Historically, Zambia’s ruling parties have consistently performed well in by-elections, only to face surprising defeats during general elections. For instance, UNIP dominated by-elections but lost to MMD, which had never won a single election prior. Similarly, MMD excelled in by-elections but was ultimately defeated by PF, a party that had just one MP at the time. Following this pattern, PF enjoyed significant success in by-elections but was then challenged and lost to UPND during a general election, despite predictions that UPND would never rise to power.
Currently, UPND, now in power, is struggling to secure victories in by-elections. There are allegations of an unholy alliance with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), which some believe is declaring UPND winners of by-elections despite clear indications of their losses. Reports of electoral corruption, voter buying, and intimidation through police and party cadres have emerged during these elections.
Just as previous ruling parties have experienced, UPND’s seemingly unbroken winning streak may unravel in the general elections. The narrative suggests that UPND, once perceived as a political heavyweight, will experience a major setback. There is a growing sentiment among Zambians for genuine change, and many believe that Chishala Kateka of the New Heritage Party will lead this change, significantly embarrassing UPND.
The analogy of Mbuzi the goat and the monster aptly captures the current political climate in Zambia. The monster symbolizes the UPND, which, like a bully, has instilled fear within the populace. One day, when the monster encountered Mbuzi at a bridge, Mbuzi, though seemingly defenseless, bravely stood his ground. Despite the monster’s threats and aggression, Mbuzi delivered an impressive head-butt, causing the monster to tumble into a river, representing the power of the people to effect change through their vote in upcoming elections.
In this narrative, the bridge signifies elections, while the river current represents the collective power of the voters. By 2026, the belief is that the electorate will harness this power to remove UPND from leadership, paving the way for a new chapter with the election of Zambia’s 8th president and its first female president, Chishala Kateka. This transition is envisioned as a move towards economic independence and liberation from UPND’s hold.
Chishala Kateka is projected to bring a compassionate and trustworthy leadership, focusing on eliminating corruption and ensuring land ownership is granted to Zambians. She aims to abolish the current 99-year lease land system and establish perpetual land ownership for Zambians, granting them both surface and subsurface rights.
Her vision includes fostering economic independence where Zambians can fully control their lands and resources, ensuring no one is unjustly displaced in favor of foreign mining companies, which is a current concern. Aggephrey Brill Chief Spokesperson New Heritage Party
