Opposition Unity A Myth- State Counsel John Peter Sangwa
Movement for National Renewal (MNR) State Counsel (SC) John Peter Sangwa (JPS)
…the absence of a legal framework and the multi-party character of Zambia prevent successful political alliances and electoral pacts..,
Renowned Lusaka Lawyer and Leader of the Movement for National Renewal (MNR) State Counsel (SC) John Peter Sangwa (JPS) has stated that opposition alliances and opposition unity have failed to work in Zambia.
State Counsel Sangwa stated that the current environment where anyone can form a political party and is legally eligible to participate paused the biggest challenge.
State Counsel Sangwa said the other weakness was that there was no legal framework to provide for respect for Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in an alliance that would provide for legal effect.
State Counsel Sangwa was speaking when he was featured on the Emmanuel Mwamba Verified (EMV) podcast on Tuesday, 3rd February 2026.
State Counsel Sangwa said that until such a time that a legal framework existed as envisioned in the Political Party Bill, it will continue to be difficult for Alliance unity to work.
State Counsel Sangwa said Section 24 provided of the Bill provided for electoral pacts and political alliances.
State Counsel Sangwa has an example where a legal framework existed in Kenya, where the MOUs are deposited with the Registrar of Political Parties and had legal effect.
State Counsel Sangwa said if the Opposition Parties succeeded in forming alliances before the 2026 elections, it would be based on Gentleman’s Agreement and the process remained n
State Counsel Sangwa stated that he had difficulties with the current arrangements and initiatives based on the removal of the UPND government and where policies were not the driving force.
State Counsel Sangwa said the UPND has failed the people of Zambia, but alternative programs and different policies.
State Counsel Sangwa said the country has not learnt anything on the details of electoral pacts or alliances of 1963, 1991, 2011 and 2021.
Sangwa said the failure by the opposition would leave the wisdom to the people as shown in both 2011 and 2021 despite having numerous candidates, the race was a two-horse race.
However, State Counsel Sangwa said the constitutional provisions that required a presidential candidate need to win with a majority victory of 50%+1 , a matter that will force the Opposition to come together.
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