Incarcerated opposition figure Munir has issued a call for unity among opposition political leaders, warning that internal divisions and personal ambition could undermine prospects for regime change ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
Writing from prison, Munir reflected on Zambia’s 2001 general election, arguing that opposition disunity at the time played a decisive role in the victory of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD). He said that had opposition leaders Ben Mwila and General Godfrey Miyanda set aside personal ambition and worked together, the election outcome would likely have been different.
Munir said the decision by the two opposition figures to contest the presidency separately split the opposition vote, allowing Levy Mwanawasa to win. He said voters were spread across competing opposition candidates, weakening their collective strength and handing victory to the ruling party.
He said the political environment today bears similarities to that period, with opposition politics again shaped by what he described as ego and self-centeredness. Munir said the opposition appeared fragmented, despite what he described as widespread public dissatisfaction with the current political order.
According to Munir, opposition leaders who believe they can defeat the ruling party individually were misreading the political reality. He said political change becomes easier when opposition groups unite, but said this required personal ambition to be subordinated to a collective objective.
Munir warned that unchecked ambition had consequences, stating that some opposition figures who believed they could challenge the ruling establishment alone were already finding themselves incarcerated. He said those currently free but driven by ego risked facing similar consequences in the future.
He said imprisonment had become a recurring experience for opposition figures in Zambia, arguing that divisions within opposition ranks made them vulnerable. Munir said political history showed that internal fragmentation often preceded electoral defeat and political repression.
Turning to the Patriotic Front (PF), Munir said it was no secret that the party had identifiable frontrunners with significant followings. He argued that the party’s chances of returning to government would be strengthened if its leading figures agreed to work together rather than pursuing individual presidential ambitions.
Munir cited Makebi Zulu and Brian Mundubile as examples of figures with substantial support bases within the PF. He questioned whether either could win a presidential election independently if both chose to contest separately.
He suggested that if the two leaders agreed to work as one, with one standing as presidential candidate and the other as running mate, the party would significantly improve its electoral prospects. Munir said such an arrangement would demonstrate maturity and commitment to winning power rather than personal advancement.
He said the discussion was necessary if the objective was to win elections and form government, but should be avoided if the aim was to undermine public aspirations. Munir said opposition leaders needed to reflect carefully on their decisions and consider the broader national interest.
He urged both Makebi Zulu and Brian Mundubile to independently assess their political choices without being influenced by emotionally charged supporters. Munir said political supporters were often driven by passion and loyalty, which could cloud judgment and obscure long-term consequences.
Munir quoted the Bible, citing Ecclesiastes 9:11, which states that success does not always go to the swift, the strong, or the wise, but is influenced by time and chance. He said current political circumstances appeared to favour two individuals and argued that others should consider yielding for the sake of unity.
He said a unified Patriotic Front would make it easier for other opposition parties to rally around a single front, creating a consolidated challenge to the ruling party in the 2026 elections.
Munir said failure to pursue unity would only benefit the ruling establishment and make electoral victory easier for them. He said opposition unity was not optional if meaningful political change was to be achieved.
He concluded by affirming his continued commitment to opposition politics and addressed the people of Chawama, stating that the spirit of resistance within the opposition remained alive despite imprisonment.
