KMP URGES POLICY-DRIVEN OPPOSITION UNITY
…warns against personality politics
Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP) has said it remains open to working with opposition political parties but insists that any form of unity must be anchored on clear policies and the interests of citizens rather than individual ambitions.
In a statement, ZMP president Kelvin Fube Bwalya said the party acknowledged recent calls by Tonse Alliance president Hon. Brian Mundubile for opposition forces to unite against the ruling UPND.
He stated that ZMP had never rejected collaboration with other opposition groups, adding that the party remained willing to engage with any political entity that presents a structured, people-centred development agenda.
Mr. Bwalya, however, cautioned that unity built around personalities rather than policy direction would be misguided.
He said past political experiences had demonstrated the risks of prioritising the removal of a ruling party over presenting a clear alternative vision to citizens.
He argued that opposition alliances should not simply focus on removing President Hakainde Hichilema or the UPND from office, but instead offer credible solutions to Zambia’s socio-economic challenges.
According to Mr. Bwalya, the central question for opposition leaders should be what they are offering the Zambian people.
He further stated that ZMP stood for service delivery and would only support alliances that genuinely aligned with the welfare and aspirations of citizens.
He added that true unity required humility, honesty, and a willingness among leaders to step aside if necessary for the greater good.
Mr. Bwalya also urged political leaders to be transparent and avoid misleading the public with rhetoric driven by self-interest, noting that citizens were seeking sincerity in leadership.
He said ZMP remained cautious about entering alliances, citing lessons learned from its previous engagement in 2021 with the UPND.
He stressed that the party would not participate in any arrangement that could undermine public trust.
Mr. Bwalya asserted that unity must ultimately serve the people, warning that any effort that failed to do so would amount to manipulation rather than genuine collaboration.