The Tonse Alliance, a breakaway faction of the United Kwacha Alliance, has unveiled former President Edgar Lungu as its candidate for the 2026 general elections.
This announcement was made following the signing ceremony and launch of the alliance at Palm Valley Lodge in Chongwe this afternoon.
The Tonse Alliance comprises Edgar Lungu’s surrogates who were kicked out of the United Kwacha Alliance for imposing his candidacy in the 2026 elections. 
Lungu still faces an eligibility case before the Constitutional Court regarding the 2021 General Election and future elections, with a judgment set for December 10, 2024.
The alliance, led by Dan Pule, consists of 11 members, including:
– PF Faction: Headed by former President Edgar Lungu
– Christian Democratic Party lead by Dan Pule
– Patriotic for Economic Progress by Sean Tembo
– New Congress Party by Wright Musoma
– Zambia Republican Party by Sontwe Sinkala
– Umodzi Kumawa (Tribal grouping led by Chanoda Ngwira)
– New Era Democratic Party by Simon Mwensa
– Center for Constitutionalism Legal Justice by Weston Mwango
– Zambia Youth Forum by Elephas Daka
– GEN Zee led by Jason Mwanza
– Apostolic Prophetic Network
This development comes as Lungu has been adopted as the presidential candidate by other parties, such as the United for a Better Zambia and the People’s Pact Alliance.
And addressing via video link Lungu, said he is committed to bring political parties together to fight the UPND government.
Lungu has accused the UPND of engaging in bad governance and having failed to deliver on campaign promises.
He says will restore constitutionalism and rule of law
However, Lungu’s potential comeback to Zambia’s presidency faces significant hurdles. Historically, no former president has returned to power since Zambia gained independence, setting a daunting precedent.
The few crowds cheering Lungu at church events or on the roadside are not a reliable indicator of his chances of winning elections.
Challenges During His Presidency (2015-2021)
• Economic Struggles: Zambia’s economy faced high inflation, reckless debt, and unemployment.
• Corruption Allegations: Lungu’s administration was accused of corruption, including embezzlement and nepotism. (given assets that have been forfeited this confirms his corruption)
• Human Rights Concerns: Reports of police brutality, restrictions on freedom of speech, and opposition harassment marred his tenure.
• Shrinking Media and Democratic Space: Media closures, suspensions, journalist arrests, and harassment was prevalent.
Challenges to Comeback
• Public Perception: Many Zambians view Lungu’s presidency as divisive and authoritarian.
• Internal PF Conflicts: Lungu faces opposition within his own party, the Patriotic Front (PF).
• Regional Dynamics: Zambia’s regional neighbors have shifted toward democratic governance, making Lungu’s authoritarian style less appealing.
