) this afternoon.

The vote of no confidence against Mwamba polled 75 of the secret vote while those for him polled zero.

Article 71 of the UPND constitution provides: the deputy presidents, national chairman, secretary general, treasurers general, may be disciplined by a two thirds secret ballot vote of no confidence passed by the NMC who may decide on whatever sanctions to impose against the erring official as per UPND disciplinary code of conduct on recommendations from NEC.

The NMC further resolved that Mwamba exculpates himself within seven days effective today, April 19, 2019 during which period he will remain suspended until final determination after his exculpation.

During this period of suspension, Mwamba will not be allowed to perform any party functions.

This is according to a press statement issued by UPND national chairperson Mutale Nalumango.