Donald J Trump is the new old President of the US. He is both the 45th and 47th president of the great nation of America after bouncing back to the position he lost to the Democrats’ Joe Biden in 2020.
Back home, the news of Trump’s win has been received with jubilation for those who wish the same fate for Zambia come 2026. A closer look at the run to this year’s elections in the USA though, shows distinctions and a stark reminder that things are not the same, I will highlight the three reasons why. 
1..The UPND Won’t Change The Winning Team
President Trump’s win has been aided by the fact that the ruling Democrats changed the winning team at the 11th hour. While the decision seemed the right one, the timing was certainly not as the Democrats ended up with very little time to campaign, giving Trump a huge boost. On the other hand, it is very unlikely that the UPND will change their presidential candidate in Hakainde Hichilema at the very last minute, especially given his record so far.
2.. Eligibility
If you did probability anywhere along your school radder, then you know that the chances of President Lungu even contesting the elections in 2026 are at ½ and am being generous. This is because there is a strong case on his eligibility to contest future elections and if the outcome of the December 10 verdict doesn’t go in his favor, then the dreams of Alebwelelapo will die even before we reach the year of elections.
3.. Sponsoring Party
While Donald Trump was a clear and sponsored candidate for the radical republicans, former President Edgar Lungu finds himself in a position where he doesn’t even have a political party to sponsor his candidature should he win the eligibility case. This may give him less time to campaign under any party that opts to adopt him. Political parties are just as important as political candidates anywhere, in Zambia at the moment, the odds are way higher for those who are neither red nor green.
The above three factors and many others not highlighted are a caution to those celebrating President Trump’s comeback with the lense of what they hope to happen in Zambia in 2026. The factors are different.
Ends//
Hamatan Kachabe
Email; [email protected]
