UPND Runing out of Time – Changala
Opposition political commentator and activist Brebner Changala has accused the ruling United Party for National Development of acting out of desperation as it seeks to retain power ahead of the August general elections.

Changala said recent political conduct by the ruling party reflects growing anxiety about its electoral prospects. He argued that instead of focusing on governance and service delivery, the UPND has increasingly resorted to aggressive political tactics aimed at suppressing dissent and weakening opposition forces.

According to Changala, the political environment has shifted significantly since the ruling party assumed office, with public patience wearing thin amid economic pressure and unmet expectations. He said the government’s response to criticism suggests an administration struggling to maintain legitimacy.

Changala pointed to what he described as selective application of the law, heightened intolerance toward opposing views, and increased political confrontations. He said these trends were inconsistent with democratic principles and raised concern about the direction of governance.

He argued that desperation often manifests when incumbents sense declining support. Changala said actions taken in recent months, including confrontations with opposition figures and heightened political rhetoric, indicated a ruling party preparing for a difficult electoral contest.

Changala also criticised what he described as the ruling party’s reliance on state visibility and institutional advantage. He said while incumbency provides access to resources and platforms, such advantages do not guarantee electoral success when public confidence erodes.

He said the upcoming elections would test whether voters prioritise accountability and performance over incumbency. Changala maintained that Zambians are increasingly conscious of the difference between political messaging and lived reality.

Changala further warned that desperation-driven politics carries risks for national stability. He said escalating tensions and confrontational tactics could undermine public trust in democratic institutions if not checked.

He urged the ruling party to respect political competition and uphold democratic norms as the election approaches. Changala said tolerance of opposing views and adherence to constitutional principles were essential to maintaining political stability.

Changala also addressed the opposition, saying unity and discipline would be critical in presenting a credible alternative. He said disorganisation within opposition ranks would only strengthen incumbency advantage.

He argued that the August election would be shaped by voter perception of fairness, leadership conduct, and economic conditions. Changala said desperation politics often backfires when voters perceive leaders as prioritising survival over service.

He maintained that political authority ultimately derives from the electorate and warned that attempts to cling to power through intimidation or manipulation risk long-term damage to democratic credibility.

Changala said the ruling party still had an opportunity to recalibrate its approach, but insisted that voters would render their judgment at the ballot.

Chilubi Member of Parliament Mulenga Fube has alleged that some opposition political parties that participated in the Chawama parliamentary by-election were sponsored by the ruling United Party for National Development, accusing them of deliberately working to divide the opposition vote.

Fube said the decision by certain opposition parties to field their own candidates instead of supporting a single candidate under the Tonse Alliance amounted to acting as paid mercenaries on behalf of the ruling party. He said such conduct weakened collective opposition efforts and handed an advantage to the UPND.

He described the behaviour as shocking, stating that the refusal by some parties to cooperate contradicted the broader call for opposition unity ahead of the August general elections. Fube said opposition parties that genuinely sought political change should have prioritised collective action over individual ambitions.

Fube alleged that some opposition leaders spent more time attacking fellow opposition figures than challenging the ruling party, a pattern he said raised serious questions about their independence. He said the conduct suggested the presence of hidden sponsorship arrangements designed to fragment the opposition.

He said the Chawama by-election provided clear evidence that unity was possible and effective when opposition parties worked together. According to Fube, the outcome of the by-election demonstrated that a united front could defeat the ruling party.

Fube said the opposition’s failure to act collectively in certain cases benefited the UPND by splitting votes and confusing voters. He said such strategies undermined the democratic process and eroded public trust in opposition politics.

He also accused some members within opposition ranks of applying double standards, saying it was disturbing that even individuals within established parties appeared willing to work against collective interests. Fube said such behaviour weakened the credibility of the opposition as a whole.

Fube called on opposition parties to reassess their positions and recommit to unity if they were serious about removing the UPND from power. He said ego-driven politics and personal calculations had no place in a movement seeking national change.

He said opposition unity was not optional but necessary, warning that continued fragmentation would only prolong the ruling party’s hold on power. Fube said the lesson from Chawama should guide opposition strategy going forward.

Fube maintained that opposition politics must be grounded in discipline, cooperation, and shared purpose. He said the electorate had shown a clear preference for unity and expected leaders to rise above individual interests.

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.