The Tonse Alliance led by Brian Mundubile and the PF/Pamodzi Alliance associated with Makebi Zulu have officially announced a merger ahead of the August 13 general elections.
The announcement was made during a joint press briefing held yesterday, following months of discussions and calls from supporters for opposition unity.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mundubile said the opposition could no longer delay efforts to unite, citing what he described as political and economic challenges facing the country.
He stated that members of the public, including marketeers, bus drivers, youths, students and church leaders, had been calling on opposition political parties to work together.
Mr. Mundubile said discussions between the two camps had been ongoing for some time and stressed that the merger was a collective agreement involving leaders from both sides.
“This is not just between Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu. All the leaders are coming together and from today we are existing as one,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Zulu said the decision to unite was made in the interest of national unity and the future of the country.
Before addressing supporters, he called for a moment of silence in honour of former President Edgar Lungu, whom he described as an inspiration behind the spirit of unity within the alliance.
Mr. Zulu accused the United Party for National Development administration of failing to address governance and economic concerns, and said the opposition had resolved to work together to offer an alternative direction for the country.
He further stated that the alliance would field joint candidates in constituencies to avoid competing against one another during the 2026 elections.
The newly merged grouping has adopted the name Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance and announced that future political campaigns, mobilisation activities and party programmes would be conducted jointly.