Opposition Alliance Advances Plans For 2021

The Opposition Alliance is expected to back UPND President Hakainde Hichilema in the 2021 elections, according to reports by News Diggers.

The UPND leader came a close second to President Lungu and the PF in the 2015 and 2016 elections, on 47% and then 48% of the vote. No other candidate took more than 1% of the vote.

While Alliance chairperson and ADD President Charles Milupi is quoted as denying members have finalised an agreement, Diggers reports that the outstanding area for discussion is the question of who would act as running mate to Hichilema. According to their sources NDC leader Chishimba Kambwili is among those being considered for the position.

Milupi is also quoted as indicating that an agreement is being sought in the next month or two, following which an official announcement will be made confirming the arrangement.

Speaking on the annulment of the 2019 Malawian elections by the country’s constitutional court earlier this week, Hichilema stated that Zambia has many lessons to learn from its neighbour. Among these he said were the importance of the opposition coming together. He also praised the Malawian judiciary from withstanding temptations to influence their decision, as well as the people for refusing to let their vote be stolen.

Hichilema spoke of his regret that there has not been similar scrutiny or justice in Zambia following Zambia’s disputed election in 2016.

“Unfortunately it did not happen in this country, but it’s happened in Malawi and we are so proud of Malawi’s constitutional court’s decision. I hope we can all learn something from this ruling, that you cannot continue cheating the people, the very people who give you an opportunity to save them,” the UPND President stated.