By Ollus Ndomu
At a Wednesday media briefing attended by opposition political parties in the capital Lusaka, former Zambian President Edgar Lungu made a significant announcement regarding his political future.
While urging citizens to pressure the government to call for early elections, Lungu stated that he would stand as a presidential candidate in the 2026 general elections if the general public insists that he continues from where he left. However, he emphasized his commitment to democracy and expressed that he cannot impose himself on the people.
During the briefing, Lungu voiced concerns over the current government’s handling of Zambia’s economic challenges. He asserted that the public is worried about the government’s failure to address these issues, leading to hardships endured by the citizens. This sentiment aligns with the broader discontent observed among Zambians.
Simultaneously, eight opposition political parties, including the Patriotic Front, Citizens First, New Heritage Party, and the National Democratic Congress, accused the government of ignoring calls for a national economic indaba. In a speech read by United Liberal Party President Sakwiba Sikota, the opposition parties emphasized the urgency of addressing the country’s economic challenges through collaborative efforts.
The political landscape in Zambia has witnessed the formation of the “People’s Movement,” a coalition of opposition parties, including the Patriotic Front, Citizens First, National Democratic Congress, Golden Party of Zambia, New Heritage Party, and the United Liberal Party.
The movement aims to evolve into a political party alliance ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Political analyst Eustone Chiputa advised the opposition parties within the People’s Movement to ensure a democratically elected presidential candidate for the 2026 elections.
He highlighted that embracing democracy would boost the confidence of its members.
Governance expert Wesley Miyanda expressed concern about the historical trend of political party alliances in Zambia not enduring until election time. He emphasized the need for the People’s Movement to overcome this challenge and remain a viable force leading up to the 2026 elections.
In a separate development, Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) president, Sean Tembo, called on President Hakainde Hichilema to lead by example in encouraging constructive engagement from opposition leaders. Tembo pointed out disparities in the treatment of opposition leaders compared to ruling party officials in the context of free expression and legal accountability.
Amidst these political developments, PeP President Sean Tembo also urged the government to intensify efforts to address the cholera epidemic in Zambia, emphasizing the need for transparency in informing families about the status and burial details of their loved ones affected by the disease.
