UPND's self deception in the ongoing by-elections will come to haunt it in 2026.

It’s clear that the UPND knows that it has lamentably failed so the only way it can hold on to the political power it does not deserve is by destroying multiparty democracy. This, however, can only work in by-elections.

Lusaka, Mar. 2 – Reality denied comes back to haunt. There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true. It’s foolish for UPND cadres to celebrate any by-election victory after disqualifying strong opposition political parties.

Also Read: Lungu describes Miles Sampa’s convention as a tragedy for the country’s multiparty democracy.

Above all, President Hichilema should not lie to himself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect, he ceases to love.

Writes Dr. Lubinda Haabazoka on democracy in Zambia, “I am very worried that as a country we are doing away with multiparty democracy. Besides the ruling party, only SP contested some areas while I read that their candidates were disqualified in some areas. I don’t think it’s healthy to go into elections without opponents.”

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Dr. Haabazoka observes that in 1990 when the country rose and chose multiparty, a foundation was created to ensure that whether one liked it or not, they had no choice to choose whom to contest against.

“The rivalry between PF and UPND was very big but not even PF could block UPND candidates to contest. Such is democracy! Unfortunately what I have seen is that the former ruling party has literally been hijacked and stoped from contesting,” he added.

Also Read: Hichilema not just a dictator, but a coward for supporting Miles Sampa to destroy the Patriotic Front!

Dr. Haabazoka is right, the best way to maintain power for the ruling party is to meet the expectations of the electorate. But it’s clear that the UPND knows that it has lamentably failed so the only way it can hold on to the political power it does not deserve is by destroying multiparty democracy. This, however, can only work in by-elections.

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