Former Vice President Enock Kavindele has declared that current opposition alliances in Zambia are doomed to fail unless their leaders prioritize national interests over personal ambitions. In an exclusive phone interview with ZNBC News, the seasoned politician attributed the alliances’ struggles to infighting, lack of clear policies, and weak grassroots structures.
Mr. Kavindele argued that opposition alliances have been unable to gain momentum because the involved party leaders are more focused on securing top positions rather than uniting for a common goal.
“It is difficult for any opposition alliance to succeed at the moment because the leaders all want to be at the helm. They are not selfless and have failed to agree on who should lead,” he said.
No Clear Message Beyond Attacking Hichilema
The former VP noted that opposition coalitions have failed to resonate with Zambians because they offer little beyond criticizing President Hakainde Hichilema.
“They have no message besides attacking the President. They have struggled to counter progressive policies like free education and the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which the people support,” Kavindele stated.
Lack of Grassroots Structures
He further highlighted that most opposition parties in these alliances lack strong organizational frameworks, unlike the ruling UPND, which spent 23 years building a solid support base before forming government.
“The UPND succeeded because it had structures on the ground. Most of these alliance partners do not. Without a strong grassroots presence, it’s difficult to mobilize voters,” he explained.
Kavindele urged opposition leaders to exercise caution and focus on offering alternative policies rather than relying solely on anti-government rhetoric.
“If they want to be taken seriously, they must present a clear vision and stop the internal power struggles,” he advised.
Political analysts suggest that Zambia’s opposition faces significant challenges in uniting effectively, given the UPND’s entrenched grassroots network and popular policies. Without cohesive leadership and a compelling agenda, alliances risk remaining fragmented ahead of the 2026 elections.
With the 2026 elections approaching, observers question whether opposition parties will unite under a single banner or remain fragmented. For now, Kavindele’s warning serves as a stark reminder: without selfless leadership and a compelling agenda, alliances may continue to falter.
True, Bo Kavindele. Tonse Alliance, for instance, should have by now identified their presidential candidate and started building a salable manifesto. But, alas, they’re just busy insulting and backstabbing each other!
Very true Mr kavindele.Just after 2021 elections if PF had voted a new leader we would not be where we are today.
Utukote busy ukubika umulomo kuma politics.
Shame
@Joseph Lungu ….Nga Trump uletipo shani no bukote bwakwe?
Not even ubukote, he is a cadre
While the article highlights important concerns about opposition disunity in Zambia, it suffers from a lack of balance, context, and depth. Relying too heavily on one political figure’s views without challenge or supporting evidence weakens its credibility. A more nuanced and well-sourced approach would better serve readers seeking to understand Zambia’s evolving political landscape.
This UNIP CHAP HAS NOTHING TO OFFER AS THE SAME HAPPENED DURING HIS TENURE
WE NEED FRESH IDEAS
Kavindele is right to remind the opposition on the need to form a formidable pack, but of course it is easier said than done. Even the UPND in alliance with PF sometime back failed. However Kavindele is wrong to say people support free education and increased consituency development fund because the two measures have not solved Zambias number one problem which is the economy underlined by the highest cost of living ever since independence and more pronounced from the time UPND took over power
Is it true that former Vice Presidents have been put on the payroll by the UPND government? Aren’t these the things we should be discussing as Zambians before implementation. Then why not put all former goverment and civic leaders on payroll especially that a Vice Presidents job is more ceremonial and just giving general answers in Parliament which anybody can do, it does not even require special qualifications or skills
As long as we cling to the past there will be no advancement
It’s well known most dont learn from their mistakes
Joe Biden and Donald Trump were old when they became President and we still respec(ted) their opinion. So whatis different here?
But Joe Biden and Donald Trump cannot be our standard of measure on any given day. Cant you see the chaos there. Leave them out of our confusion please
The news I want to hear is that the high cost of living is going to come down, and this is the practical plan from government. Not hearing rhetoric from Kavindele. Wasn’t this guy also fired as Vice President like Nevers Mumba? Just too much rhetoric in this country, free education bla bla bla, who eats free education?