The Editor Zambia
The United Party for National Development (UPND) is currently Zambia’s strongest political party, and there is little reason to pretend otherwise.
Its growing political dominance is not accidental, nor is it simply a consequence of being in government. 
It is largely the product of deliberate leadership, organisational discipline, and a political strategy championed by President Hakainde Hichilema.
The ruling party has demonstrated that it understands the importance of internal discipline, political organisation, and leadership direction.
Under President Hichilema, the UPND has developed a level of cohesion that is
increasingly difficult for its opponents in opposition to match.
While opposition parties are preoccupied with unending internal wrangles, leadership disputes, and competing political ambitions, the ruling party is consolidating its position.
Muhabi Lungu, Secretary General of the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, should therefore not be surprised that the UPND candidate Adrian Banda emerged unopposed in the Mandevu parliamentary by-election.
Three rival candidates, Daniel Chisenga of the Forum for Democracy and Development, independent candidate Daniel Daka, and Ntazana Muntungwa Musukuma of the Leadership Movement, withdrew from the contest, leaving the ruling party candidate without an opponent.
The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance has since demanded that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) cancel the by-election, alleging intimidation, threats, and inducements surrounding the withdrawals.
However, the accusations do not erase the broader political reality that the opposition’s inability to sustain a competitive challenge is becoming increasingly evident.
Vice-President Mutale Nalumango made an important observation when she said opposition parties must be strong and disciplined rather than expect the ruling party to create political space for them.
Democracy is about competition, and political parties must organise themselves, identify credible candidates, and mobilise voters. They cannot expect their opponents to make their political survival easier.
Her warning that the UPND could comfortably declare itself the winner if opposition parties continue withdrawing from electoral contests should be taken seriously.
Even the Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe has acknowledged the difficult position his party finds itself in.
Following its poor performance in the August 13 elections, M’membe was quoted in the News Diggers newspaper recently admitting that the party needed to regroup and rebuild, expressing optimism that it could perform better in 2031.
Such an admission is significant because it reflects an appreciation of the political weaknesses that the opposition must confront.
Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, which has largely emerged from the political remnants of the former Patriotic Front, faces an even more difficult challenge.
Bringing together individuals with different political interests and ambitions does not automatically create a formidable political organisation.
A coalition needs a coherent programme, disciplined structures, a recognised leadership, and a common political direction. Without these, it remains an assortment of competing interests rather than a credible alternative government.
This is precisely where the UPND has gained an advantage. President Hichilema has deliberately cultivated discipline and loyalty within his party, while his leadership has given it a clear political identity and direction.
The opposition must, therefore, stop confusing political criticism with political organisation. Winning elections requires more than press conferences, accusations, and declarations of victimhood.
The UPND did not become Zambia’s strongest political party by accident. Its opponents must undertake the difficult work of rebuilding themselves if they hope to challenge it.
