PF on the blink of extinct or mega come back, the call for ECL return

Former President Edgar Lungu

In bemba we say, ‘ubushiku bufwile insofu, nelyashi liba pa nsofu,’ (the day that an elephant has died, the talk is about that elephant). Today I want to dwelve on the current political trends surrounding the biggest opposition political party and former ruling party the Patriotic Front – PF .

Zambia is a constitutionally sworn democracy and as such successive governments understood the importance of having a vibrant opposition structure. The opposition pushes government to satisfy its citizens through deliverables. It’s for this reason, well meaning Zambians wouldn’t support the extinction of the largest opposition party in the country.

Now as people sympathize with the PF, are they (PF Leaders) sympathetic to themselves and the organization? we have leaders in PF that are deliberately ignoring to learn from the past for their selfish interests. As an opinion, I have no kind words for those suspending a candidate a few weeks to the convention (recipe for confusion), on the other hand, I have no kind words for the suspended to rush to courts controlled and supervised by their political competitors. Both could be avoided.

The calls within the PF circles to have ECL come back to lead PF and stand in 2026 is the most silly decision that the entire PF as an organization can make. See, HH is not that gullible or politically importent to easily allow ECL appear on the ballot in 2026, incase you don’t know, the Concourt ruling on ECL eligibility to stand (third term) in 2021 is under review consideration, only the wise will understand the implications of that. In simple terms, ECL 2026 bid will not be different from the Kabushi(Bowman) and Kwacha(Malanji) saga. PF will end up without a Presidential candidate.

If ECL chooses to come back into politics, he should be ready to face the most difficult moments he has ever endured in his life. Remember ECL never fought battles as an opposition leader. Incase he pulls through, stands in 2026, he will only have one hope, to win, if he loses that would be the end and finishing point for PF, worse off ECL will lose the credibility of a statesman constitutionally granted to former presidents.

PF has an option for survival, which I believe many Zambians are banking on, a new leader to take charge of the biggest opposition party in the country. The new leader could lead to PF bouncing back in 2026 elections or come out second and keep the momentum to 2031 to bounce back. Hence, choosing a new leader in PF has more advantages to the survival of PF than bringing back ECL.

Allow ECL to rest, the man did his part. PF is not short of leaders, what’s at play are the same people that held ECL hostage for his entire rule to continue doing what they used to do, knowing a new elected PF leader won’t tolerate them. Elect a new leader or die like UNIP(KK came back) and MMD(RB came back), this is Zambia not Brazil.

Free advice, Napita.

Sampa Mwaume
The Chinsalian