GUEST ARTICLE: The Next Imingalato – Unopposed Candidates
By Michael Mulusa
This 2026 election is about overcoming imigalato, the clever tricks some politicians use to win unfairly. But you can’t fight what you don’t see coming.
We must stay alert until the very last moment when ECZ declares the winners of these elections.
UPND knows they risk losing many MPs, Mayors, Council Chairpersons, and Councillors. So their next move is likely to start buying opposition candidates after nominations begin.
They will likely target strategic constituencies, big cities, and important wards. Once candidates are bought and resign, UPND candidates can be declared winners without a single vote being cast. This has happened in some by-elections before.
This is not new. In past elections during MMD and PF times we have seen candidates being bought, tempted with money, or pressured to step down. The ruling party often uses money and state resources to weaken the opposition. It’s an old tactic that keeps returning and it would be foolish to ignore history.
What the Opposition Must Do:
– Choose strong and trustworthy candidates.
– Teach and train them : “Whether money comes or not, whether you are tempted or not, stand firm for Zambia!”
– Those who endure until voting day have a real chance to beat UPND candidates but the strategy is probably to go the unopposed route. It is probably seen as the safest way.
Opposition Unity is the only way. Bring your people together. Combine your strength, your influence, and your resources and party’s. Adopt on various political parties depending on strength and popularity. Give people what they want. If Copperbelt is shouting BM8 give them BM8 affiliated candidates. If Eastern Province is shouting MZ8 give them MZ8 affiliated candidates. Leadership is tested in hard times like these and if our leaders can overcome the. They will definitely overcome the challenges of our economy and lead effectively despite the challenges.
Let us not be caught sleeping. Stay vigilant, reject short-term temptations, and protect the people’s vote. Zambians are ready to vote out, they just being confused on who to vote in but they minds are made up.
Look at the farewell messages from the various Government ministries and department. Those are indications of no return. You don’t send farewell messages to ministers when the Government is in office, you thank and celebrate working with them. When you send farewell, it means someone isn’t coming back.
Michael M Mulusa
The Voice