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Chama North Member of Parliament Yotam Mtayachalo has cautioned the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) against assuming it will automatically win the 2026 general elections.
Mtayachalo warned that it would be a political miscalculation for the UPND to remain in a “comfort zone” on the belief that the country lacked a strong opposition to challenge President Hakainde Hichilema in August 2026.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, he said that while recent by-election results indicate Md the UPND still commanded strong support in its traditional strongholds, the ruling party could face stiff competition in Eastern, Luapula, Northern, Muchinga and parts of Central provinces.
He noted that by-elections might
not accurately reflect the national political climate, especially since the Tonse Alliance did not campaign aggressively in the recent Lumezi and Mfuwe contests due to the standoff over former President Edgar Lungu’s burial.
“In my view, it will be naive for the UPND to think that since there is yet no opposition torchbearer, then 2026 would be an easy walk in the park. I do not think so because, in the game of politics, dynamics can shift at any time,” Mtayachalo said.
He cautioned that the ruling party could also face challenges among urban and younger voters, noting that in Africa it is common for such groups to favour opposition parties.
Mtayachalo said the “real political drama” would begin once Parliament is dissolved in 2026, as individual MPs can influence electoral outcomes based on their political alignments.
He added that people were waiting to see if the Tonse Alliance would quickly settle on a unified presidential candidate, warning that a nominee without grassroots support would weaken the opposition’s chances.
Mtayachalo further criticised selfishness among opposition leaders who “overrate themselves” and seek the presidency without honest self-assessment.
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“Beating the ruling party without a workable and effective political strategy is like shooting in the dark. Political dynamics can change according to the real mood of the people on the ground,” he said.
He also urged the UPND to address economic hardships, particularly in urban areas such as the Copperbelt and Lusaka.
Responding to the remarks, State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said the UPND had seasoned politicians who unders potential shifts in political dynamics.
“That’s why, even during recent by-elections, we don’t take things by chance,” Hamasaka said.
He questioned under what political framework the Tonse Alliance would field a candidate, noting that it was not a registered political party.
Hamasaka added that in the 2021 elections, all political parties under the UPND alliance backed the UPND itself, while those under the PF alliance supported the Patriotic Front.
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