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The United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) has rejected growing calls for a unified opposition ahead of the 2026 general elections, arguing that unity without accountability risks legitimizing past abuses and corruption.
UPPZ leader, Charles Chanda, said the calls overlook Zambia’s recent political history and the suffering citizens endured under former regimes now positioning themselves as part of the opposition.
Chanda issued the statement in Lusaka in response to renewed appeals from political leaders, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, and religious groups urging the opposition to unite.
He noted that many of the voices now advocating for unity were silent or complicit during periods marked by alleged corruption, human rights violations, and abuse of state power.
“These are the same voices we cried under when those who are now in opposition were untouchable. Zambians seem to forget too easily,” Chanda stated.
He questioned whether the nation had forgotten high-profile controversies such as the $42 million fire tender procurement, alleged cases of unjustified imprisonments, and what he described as widespread corruption and disregard for democratic norms.
“Are we not the same Zambians who cried the loudest when there was so much corruption going on?” he asked.
Chanda said UPPZ found it contradictory to unite with individuals and parties it previously opposed on grounds of governance failures and human rights abuses, only to challenge similar shortcomings under the current administration.
“You cannot unite with those who crushed others in order to form government. We cannot unite with previous corrupt leaders to fight current corruption. It does not work like that,” he said.
He stressed that the party’s political identity has remained consistent since the 2017–2021 period, when it campaigned against what it termed cadreism, abuse of human rights, and authoritarian tendencies.
The UPPZ leader added that the party would rather remain outside power than compromise its principles for electoral convenience.
“If we are not voted for, we have nothing to lose. But we cannot compromise today simply because we want to be in power,” he said.
Chanda added that UPPZ’s exclusion from various opposition alliances should not be viewed negatively, arguing that political cooperation must be based on shared values and accountability.
“Two cannot walk together unless they agree,” he said.
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