In a powerful address at the Tonse Alliance launch, former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu formally accepted his adoption as the 2026 presidential candidate. With a focus on unity and collaboration, Lungu emphasized the urgent need to restore Zambia’s constitutional democracy, rule of law, and economic stability. His speech reflected a deep concern for the challenges Zambians are currently facing under the UPND government and a call to action for all opposition forces to unite for the well-being of the nation.
A Call to Action for Unity
Dr. Lungu’s speech underscored the importance of a united opposition, stressing that the time for working in isolation had passed. He urged opposition parties, civil society organizations, and citizens to come together with a common purpose. This unity, he argued, was necessary to confront the failures and mismanagement of the current government. He appealed to various sectors, including the Church, trade unions, academia, and political parties, to align their efforts in addressing the country’s pressing issues, such as economic mismanagement, governance failures, and the erosion of constitutionalism.
Critique of the Current Administration
Lungu didn’t shy away from critiquing the ruling UPND government. He noted that the country was grappling with an economic meltdown, soaring living costs, and worsening power outages. He highlighted how the promises made by the government, including affordable fuel and an end to load-shedding, had not been fulfilled, leaving many ordinary Zambians disillusioned. Small businesses, he pointed out, were suffering from unreliable power supply, and farmers were deprived of the support they had previously relied on.
The former president also mentioned how the current administration had failed to address the basic needs of the people, including accessible public services and a favorable business environment. His remarks reflected his concern for the hardships faced by Zambians, particularly the vulnerable groups who had hoped for positive change after the 2021 elections.
A Vision for the Future
While Lungu acknowledged the challenges ahead, he also conveyed optimism for the future. He emphasized that the fight was not just about removing the UPND from power but about securing the well-being of every Zambian. In his acceptance speech, he reiterated his pledge to prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens, focusing on creating a more stable economy, restoring jobs, and improving access to basic services.
His vision for the 2026 elections is one where the collective will of the Zambian people—through a broad-based coalition of opposition parties—would lead to a government that truly serves its people. Lungu’s call for unity is not just a political maneuver; it is a plea to save the country from what he described as the incompetence and misrule of the current leadership.
A Plea for Collaboration with Other Political Alliances
Lungu also extended an olive branch to other political alliances, such as the United Kwacha Alliance and Zambia We Want, encouraging them to work together to restore the country to its former glory. He made it clear that his candidacy was not an isolated endeavor but part of a larger movement aimed at reshaping Zambia’s political landscape.
Acknowledging the Support of the Tonse Alliance
Expressing gratitude to the Tonse Alliance partners, Lungu pledged to deliver on the trust they had placed in him as the 2026 presidential candidate. His speech conveyed a deep sense of responsibility, and he vowed not to let his supporters down. He further expressed confidence that, with the collective support of Zambians, victory in the 2026 elections was within reach.
Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s acceptance of the Tonse Alliance’s nomination as the 2026 presidential candidate marks a critical moment in Zambia’s political history. His speech was not just a personal declaration but a call to all Zambians—regardless of political affiliation—to unite for the common good. Whether or not he will succeed in his bid for a return to power remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Lungu’s vision for Zambia is one rooted in unity, constitutionalism, and a commitment to restoring the country’s democratic and economic stability.
