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The Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has cautioned that Zambia’s opposition parties may struggle to unseat the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) in 2026 if they remained divided.
SACCORD Executive Director, Arthur Muyunda, said ongoing infighting among opposition parties had weakened their ability to provide effective checks and balances since UPND took office in 2021.
In an interview with Zambia Monitor, Muyunda urged opposition leaders to set aside differences and present a united front to mount a credible challenge against the ruling party.
“The UPND should not relax but focus on fulfilling their campaign promises to improve Zambians’ livelihoods and secure re-election in 2026,” he said.
He stressed that the government must move beyond the blame game and deliver tangible development to win voter confidence.
Muyunda commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for its preparations ahead of the 2026 elections, noting that continuous voter registration efforts had added 9,115 new voters in November 2024 alone.
He emphasized the ECZ’s role in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process, including voter registration, access to electoral information, and adherence to the Electoral Code of Conduct.
“To foster a more conducive political environment, Zambia must move away from propaganda and name-calling,” Muyunda stated.
He called for issue-based politics that prioritize citizens’ concerns, particularly as the country approaches the next elections.
Reflecting on progress since the 2021 general elections, Muyunda lauded ECZ’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability, saying they were steps in the right direction.
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