Democracy Denied: Why Blocking Former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu Won’t Secure UPND’s 2026 Victory- Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

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Democracy Denied: Why Blocking Former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu Won’t Secure UPND’s 2026 Victory

By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

The decision by the United Party for National Development (UPND) to block former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu from contesting the 2026 elections is not only a blatant assault on democracy but also a strategic blunder that underscores the ruling party’s growing insecurities. While the UPND may view this as a calculated maneuver to sideline their strongest opponent, it reveals their inability to govern effectively or win public trust through performance.



Zambians are not easily swayed by such political tactics. Blocking one individual will not erase the frustrations of millions of citizens grappling with rising poverty, unemployment, and the government’s glaring failure to fulfill its promises. If anything, this act of desperation will galvanize the opposition, amplify discontent, and embolden the electorate to demand change at the ballot box.



Dr. Lungu’s Loyal Supporters: A Political Powerhouse


1. The Forgotten Majority: A Rising Force

Dr. Lungu’s political base is not just a fragment of society—it represents the heart of Zambia’s marginalized majority. These are the rural farmers, urban laborers, unemployed youth, and struggling small business owners who feel abandoned under UPND rule. For them, Dr. Lungu was a leader who understood their challenges, listened to their concerns, and worked to address their needs.



The UPND’s focus on barring Dr. Lungu does nothing to alleviate the pressing issues faced by these citizens:

Soaring Costs of Living: Basic goods like mealie meal, fuel, and utilities have become unaffordable, eroding the quality of life for ordinary Zambians.

Widening Economic Inequality: UPND’s policies have largely benefited the elite, leaving rural and urban poor communities further disenfranchised.



Unfulfilled Promises: Pledges to uplift rural communities through investments in agriculture, education, and infrastructure remain unfulfilled, deepening resentment toward the government.

These frustrations will not disappear with Dr. Lungu’s exclusion. Instead, they will amplify the resolve of millions to reject the UPND’s leadership.



2. A Grassroots Movement Too Resilient to Undermine

The Patriotic Front (PF) remains a formidable political force, particularly in regions where the UPND has failed to deliver tangible results. From the Copperbelt to Northern Province, Dr. Lungu’s supporters remain fiercely loyal, drawing strength from the infrastructure development and social empowerment programs that defined his presidency.



Infrastructure Legacy: Roads, schools, and hospitals built under Dr. Lungu’s leadership are a testament to his commitment to national development.

Empowerment Programs: His policies directly benefited women, youth, and vulnerable groups, earning him enduring support across diverse demographics.



If the UPND thinks that barring Dr. Lungu weakens this base, they are grossly mistaken. His exclusion is likely to serve as a rallying cry for his supporters, mobilizing them around a shared mission: to hold the UPND accountable and demand a government that delivers for all Zambians.

Democracy Is About the People, Not Political Games

1. The People Will Decide

Democracy is not about eliminating competition to secure an easy victory; it is about presenting solutions that resonate with the electorate. By attempting to block Dr. Lungu, the UPND is underestimating the intelligence and determination of the Zambian people. Elections are not won in courtrooms or backdoor political deals—they are won at the ballot box, where citizens express their will.



Rising Discontent: The hardships caused by soaring living costs, stagnant job creation, and declining public services will overshadow any political maneuvering.

Demand for Accountability: Zambians are frustrated with the government’s failure to deliver on its promises and will use their votes to express their dissatisfaction.

2. A Gamble That Could Backfire

The UPND’s decision to block Dr. Lungu is a dangerous gamble that risks alienating not only his supporters but also moderate voters who value fairness, competition, and democracy. This strategy could:

Unite Opposition Forces: Dr. Lungu’s exclusion could rally various opposition factions to form a united front against the UPND.



Increase Voter Turnout: A sense of injustice could mobilize record numbers of disillusioned citizens to vote against a government perceived as undemocratic.

Rather than neutralizing a rival, this move could ignite a backlash of unprecedented proportions, solidifying the perception of the UPND as a regime afraid to face accountability.

UPND’s Record: A Flawed Foundation for Re-Election

If the UPND’s strategy for 2026 hinges on eliminating opposition rather than delivering results, it only highlights their weaknesses. Elections are won through performance, and on this front, the UPND has failed to inspire confidence:

Unrelenting Poverty: Despite lofty promises of economic reform, poverty levels remain alarmingly high, particularly in rural areas.

Youth Unemployment Crisis: The government has failed to create meaningful job opportunities, leaving millions of young Zambians disillusioned.

Economic Mismanagement: Ambitions to stabilize the economy and attract investment have fallen short, compounding public frustration.



These failures cannot be obscured by political tactics. The Zambian electorate is acutely aware of the government’s shortcomings and will demand accountability through the ballot box.

The Resilience of Dr. Lungu’s Supporters

Dr. Lungu’s exclusion from the race will not diminish the resolve of his supporters. If anything, it strengthens their determination to effect change.

1. Mobilization Like Never Before

The exclusion of Dr. Lungu could serve as a catalyst for unprecedented mobilization. His supporters, united by their shared frustrations with the UPND, will organize themselves to ensure their voices are heard loud and clear in 2026.



2. Strategic Opposition Voting

Dr. Lungu’s absence does not signal defeat for the opposition. His supporters are likely to consolidate their votes behind alternative PF candidates or other opposition leaders, ensuring that the UPND faces a formidable challenge.

Conclusion: Deliver, Don’t Suppress

The UPND’s strategy to block Dr. Edgar Lungu from contesting the 2026 elections is not only undemocratic but also counterproductive. In a democracy, victory is earned through governance, accountability, and a commitment to improving the lives of citizens—not by sidelining opponents.



The real battle for 2026 will be fought on the issues that matter most to Zambians: rising living costs, unemployment, poverty, and unfulfilled promises. Blocking Dr. Lungu will not shield the UPND from the wrath of an electorate demanding change. Instead, it risks galvanizing opposition forces, alienating voters, and amplifying discontent.



The UPND must focus on delivering results that improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Only through good governance, not suppression, can they hope to secure a legitimate and lasting mandate.

Democracy is about the people, and in 2026, their voices will resonate louder than ever.

12 COMMENTS

  1. What has happened to the legal mind, Ms. Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma? Before the judgement was delivered, you were all over social media giving your unsolicited legal opinions and threatening judges.

    Let’s hear you counter the judgement item by item now thay it is in the public domain and we all had the chance to follow it live.

    Suddenly, you have shifted gears to talk about all kinds of “issues”. Just wait for the 2026 elections. We, the voters will decide whether to keep UPND in power or not.

  2. As usual Josphine Goebbels attempting to deflect. She is not directing her comments at the judgement but suggesting that HH set out the Judgement.
    How? Is HH a lawyer? Is HH a member of the Constitutional Court panel of Judges?No!
    So why not critque the Judgement item by item. Where was the jidgement flawed?
    Otherwise your attempt at Propergander is void and useless. Just as attempts by Nakachinda to say that Lungu is appealing? Reading Kabimba’s article its clear that they basis would be very very difficult as this Judgement revisited even its own flaws in prior Judgements. Get a life madam…u Goebbels wa boza wont work.

    • As usual,Jata Bulenga has missed the wood for the trees!!
      Your man is eliminating opponents in various ways.

      In the index case,he simply ordered a self serving judgement.

      All the client judges had to do was to deliver the order.

      In the process, their arguments led them to Lungu’s inelligibility to contest the 2021 vote.
      The result was therefore null and void, rendering the your government a fraud.
      The judges found lame excuses to launder this fraudulent government.
      It’s trite law that “Equity will not allow a statute to be used as an instrument of fraud”(Rochefoucauld v Boustead [1897])
      Your government is therefore a fraud,a creature of gross “Inspector Jacques Clouseau” incompetence!!!

      • The only person that lacks comprehension is you bwana.
        With you shallow and myopic outlook one doesnt have to stray but wonder how much were you paid this morning to find something to say?
        Is HH also not subject to the same judgement?
        Index? Iwe take time and go back to monze sec as clearly sikwuwa eluded you. Try expressing yourself in tonga and for your own information the live broadcast can be translated in case you missed the point. Bubbling old fart….

    • I would’ve said “this solola” and yes it has to be bwamba’s alias and doesn’t warrant a comment the writing too familiar and long

  3. The law barred or blocked Lungu and not UPND, please put the things correct. For your information, these cases are resurfacing because PF never did them in a conclusively transparent manner like what we saw on 10/12, PF thought they were a law to themselves. For example, pushing aside the presidential petition, swearing in the president by the Court Registrar, to you and to them, it was right, but constitutionally, it was wrong and we still need answers from the people who were doing these things. I just hope you are not one of them because if you are, then you have the reason to start getting worried.

  4. This the reason why women shouldn’t be vocal because they just force themselves into the game. Very naive and irritating. Like this woman out of context.

    Who can tell her to take leave!

    The matter was followed closely by everyone across the country and globe. Clearly it is ECL who manipulated those 3 judges to rule in his favour…by force. If he can show his arrogance now that he is not in power what of when he easECL as President?

    This the more reason why the proceedings were broadcast live so that we don’t talk of Barring, blocking, manipulation BUT with reference to the cited sections of the Republican Constitution.

    Edgar is definitely not eligible and so stop misleading us by referring to his ineligibility as Blocked by UPND or HH as she puts it.

    Rubbish! Tell ECL to go back to Chawama. If Plan B is noxious, he will see his immunity melting away. WE WANT PEACE!

  5. Heal woman, your idea of democracy is flawed because it is cantered on your pay master ECL only. Democracy is democracy even without ECL in it.

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