Lubinda Declares UPND Finished Ahead of August Polls

Lubinda Declares UPND Finished Ahead of August Polls

Patriotic Front acting president Given Lubinda has declared the ruling United Party for National Development politically finished, arguing that opposition unity has reshaped Zambia’s electoral terrain ahead of the August general elections.

Lubinda said recent electoral outcomes, including the Chawama parliamentary by-election, demonstrate a shift in voter behaviour that favours coordinated opposition efforts over fragmented competition. He stated that the ruling party is now facing the consequences of sustained public dissatisfaction and a loss of confidence among voters.

According to Lubinda, the Chawama result should be understood as more than a local contest. He described it as an indicator of national sentiment, particularly in urban constituencies where voters are increasingly motivated by economic pressure, governance concerns, and accountability rather than party loyalty.

Lubinda maintained that opposition cooperation has neutralised the advantage traditionally enjoyed by incumbents when opposition parties contest elections separately. He said vote splitting has historically distorted outcomes, allowing ruling parties to prevail without majority support, a pattern he claimed is now being reversed.

The PF acting leader said opposition leaders had learned from past electoral cycles in which personal ambition and rivalry weakened collective performance. He argued that recent coordination reflects a deliberate shift toward discipline and shared strategy rather than convenience.

Lubinda also dismissed suggestions that opposition unity was temporary or opportunistic. He said the current alignment is rooted in shared objectives and recognition that electoral success requires cooperation. He added that voters are increasingly attentive to whether political leaders place national interest above individual positioning.

He criticised the ruling party’s governance record, stating that economic hardship and rising living costs have eroded public trust. Lubinda said voters are responding to lived experience rather than political messaging, particularly in areas affected by high prices, job insecurity, and reduced purchasing power.

Lubinda further stated that the political environment heading toward August remains competitive, but insisted that momentum is no longer on the side of the ruling party. He said opposition leaders must now focus on maintaining cohesion, avoiding internal disputes, and presenting clear alternatives to the electorate.

He warned that any return to rivalry or disunity would undermine gains already made. Lubinda said the responsibility now lies with opposition leaders to demonstrate maturity and consistency in the months ahead.

Lubinda acknowledged that the ruling party would continue to campaign aggressively and utilise state visibility, but argued that electoral outcomes ultimately depend on voter choice. He said recent results suggest that incumbency alone no longer guarantees victory.

The PF acting president said the August election would be defined by whether voters seek continuity or change. He expressed confidence that the electorate is prepared to pursue change through coordinated opposition support.

Lubinda concluded that opposition unity has already altered the political balance and that sustaining this approach will be decisive in determining the outcome of the general election.