M’membe, Phiri call for opposition unity ahead of 2026 elections

People’s Pact 2026 Presidential candidate, Dr. Fred M’membe, has urged Zambians and opposition political leaders to embrace unity, saying the era of division must come to an end as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.

M’membe said the recent Chawama by-election victory, achieved through an opposition electoral pact, demonstrated the power of collaboration.

In contrast, he noted that the lack of unity in the Kasama mayoral by-election, which some elements in the PF and Tonse Alliance rejected, resulted in defeat.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, M’membe said the nation was yearning for hope—hope that depends on the ability of leaders to come together.

“The nation is yearning for hope, which rests on the ability of leaders to stand together,” he said.

He emphasized that those seeking national leadership must be willing to set aside ego, personal ambition and pride to form a strong, united front.

M’membe stressed that collaboration—not fragmentation—will build a formidable opposition capable of presenting a meaningful alternative to the electorate.

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“Unity is essential to create a just, fair, humane, equitable and prosperous Zambia ahead of August 13, 2026,” he added.

Similarly, Professor Bizeck Phiri, a historian at the University of Zambia, echoed M’membe’s call and advised opposition leaders to put aside their pride and unite.

Phiri said failure to form a united opposition now would give the UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema a clear advantage in the 2026 elections.

“The disintegration in the PF as a result of court issues and internal wrangles is one major contributing factor to the opposition being in disarray, and this is likely to continue until the August 13 general elections,” he warned.

Phiri emphasized that only a coordinated and disciplined opposition pact would stand a chance in the upcoming elections.

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