Kalaba says opposition cannot win with current numbers

Citizens First president Harry Kalaba has expressed concern about recent opinion poll figures, stating that the numbers suggest the opposition would struggle to defeat the ruling party if the current trends continue.

Speaking about the survey results, he said the figures should not be dismissed as routine political commentary but instead treated as an indication of how voters are currently responding to political messaging. According to him, the data signals that opposition parties still face significant challenges in building nationwide support.

He told supporters that the opposition must confront the reality reflected in the numbers and adjust its strategy accordingly. If the same patterns persist, he said, it would be difficult for opposition parties to secure victory in a national election.

The remarks come amid increasing discussion around opinion surveys circulating in Zambia’s political environment. Such polls often measure public sentiment toward political leaders and parties, offering snapshots of voter perceptions ahead of election cycles.

Opinion surveys do not determine election outcomes, but they frequently shape internal discussions within political organisations. Parties use the results to assess their standing with voters and evaluate whether their political messages are resonating with the public.

The Citizens First leader said the numbers should encourage deeper reflection among opposition leaders. According to him, political success depends on convincing voters that opposition parties offer credible alternatives to the governing administration.

He said the opposition must focus on building stronger connections with ordinary citizens rather than relying solely on criticism of government policies. Voters, he said, respond more strongly to leaders who demonstrate practical solutions to the issues affecting their lives.

Political competition, he said, requires sustained engagement with communities across the country. Without that engagement, opinion surveys are likely to continue reflecting limited growth in opposition support.

The comments also touched on the broader question of opposition cooperation. Zambia’s political landscape includes several opposition parties that often campaign separately, a situation some leaders believe reduces their collective influence.

According to him, unity and coordination remain important factors if opposition parties intend to compete effectively in national elections. Fragmentation among opposition groups can dilute political support and make it easier for a ruling party to maintain its advantage.

Political observers frequently note that coalition-building can alter the dynamics of electoral competition. In many political systems, alliances between opposition parties allow them to consolidate support and present a stronger challenge to incumbent governments.

Within Zambia’s opposition circles, discussions about cooperation have surfaced repeatedly in the years following previous elections. Some leaders have advocated for greater coordination, while others have chosen to pursue independent political strategies.

The opinion poll discussion has therefore revived debate about how opposition parties position themselves ahead of future electoral contests. For some political actors, the numbers highlight the need for renewed efforts to engage voters and expand political outreach.

He said opposition leaders must treat the figures as a signal rather than a final judgment. Elections are ultimately determined by voters on polling day, and political support can shift as campaigns evolve and new issues emerge.

The Citizens First leader urged supporters not to lose momentum despite the numbers. Instead, he said, the results should encourage opposition parties to intensify their work in communities and present clearer policy proposals.

Political campaigns, he said, are shaped by sustained engagement with citizens rather than isolated moments of political debate. Building trust among voters requires continuous interaction and visible leadership on issues affecting everyday life.

He added that opposition parties must also strengthen internal organisation and discipline if they hope to expand their support base. Effective political mobilisation, he said, depends on both strong leadership structures and clear communication with voters.

The discussion around opinion polls illustrates the competitive nature of Zambia’s political landscape. As parties assess their prospects ahead of future elections, survey numbers are likely to remain part of the broader debate about political strategy and voter engagement.