By Vernon J Mwaanga GOEZ
Political Alliances are not new in Zambia and not always on the same page.
They go back to pretty-independence days. They are usually formed with a view to gaining access to power and sharing that power with other political parties, which have less than complimentary manifestos.
They by tradition, involved leaders of smaller political parties, joining hands with slightly larger parties, with a view to being given one or two seats in Cabinet, in the event of an electoral victory.
I remember the time when UPND had gone into some form of alliance with the PF, with a view to unseating the MMD government. It became clear sooner , rather than later, that PF wanted to use UPND for its own selfish ends. UPND, which is a big party, soon realised this and withdrew from that Alliance.
More recently, we have had new alliances formed, which did not last long, because of the struggle for control and Republican Presidential candidacy. More recently, a new alliance was formed, whose life span cannot be accurately predicted.
Following the victory of Donald Trump in the recent US elections, there are false prophets, who liken the US situation to Zambia in 2026. It is important to understand that the American Presidential elections are not based on popular votes.
They are based on an electoral college system, where each of the fifty states plus in the union is allocated a certain number of electoral college votes.
For a candidate to win, she or he must obtain a minimum of 270 electoral college votes.
There have been instances in the past, where the losing candidate has had millions more popular votes than the candidate who wins 270 plus electoral college votes. The American Presidential election system,is very confusing to many people. As to who will win the Zambian Presidential elections in 2026, its still too early to make such a prediction.
You’re on point, VJ; today’s alliances in Zambia are mostly out of selfish interests. For instance, someone is in it to get back what they have forfeited to the state – and loot more from the people.
It works! It has just worked in Washington!
Point of correction Mr vj it’s Micheal sata and the pf who left the alliance not the UPND.be factual you have been in politics for a long time.
The current political alliances have been necessitated due to the behavior of the government which in some instances border on criminality. Instead of delivery, HH has chosen the destruction of opponents by whatever means, especially the largest opposition the PF. It’s very unfortunate that an alderman like you had shied from addressing this undemocratic behavior. Those that are changing PF records at the Registrar of Societies will one go to prison. It’s just a matter of time
Another red tie affair
I wouldnt heed too much he says
as he was part of the KK era
Back then I said UNIP will never ever come back until the KK name was deleted and long forgotten
and so it came to pass
UNIP can come back now. If only it can have a charismatic leader.
Great and insightful article but the point alluded to in the article about “false prophets” suggests the convictions against Donald Trump and the fact that the man will pardon himself against the convicts once sentenced…
Kikiki….Seems criminals want to ascend to high office to avoid jail time….kikikiki.
Lusambo was suggesting that he will be pardoned in 2026….so the thought must have been widely discussed….what a world and times we live in…SMH!
Great and insightful article but the point alluded to in the article about “false prophets” suggests the convictions against Donald Trump and the fact that the man will pardon himself against the already prounced conviction once sentenced…
Kikiki….Seems criminals want to ascend to high office to avoid jail time….kikikiki.
Lusambo was suggesting that he will be pardoned in 2026….so the thought must have been widely discussed….what a world and times we live in…SMH!
Zambia is also comparable to US and Brazil. After all, Zambia is a nation state with democratic elections for aspiring candidates. It is just a matter of criteria. In US and Brazil, a former presidents bounced back into office against all odds. These are Lula and Trump. Politics is like that. Voters read between the lines. Voters can do anything to make their voice heard. Whether college vote system or popular vote system, one leader must emerge victorious
“They go back to pretty-independence days.”
What is GOEZ?
Kaunda got rid of VJ for known reasons now he wants to stay relevant please stay out of politics and counsel Mainga to stop messing about
No the reasons are unknown. Tell us. Mandrax? Theft of Hotel towels? What?
Mwaanga and Chiluba are the ones who worked the clause that barred Dr Kaunda from recontesting the presidency,
Leave KK out of it As like Lusambo I get a headache
The same electoral college system also applies in the UK national elections. Sir Keir Starmer won with a massive parliamentary majority, yet only achieved 33% of the popular vote. Hence 67% of the voting population of the UK have a govnt for which they did not vote!
Please Dr Mwaanga, go back to that rocking chair and enjoy retirement! You did your part in nation building including alleged masterminding of rigging elections. Many Zambians are inspired by your remarkable career where you were ambassador to USSR at only 21! Do not tarnish your image by siding with the current administration whose writing is on the wall, due to their failure to deliver election promises and oppressing Zambians.