HISTORY HAS A WAY OF REPEATING ITSELF. ARE ZAMBIANS SENDING ANOTHER MESSAGE?

HISTORY HAS A WAY OF REPEATING ITSELF. ARE ZAMBIANS SENDING ANOTHER MESSAGE?

One thing about the Zambian people is that they are patient, hopeful and forgiving. But history has also shown that when citizens begin feeling unheard or when everyday life becomes too difficult, they often look for a different path. That is one reason many people are asking why leaders such as Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu are now attracting increasing public attention.

This should not surprise anyone. Zambia has a long democratic history of changing political direction whenever people believe the country needs a fresh approach.

In 1991, after nearly three decades of UNIP rule, many Zambians voted for change because they believed the country needed new leadership and a new economic direction. It was one of the most significant democratic transitions in Africa.

Years later, after the MMD had governed for two decades, public frustrations over the rising cost of living, unemployment and governance concerns contributed to another major political shift. In 2011, many Zambians placed their hope in the Patriotic Front because they believed life would improve under new leadership.

Again, in 2021, the people spoke loudly through the ballot box. Many voted against the Patriotic Front, citing concerns over the economy, debt, unemployment, inflation and governance. Millions believed the promises that a new administration would quickly improve living conditions and restore hope.

Today, as the country approaches another election, we are witnessing familiar political patterns. More citizens appear willing to listen to alternative voices, including Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu. Whether one supports them or not, this growing interest may be a signal that some voters are once again evaluating whether the current direction matches the promises that were made.

Many Zambians still remember the severe load shedding experienced over the past several years. Businesses closed, salons, welding shops, restaurants, internet cafés and many small enterprises lost customers and income. Families struggled to preserve food, children studied in darkness and many workers saw their productivity reduced. For many households, this became one of the most painful economic challenges of the period.

Fuel prices also increased sharply, raising transport costs and the prices of almost every essential commodity. The cost of mealie meal, cooking oil, school requirements, building materials and other necessities rose significantly, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary families to make ends meet.

At one point, the Kwacha traded at over K30 to one US Dollar, placing additional pressure on businesses and consumers. Since Zambia imports many essential goods, exchange rate instability affected prices across the economy and reduced the purchasing power of many households.

The cost of living reflects these pressures. The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket for a family of five in Lusaka has increased dramatically since 2020, showing how much more expensive it has become for families to meet their basic needs.

Many farmers have also expressed concerns over delayed payments in some farming seasons, rising fertilizer and production costs, changing subsidy arrangements and uncertainty about markets. When farming becomes difficult, the effects eventually reach every household through higher food prices.

Many workers continue to say that their salaries have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. Even those with stable employment often struggle to pay rent, transport, school fees, health expenses and food.

Another issue frequently discussed is the national atmosphere around freedom of expression. Some citizens believe they have become more cautious about expressing political opinions because they fear possible legal or social consequences. Whether this perception is universally shared or not, democracy is strongest when citizens feel confident that they can express different views peacefully and respectfully without fear.

Supporters of the current government rightly point to achievements such as debt restructuring, increased Constituency Development Fund allocations and improvements in some economic indicators. Critics, however, argue that these gains have not yet translated into noticeable improvements in the daily lives of many ordinary citizens. Both perspectives deserve consideration.

History teaches us another important lesson. Every election year, governments often accelerate development projects, increase public engagement and renew promises to the people. This is not unique to one political party. It has happened under different administrations throughout Zambia’s democratic journey. Wise voters therefore judge leaders not only by what is promised during campaigns, but by what has been consistently delivered throughout their term in office.

Perhaps this is why more Zambians are paying attention to different political voices today. It may not necessarily mean they have already decided how they will vote. Rather, it could be another indication that many citizens are searching for leadership they believe will better address their everyday challenges.

If history is any guide, the message from the Zambian people has always been consistent. Governments are elected with hope, but they remain in office only as long as the people believe that hope is being fulfilled.

In 1991, the people spoke.

In 2011, the people spoke again.

In 2021, they spoke once more.

As 2026 approaches, every political party should remember one timeless lesson: the Zambian voter is patient, but never permanent. Loyalty in a democracy is earned through performance, not assumed through promises.

Only the people will decide whether history repeats itself. Their decision will ultimately be shaped not by campaign slogans, but by the realities they have experienced in their homes, businesses and communities over the past five years.

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