FORMER president Edgar Lungu yesterday updated his political defection CV as he ditched the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) to accept the presidency of Tonse Alliance, a political grouping created by his sympatheysers.
Following weeks of bickering about the leadership of UKA, which many political pundits said was a still born baby, Lungu’s supporters pulled out to form People’s Pact Movement and Tonse Alliance.
On its launch, People’s Pact Movement announced Lungu as its 2026 presidential candidate and its sister grouping followed suit yesterday.
Lungu accepted the presidency of the Tonse Alliance in a recored video address broadcast at the launch in Lusaka.
“I am thankful and honoured for this noble gesture by the Tonse Alliance Partners of adopting me as the 2026 Presidential Candidate,” Lungu said.
“I pledge that I will not let you down as your 2026 presidential candidate.With your support and the support of the collective Zambians, victory is certain,” he added.
UKA have announced a press briefing for today in which they are likely to react to Lungu’s adoption.
In the meantime, Lungu says candidates like him who have exhausted their presidential term must be allowed to contest future elections without using the courts to prevent them.
In a congratulatory message to Donald Trump who retained political power as America’s 47th president Lungu said other countries must emulate America to allow candidates who expended their presidential terms to run their race.
“Fellow Zambians at home and abroad, allow me to join the rest of the world in congratulating the incoming 47th President of the United States of America, His Excellency Donald J. Trump who has today won the most consequential Presidential poll in the history of his country. If it were here, we could have said in Bemba: “Nabwelelapo pamupando” (he has bounced back into power, or he is back on the Presidential throne),” he said.
Lungu said a politician can retain the driver’s seat if they solicit votes with the right message.
“Despite being one of the most persecuted former presidents in America’s modern history, Mr. Trump has shown the world that political discipline and leadership tenacity, coupled with the correct and patriotic campaign messages, have the power to win the hearts of the masses,” he said.
Lungu said he and his supporters were elated with Trump’s second election victory.
“I speak from a place of knowledge that most Zambians, just like me, are proud of President Trump and wish him the best as he takes over the White House in January, 2025,” he said.
“Although the United States may appear remote for many ordinary folks in Zambia, what happens in that country has a direct universal impact politically, economically and diplomatically as the world shrinks into a global community.”
Lungu wished that Trump will help to mediate and call for ceasefire in the Gaza-Israel conflict as well as Russia-Ukraine war.
The former president who expressed admiration for Trump’s re-election as 47th president after losing the election four years ago, said his idol was allowed to participate in the election without using law fare to bar him.
“In like manner, allow me to also commend the American justice and electoral systems for ensuring that President Trump was on the ballot and contested freely by setting aside court cases as opposed to using the ‘lawfare’ to stop him from participating in the elections,” he said.
Lungu who is on record having warned judges not to rule against him in the many debates regarding his qualifications to contest elections for third term, said politicians in a similar situation like him should not be precluded from participating in elections.
“The rest of the world must take a leaf from the United States that in a democracy, candidates must be allowed to run their race instead of being stopped from participating by using the courts of law,” said Lungu.
“Fellow Zambians, join me in celebrating the Trump Victory and strongly commending Vice-President Kamala Harris for having mounted a spirited campaign. Zambia could learn a lot from this election.”
By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba November 8, 2024.
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