In a passionate address at the Tonse Alliance launch, former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu formally accepted his adoption as the 2026 presidential candidate, emphasizing a united opposition to restore Zambia’s constitutional democracy, rule of law, and economic stability. Lungu called for broad-based collaboration among opposition parties, civil society, and citizens to counter what he described as economic and governance failures under the current administration, vowing to advocate for the wellbeing of ordinary Zambians.
Here is the Full Speech
SPEECH DELIVERED BY , THE 6TH PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, DR. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU AT THE TONSE ALLIANCE LAUNCH TO ACCEPT HIS ADOPTION AS THE 2026 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE ALLIANCE.
On 28th October, 2023, l Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Sixth President of the Republic of Zambia did officially announce my comeback into active politics during the 9th memorial ceremony of President Micheal Sata, the Founder of the Patriotic Front.
On that day, l mentioned that l came back into active politics to defend constitutional democracy, rule of law as well as help unite the Opposition to foster effective checks and balances and present a united front in the 2026 general elections.
Today, l want to repeat and emphasize my call for all opposition parties, civil society organizations and progressive citizens to come together and fight to rescue our country and restore constitutionalism, democracy and the rule of law.
I’ve repeatedly expressed willingness to work with members of the Opposition and other progressive social formations to save our country from the current ruinous path.
We should not encourage working in isolation and in boxes, but forge alliances driven by a unity of purpose in order to develop our country.
The Church, civil society, trade unions, academia and political parties must collaborate and identify common issues that must be promoted together to rescue our people and the country from the failures, mismanagement and misrule perpetuated by this incompetent government.
Yes, it is no longer a secret that the UPND has plunged the country into economic turmoils, engaged in bad governance, destroyed constitutionalism, oppressed citizens and lamentably failed to deliver public services and campaign promises.
Make no mistake, this fight is not merely about removing the UPND from Government. It is about restoring the wellbeing of the Zambian people.
We must recognize that our country is suffering from an economic meltdown, high cost of living, unprecedented loadshedding and other crises.
The fight is about that bus driver who had hoped for better income by reason of the promise of cheaper fuel but is now disappointed that the promise has not been fulfilled.
It is about that barber man in Mtendere, that hair dresser in Chiwempala, that welder in Mazabuka who hoped that loadshedding was behind us considering that, we, in the Patriotic Front ended loadshedding, but now such businesses are shutting down or going for several days without electricity in their work places.
It is about that marketeer who is struggling to make ends meet because of the hostile business environment.
It is about that street vendor whose hustling earns him income of hand-to-mouth but now cannot even find market or place to trade from.
It is about restoring an effective farmer in-put support program that delivered input at the farm gate and ensured that the small-holder farmer was food secure.
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow country men and women, the youth and all our children, I am thankful and honoured for this noble gesture by the Tonse Alliance Partners of adopting me as the 2026 Presidential Candidate.
I pledge that I will not let you down as your 2026 presidential candidate. With your support and the support of the collective Zambians, victory is certain.
My appeal to other political alliances such as the United Kwacha Alliance, People’s Pact, the Zambia We Want, and other political parties is that, let’s keep our doors wide open to work together to redeem this country especially that all political and economic parameters are clearly showing that this government and its leader will not save Zambia.
I thank you and may the Almighty God Bless our Country, Zambia.
Court will rule him not eligible.
ECL is not eligible and the Con-Court will soon be making such pronouncement. In any event, Zambia doesn’t need such a recycled president. So, Tonse is dead on arrival!
To waste other people’s time is also a part of democracy. HH’s dismal performance has caused all this confusion. If the guy had performed well we wouldn’t have ineligible drunkards wasting our time
Whatever !!!! At the present time with all the complaints and discontent Plus the lies given us
EG: todays newspapers headlines leads us to believe Loadshedding almost over when infact it is getting worse Plus todate I beieve HH hasnt said a word When infact it can be classed as a National disaster.
Instead Traditional Ceremonies and New business deals being given Priority, Where is all the extra power genaration going to come from ? Certainly not Kariba..
Whilst ECL is not by any means to our liking or choice He will certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons
and who knows may wake up this upnd administration
TO RESTORE WHAT? IS TO RESTORE CORRUPTION? IS IT TO RESTORE THIEVERY? IS IT TO RESTORE Cadrerism ? IS IT TO RESTORE THE PRACTICE OF URINATING IN OTHER PEOPLE’S MOUHS? IS IT THE K1.6M CDF? IS IT THE ABOLISHMENT OF MEAL ALLOWANCES AND FREE EDUCATION? IS IT THE REDUCTION OF FLOORR MARKET PRICES OF MAIZWHICH HARD WORKING FARMERS ARE NOW ENJOYING ? IS IT THE CLOSURE OF MINES ? IS IT THE REDUCTION OF SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER ? IS IT TYE NON PAYMENTS TO RETIREES ?