- Performance Over Politics
The strongest foundation of the UPND’s growing strength is delivery, not rhetoric.
President Hakainde Hichilema is no longer campaigning on promises alone. He now campaigns on record. Improved electricity supply, stabilised economic indicators, and falling commodity prices are not slogans — they are measurable outcomes affecting daily life.
When voters begin to feel change directly in their homes and pockets, political support becomes more solid and less emotional. 
- Improved ZESCO Power Supply
One of the most visible changes has been increased hours of electricity supply.
Power is not just a convenience; it drives economic activity. More consistent electricity means:
- Small businesses in townships in urban areas in Midlands (Lusaka and Kabwe) and the Copperbelt operate longer
- Students can study at night
- Families experience less disruption
Reliable power supply creates both economic relief and psychological confidence in leadership.
- Reduction in Essential Commodity Prices
The reduction in prices of mealie meal, cooking oil, sugar and bread signals that economic stability is filtering down to consumers.
When over 30 companies reduce prices in response to macroeconomic improvements, that shows policy impact.
Lower prices on staple foods are politically powerful because they touch every household.
- Fuel Price Reductions
Fuel is a backbone commodity. When fuel prices drop:
- Transport costs decrease
- Production costs ease
- Inflationary pressure reduces
Lower fuel prices create a ripple effect across the economy, strengthening public perception of government effectiveness.
- Appreciation of the Kwacha
A strengthening currency restores investor confidence and reduces import costs.
Currency stability sends a message both domestically and internationally that economic management is disciplined and credible.
For voters, it signals that the country is regaining financial footing.
- Macroeconomic Stability Translating into Real Relief
In previous years, economic discussions often remained abstract. Today, macroeconomic stability is becoming visible in daily life.
The shift from economic turbulence to measurable improvement gives the UPND a narrative rooted in results, not theory.
- Organised Political Strategy (Mingalato as Preparation) Political organisation, messaging and mobilisation matter in every democracy.
What is described as “mingalato” in this context refers to preparation — strengthening party structures, mobilising supporters, and refining messaging.
An organised party heading into an election always holds an advantage over a fragmented one.
- Strong Party Structures and Grassroots Presence
The UPND has spent years building structures across the country.
A party with strong grassroots networks can:
- Mobilise voters effectively
- Communicate policies clearly
- Maintain cohesion under pressure
Strong internal structures reduce internal conflict and strengthen campaign execution.
- Opposition Fragmentation
Political strength is relative. The opposition landscape appears divided, with disagreements over alliances, party identity, and leadership direction.
When competing factions cannot agree internally, they struggle to present a unified alternative to voters.
- Rebranding Challenges Within the Opposition
The PF preparing to contest under a different politics party name introduces uncertainty for its supporters.
Rebranding can create confusion among voters and weaken brand recognition, especially in rural and undecided constituencies.
- Leadership Stability Versus Opposition Disagreement
President Hichilema presents a stable and consistent leadership image.
In contrast, visible disagreements within opposition ranks create a perception of instability.
Voters often prioritise predictability and continuity over internal political drama.
- Campaign Funding Transparency and Local Support
Statements indicating that campaign resources will be locally sourced reinforce an image of independence and grassroots backing.
A party confident in its domestic funding base projects strength and organisational depth.
- International Credibility Restored
Restored international relations and economic credibility strengthen Zambia’s global standing.
This not only improves investment confidence but also reinforces the perception that the country is back on a stable path.
- Narrative Control
The UPND currently controls a strong narrative built around:
- Economic recovery
- Improved service delivery
- Stability
- Policy consistency
In elections, narrative momentum is powerful. When the governing party defines the conversation around performance, it shapes public perception.
- Incumbency Combined With Measurable Gains
Incumbency alone does not guarantee victory. However, incumbency paired with visible improvements creates a powerful combination.
When voters see tangible benefits, they are less inclined to gamble on uncertainty.
- Public Confidence Growing Closer to Elections
As elections approach, voters typically assess:
- Who appears prepared
- Who appears united
- Who appears effective
On these measures, the UPND currently projects confidence, while the opposition appears to be managing internal challenges.
- Momentum Matters in Politics
Momentum influences perception. Each reduction in prices, each improvement in service delivery, and each sign of economic stability contributes to an image of forward movement.
Political momentum, once established, can reinforce itself.
- Performance Versus Promises
Ultimately, elections become a comparison exercise:
- Delivery versus pledges
- Cohesion versus fragmentation
- Stability versus uncertainty
The UPND’s argument is grounded in measurable progress rather than projection.
Closing Radio Line
“As August 13 approaches, voters are not just listening to speeches; they are evaluating results. When performance, organisation, and stability align, political strength becomes difficult to reverse. Mingalato or no mingalato, momentum appears to be on the side of the UPND.”
