TOO EARLY TO CALL WHO CAN EMERGE WINNER IN 2026
…..BUT A WELL ORGANIZED OPPOSITION CAN CAUSE TROUBLE FOR THE RULING PARTY
As Zambia heads towards 2026 general elections many opinions of the potential outcomes of the general elections are beginning to emerge in many social media forums.
These opinions are based on various sources of information and factors.
THE RULING PARTY
The UPND
administration under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema has been in charge of Zambia’s social economic persues after having won the 2021 elections.
The UPND victory in 2021 was viewed as a victory of hope for many people particularly the unemployed youths, low income households, small and medium scale farmers, street vendors among many other demographics of citizens.
President Hakainde was viewed as the modern “messiah” of Zambia.
The citizens were assured – promised that a victory of President Hakainde Hichilema was a victory for the restoration of social economic hope and growth.
At three years of the UPND administration being in charge of Zambia, mixed midterm scorecards for the UPND have emerged with many citizens rating the UPND administration very poorly. People’s hope of economic restoration has not been delivered. The cost of living has skyrocketed to threatening levels of poverty.
Many people are disappointed that President Hakainde Hichilema has not delivered on many of his campaign promises.
DEMOCRATIC SPACE
It has been the concern of many stakeholders that, government has been systematically attempting to completely eliminate the voices of critics. Recently some Diplomats accredited to, Zambia joined the call to allow citizens and politicall parties to without intimidation or restrictions enjoy their right to organize, assemble and enjoy democratic constitutional freedoms.
COURT RULINGS
Under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema some court rulings have raised eyebrows as well as concerns about the separation of power and independence of the Judiciary in Zambia. Many citizens are of the views that the Judiciary’s autonomy is under serious threats, the independent Judiciary helps in the promotion of as well as nurturing the Growth of democracy in Zambia.
PUBLIC ORDER ACT
Many stakeholders in Zambia’s democracy believe that the UPND administration under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema has been abusing the public order Act to limit the freedoms of opposition political parties in Zambia. While in opposition President Hakainde Hichilema condemned the abuse of the public order Act and promised to do better on that score.
THE OPPOSITION
Given the nature of Zambian politics it is extremely difficult for any opposition political party to solely score victory in 2026. A fragmented opposition is an added advantage to the incumbent and his party.
The opposition must craft their on ground messages, social media messages to promote their manifestos, ideologies and policies.
The current prevailing people’s temperament actually favors the opposition, though it does not guarantee them victory without serious hard work.
CIVIL SOCIETY AND MEDIA
The civil society and media will equally play a critical role in the run up to the 2026 general elections. These entities will act as neutral referees. They have a role to educate and inform citizens without any biases.
Francis Chipili
Business and Political Analyst