Some opposition political parties, civil society organisations and pressure groups have launched the Tonse Alliance with the aim of unseating the current government from office in 2026.
And the alliance has unveiled former President Edgar Lungu as its presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections.
Speaking at the launch of the alliance in Lusaka this morning, Alliance Spokesperson Sean Tembo explained that the alliance is aimed at effectively contributing to the overall governance of Zambia through the provision of checks and balances to the government and as an alternative government in waiting.
Mr Tembo explained that the alliance is scheduled to sign an electoral pact which will ensure that all alliance member political parties benefit by fielding candidates under the umbrella of the Tonse Alliance at local government and parliamentary level while having a single presidential candidate.
He further explained that there will be no need to register the Tonse Alliance as fielding of candidates will be done by individual political parties.
And Mr Lungu who could not attend the launch physically due to security reasons addressed the gathering virtually and reiterated his call for all opposition parties, civil society organizations and progress citizens to come together and fight to rescue the country and restore constitutionalism, democracy and rule of law.
Mr Lungu has indicated that the current regime has lamentably failed to deliver public services and fulfill its campaign promises and has pledged not to let the alliance down as he believes victory is certain in 2026.
Members of the alliance include Patriots for Economic Progress, Patriotic Front, Christian Democratic Party, Zambia Republican Party, New Era Democratic Party, New Congress Party, Umozi Kumawa, Centre for Constitutionalism and Legal Justice among others.
