People’s Pact Ready to Deliver New Leadership

People’s Pact Ready to Deliver New Leadership
Fred M’membe, President of the Socialist Party Zambia and leader of the People’s Pact coalition, has declared his movement ready to assume national leadership ahead of Zambia’s 2026 general elections. In a statement outlining his vision for the country, M’membe positioned the People’s Pact as the only political force capable of delivering transformative, values-driven governance that prioritises ordinary citizens over elite interests.

Speaking with conviction, M’membe grounded his leadership philosophy in personal upbringing and communal responsibility. He stressed that true leadership must embody decency, fairness, hard work, and foresight qualities he argued are absent in the current administration. “When one of us falls down, we must help to lift them back up,” he said, framing social solidarity as both a moral imperative and a policy foundation.

M’membe directly challenged the record of President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND), asserting that after nearly four years and five months in office, the government has lost touch with the poor and working class. He accused the UPND of abandoning core principles of justice, equity, and peace, and claimed its policies remain tethered to outdated frameworks that fail to address contemporary challenges.

Central to the People’s Pact platform is a sweeping education revolution. M’membe described education as “the engine room of equity and the economy,” arguing that Zambia risks falling further behind global competitors unless it makes radical investments in learning infrastructure, teacher quality, and research capacity. He called for a fully socialised, free, and high-quality education system from primary through tertiary levels, insisting that universities must be empowered to attract and retain top scientists, innovators, and researchers.

The proposal extends beyond education. M’membe also advocated for a complete overhaul of the public health system, demanding free and socialised healthcare accessible to all Zambians. He linked both reforms to a broader vision of nation-building rooted in the ideals of Zambia’s independence struggle ideals he believes have been eroded by recent governance failures.

Highlighting what he termed reckless land allocation practices, M’membe warned that national resources are being “dished out anyhow,” without transparency or regard for public interest. He insisted that future leaders must demonstrate honesty, humility, and solidarity, and govern with a clear ethical compass anchored in justice and respect for citizens.

The August 2026 election, according to M’membe, represents a stark choice between clinging to the past or embracing a progressive future. He framed the People’s Pact not merely as a political alternative but as a moral corrective a movement committed to restoring dignity, planning responsibly, and placing Zambians first in every policy decision.

He reaffirmed his party’s readiness to lead, stating that the Socialist Party offers not just criticism but a concrete plan for systemic transformation. “Nation building requires vision,” he said. “And our vision begins with an education revolution that will produce an innovative, skilled, and well-trained workforce capable of driving a knowledge-based economy.”