Opposition failure to unite disappointing - CCZ

By MUBITA KATETE

ZAMBIANS are disappointed by the failure of the opposition political parties to unite and form a cohesive force that could effectively provide the needed checks and balances as well as coming up with a single leader to effectively participate in the August 13 general election, the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has said

Reverend James Phiri, the CCZ general secretary has expressed disappointment by the failure by opposition parties to unite, fearing that their continued fragmentation had weakened their ability to offer credible alternatives to the electorate.

“We expected the opposition to move as a united force. It is very difficult for a fragmented opposition to carry the day, and that fragmentation gives an advantage to the ruling party,” Rev Phiri said.

Rev Phiri has criticised the opposition for failing to effectively provide checks and balances, stressing that their performance was a disappointment in the country’s democratic process. He said weaknesses within the opposition had created an opportunity for the ruling party to dominate the political space, that Zambians were not happy with the status quo.

Speaking when he featured on Hot FM’s Hot Seat programme, Rev. Phiri said the opposition had made strategic mistakes which the government had taken advantage of.

“The opposition has made mistakes on its own, and the government of the day has capitalised on those weaknesses. That is part of the challenge we are seeing in our democratic space,” he said.

Rev. Phiri added that internal divisions were evident even in parliamentary debates, where only a few members actively participated while others remained passive.

He also noted that some of the challenges affecting opposition parties, including disputes over leadership and organisational matters, were self-inflicted.

The CCZ has also urged Zambians to actively participate in the upcoming general elections, emphasising that voting remains a critical democratic right that should never be traded with anything.

Rev. Phiri encouraged voters to choose leaders based on integrity, competence and their ability to deliver development.