as Fred M’membe and Kelvin Fube Bwalya (KBF) sniff good stuff
FORMER President Edgar Lungu is fighting for his life in South Africa. His over two months absence from public eye back home seem to have opened doors for some political vultures who want to succeed him even before God the creator calls his soul.
Socialist Party president Fred M’membe and Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP) leader Kelvin Fube Bwalya are positioning themselves to take over the leadership of the Tonse alliance so as to be the political grouping’s 2026 presidential candidate. 
Sensing that their own stagnant and less popular political creations can never win them any election, Fred M’membe and KBF are seeing an opportunity in their fellow human being’s illness to advance their failed political ambitions.
What else could explain better Fred M’membe’s U- turn on what he had termed a “non-starter political arrangement?”
It is inhumane for Fred M’membe and others to plot to take over the Tonse alliance while Mr. Lungu is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for his throat cancer in South Africa. These are the dark eyes of evil that can only see an open door to enter the Palace while a fellow human being is fighting for his life.
From the time Mr. Lungu travelled to South Africa for his health attention, the political scene has seen and witnessed the scramble for personal political advancement by some opposition leaders, amid announcements to join the Tonse alliance.
It can be argued that their decisions are not driven by the sense of promoting unite. Rather, it is abundantly clear that decisions are motivated by their selfish and evil minds. These so-called political associates of the former President are busy, day and night, plotting to succeed him.
In fact, one would wonder how the leftist and rightist can merge and work together without policy conflict.
This marriage is hypocritical and incoherent. It’s a marriage of political convenience that can not stand on solid ground.
Fred M’membe, has joined the Tonse Alliance, a coalition of opposition parties led by former President Edgar Lungu, who is also the alliance’s chairman and presidential candidate for the 2026 elections.
Why has Fred M’membe’s Socialist Party, known for its leftist ideology and sharp criticism of capitalist tendencies joined the Tonse Alliance? The Tonse Alliance aims to unseat the current government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND, in the 2026 elections
A key question is how the Socialist Party’s leftist ideology will align with other parties in the alliance.
Who will lead the alliance going into the 2026 election?
How are they going to harmonize the two different ideologies?
Leadership conundrum
How will M’membe who is not passenger settle in the alliance?
Leadership dynamics within the alliance are complex, with Lungu at the helm and Kelvin Bwalya Fube potentially serving as his backup plan B if he does not succeed to overturn the court judgement that barred him from contesting.
However, internal conflicts within the PF faction are evident. Some members, like Given Lubinda and Raphael Nakachinda, have formed a pact, claiming they’ve been instrumental in keeping the party afloat.
Meanwhile, others, like Brain Mudunbile and his allies, are opposed to Kelvin Bwalya Fube’s involvement, labeling him a traitor. NCP Leader Peter Chanda is also asserting his leadership role within the alliance.
Anticipate power struggles in Tonse Alliance just like the case was in the United Kwacha Alliance UKA.
Philosophical Muddle
One preaches socialism, the other practiced capital-driven governance.
Political party philosophy plays a crucial role in shaping policy debates, political discourse, and societal values, ultimately influencing how governments address pressing issues like economic inequality, social justice, and individual rights.
The challenge lies in combining two distinct ideologies – socialism and capitalism.
Key Differences
Socialism (Fred M’membe Party) emphasizes collective ownership, where the state controls and owns the means of production. This implies nationalizing production entities, on the other hand Capitalism (Tonse Alliance) advocates for a free market, promoting unrestrictive economics, deregulation, and limited government intervention.
For instance, under Fred M’membe socialist policies, private ownership might be severely limited, as illustrated by this example if a private individual owns 20 cows for milk the government will seize the cows and instead provide them 2 liters of milk per day.
Socialism advocates for a more active role in economic and social matters, while rightist ideologies prefer limited government intervention.
Socialism promotes collective ownership, while rightist ideologies support private ownership and free markets.
Socialism prioritizes social welfare and equality, while rightist ideologies emphasize individual freedom and personal responsibility.
Marriage of convenience, nothing will work out here! It’s a B.I.D
