By Exhilda Mwansa
When the opposition bloc announced a joint press briefing earlier this week, it ignited curiosity and anticipation across the country. Many imagined that perhaps a major declaration was on the horizon a roadmap to challenge the UPND administration as the 2026 elections draw nearer.
The build-up was intense, especially following a leaked audio that cast doubts over the unity within the opposition ranks. Yet, despite visible tensions, the alliance showed composure and a united front, a feat worth noting.
But when the moment came, the outcome was underwhelming. No strategic punch. No fresh proposals. Just a call almost a plea for dialogue with President Hakainde Hichilema.
On the surface, it looked like a reasonable political move. But scratch deeper, and it revealed more vulnerability than strength. With over a year to go before elections, the opposition’s call for talks with a president known for shunning inclusive engagement came off as poorly timed and miscalculated.
HH, whether deliberately or by default, now holds the upper hand. If he chooses to entertain their call, it will likely be on his terms. He’ll control the agenda, lead the optics, and emerge as the gracious leader open to dialogue even if he gives nothing in return.
Let’s be honest HH had multiple opportunities to call for genuine dialogue in the past. He didn’t. Not during economic hardships. Not during the cyber laws debate. Not when the public and civil society stood in opposition to controversial legislative changes or the deepening power crisis. If dialogue wasn’t meaningful then, what has changed now?
The president’s track record suggests he is more inclined to bulldoze than build consensus. Not even diplomatic pressure from international partners has shifted that stance. So why now should anyone believe that a dialogue table, if set, will be anything more than a trap?
By seeking dialogue now, the opposition might have unintentionally legitimized HH’s posture. Worse still, they may have handed him a public relations advantage he didn’t have to work for. In politics, perception is everything. The image of an opposition alliance “asking” for a meeting can easily be reframed by the ruling party as a sign of capitulation.
Zambians are looking for alternatives. Not a coalition that appears unsure or reactive. The 2021 UPND victory was largely about confidence and clarity of purpose. If the current opposition wishes to replicate that, they must project strength not submit themselves to an orchestrated political chess game.
Ultimately, the opposition may have walked right into a narrative trap one where HH emerges strong and presidential, and they appear fragmented, uncertain, and yes desperate for an audience.
The opposition does not need a dialogue with HH. What they need is a formular to win a bye- or general election. Cosying around with sitting presidents has never helped any opposition in a democracy.
let’s have an alternative leader put forward by UPND for 2026 that will give our reveval some hope
I agree with this writer. Engaging HH in any form of dialogue is a waste of time because nothing can come out of it. With so many unkept promises for which not a single apology has been made, what makes my friends think there can be any dialogue that can result in anything meaningful? This is a set up and the losers are the opposition. What is needed now is full mobilisation of all opposition forces, civil society, the Church and like minded groups and individuals to craft a common strategy to ensure victory in next year’s election, not grandstanding and posturing!
Zambians love politicking 24/7 instead of working hard .At this rate we will never catch up with China,Vietnam which are seriously leaping far ahead .
You right working hard is the way BUT with the right leader cat the helm
President HH should just ignore these insignificant individuals they have nothing of value to add to the conversation or to offer to the Zambian people.
They are just not worth talking to.
I have not seen a synchronised opposition party manifesto, or an economic transformation strategy from the opposition. All I see them do is hop from one press conference to another radio station. Only Kalaba is on the ground, talking directly to the people in remote districts away from Lusaka and the Copperbelt. With visible failure from the UPND, this would have been a chance for this fragmented and idea less opposition to show us initiatives to improve the livelihoods of Zambians but no, it’s just a talking shop
Opposition are only focusing on HH for reasons known for themselves. Most of those Opposition Leaders were in certain positions which they abused. Now they are dancing back and forth in a confused manner that HH was/is down to-earth in amending our constitution.