By Aristide Bance
The political landscape in Zambia is heating up as the 2026 general elections approach. Among the key players is the 6 th Republican and former President of the Republic, Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who has been selected as the presidential candidate for the Tonse Alliance. While his selection reflects confidence from his political allies, his leadership bid raises questions about his ability to inspire and reassure the electorate.
The Burden of Leadership in a Comeback Attempt
A former president attempting to return to State House carries both opportunities and challenges.On one hand, such a candidate has the benefit of experience, institutional knowledge, and an established public profile. On the other hand, they face heightened scrutiny of their past leadership record and their current capacity to address the nation’s pressing issues.
For the 6 th Republican President, Mr Lungu, these challenges are amplified by his reliance on surrogates to communicate his vision. Political allies and spokespeople seem to dominate his campaign narrative, often leaving the electorate questioning his personal resolve and capability to lead. The alliance’s confidence in him may not necessarily translate to voter confidence,especially in a country where the electorate demands authenticity and direct accountability from
its leaders.
When the Mouth is the Enemy
One of the most significant hurdles for the former president is his difficulty in effectively communicating with the public. The ability to inspire through words and convey a clear vision is a cornerstone of political leadership. Unfortunately, when he does take the stage, his speeches often result in confusion rather than clarity. His perceived missteps in public communication leave more questions than answers, undermining trust and making it difficult for voters to rally behind him.
This communication gap fuels perceptions that his leadership would be characterized by ambiguity and poor decision-making. In an era where Zambians are keenly aware of the socio-economic challenges they face, from economic recovery to youth unemployment and governance reforms, a leader who cannot articulate coherent solutions risks alienating critical voter bases.
The Tonse Alliance: A Double-Edged Sword
The Tonse Alliance’s adoption of the former president as their candidate signifies a calculated gamble. While the alliance likely views his experience as an asset, they also shoulder the burden of compensating for his weaknesses, particularly in public communication. This reliance on an alliance to bolster his image could backfire if voters perceive him as a puppet of political elites rather than a leader in his own right.
Moreover, alliances in African politics are often fragile and subject to internal divisions. If the former president’s communication blunders continue to dominate headlines, his candidacy could strain the unity of the Tonse Alliance, further weakening their electoral chances.
The Road to 2026: Questions of Vision and Strategy
As Zambia moves closer to the 2026 elections, Mr Lungu must confront the reality that leadership is not just about past achievements or political endorsements—it is about connecting with the people and addressing their aspirations head-on. His reliance on others to shape his narrative risks alienating an electorate that is increasingly demanding transparency,
accountability, and bold leadership.
To succeed, he must demonstrate that he is not just a figurehead but a leader capable of addressing Zambia’s pressing issues. This requires a clear and compelling vision for the future (Which in the past, he said he did not have, but later said he was merely continuing with his predecessor’s vision. See, what I mean by mis-steps in communication), communicated directly and authentically to the people. Without this, his bid for a comeback could be seen as an exercise
in nostalgia rather than a genuine effort to lead Zambia into a new era of prosperity.
The 6 th Republican President’s journey to reclaim State House is fraught with challenges. While the Tonse Alliance may provide him with a platform, the real question is whether he can rise to the occasion and win the hearts and minds of Zambians. For now, the jury is still out, and the road ahead remains uncertain.
Just leave ECL alone and in peace. People will make their own decisions using the ballot please. Write something on how we need mechanised farming to grow more food
The real question is whether he can be given special privileges to run for a 3rd term. Simply put, he is not eligible and this will soon be confirmed by the Con-Court!
Consider that the constitution defines an electoral term as a period exceeding 3 years. Yes there is the area that says has been elected twice, but if one of the elections did not amount to a term, are we being fair to the candidate? Remember that it is a constitutional requirement to be fair. So let’s let this issue rest. What should concern us is the appointment of carders to the electoral commission.
Love him or Hate him
He can say things we cant
Let him ramble on
Otherwise we may become a “One Man Participatory Democrocy”
The people will decide….or maybe our remote controlled courts will decide for the people.
Personally it makes no difference because all of them are a huge disappointment.
Lungu should be explaining how he got questionable wealth………
Even before he thinks of returning,……..
let him prove the wealth was not stolen or aquired through corruption……..
That ” show me where or which ministry I stole from…” …….
Won’t work……..just show the recites or money trial…….simple…….
How can we have a president who does not care or does not want to show he is not a theif….???
It’s a shame…..
Forwadee 2031
Firstly, Edgar Lungu’s sole diagnosis about his loss is that it was due to ‘caderism’. However, Lungu’s streetwise nature and universal corruption contributed significantly to his ouster. Edgar Lungu is a polarizing figure to a majority of Zambians and indeed, without state machinery, he remains untested. The coalition that Sata built all but crumbled. At best, they can be competitive, but winning is a farfetched dream. The 2026 election will be characterized by people opting to stay at home, but I see the UPND winning unenthusiastically up until their exit in 2031.
Spot on…..
Very true, the 50+1 rule should also apply to the voter turnout. A vote has to be legitimate, whether it’s 60% spoilt ballots, majority of eligible voters must turn up for the vote to be legitimate.
In my opinion it’s better to leave the stage while people are still clapping for you otherwise it will be a mistake to continue in politics for ECL. We cannot take it away from him he scored in infrastructure, and he will be always remembered for that and had he managed to complete the Lusaka – Ndola dual carriage way it was going to be very difficult for new leaders to match him.
What if the courts rule that he is not eligible to stand for the third in 2026, won’t it be difficult for the old man to accommodate that. Remember what happened in 1996, the same history can repeat itself. Those nashala neka parties please allow the big man to rest, we still need him as a country for consultation.
That’s disenfranchising millions of voters. Consider the repercussions.
Leaders who cling to their parties after losing a general election kill their own political parties. We saw that with KK and FTJ. And we are seeing this with Lungu. If Lungu had genuinely retired and endorsed his successor PF would have been in a very strong position to give the UPND a good run for their money or even score an upset. This is just my personal opinion. Don’t insult me. If you think otherwise just put your opinions on this thread.
Let him run he wont win #FM28
@Swahili for the unity………… let him go through the legal issue of eligibility, then sponsored by a registered political party which at the moment is unknown. Even then, he will be reminded of results in 2021 of Choma: ECL 3. HH 69, 879.
Mazabuka:ECL 18. HH 139, 638. Nchelenge: ECL 11,236. HH 12, 128. Zambezi: ECL 1,243. HH 12,847. Harrowing memory results, could be worse in 2026.
Im wondering what the purpose of your article is. You were just mumbling & rumbling! Then you call yourself a journalist?????
Read articles by reporters as Chibamba Kanyanta, Field Ruwe etc & see how REAL journalists write!
We understand things differently, my brother, and if you do not get it, kindly do not compare me to other people you prefer. It is not everything you have to agree with or comment on just for the sake of…Kind Regards.
Have we run out of suitable candidates that we are willing to give another opportunity to the Chief Carder himself?