Tonse Alliance’s current state of political confusion and disorganisation is not merely an internal problem; it is a symptom of a broader challenge facing Zambia’s opposition politics.
From its inception, Tonse’s glue was Edgar Lungu – presumably not a unified, without any long long-term ideological vision. With Edgar Lungu’s demise, it was clear that Tonse Alliance would seldom survive because there was no formidable foundation created in terms of structural cohesion. Edgar seemed to have been all-in-three: the head, body, and tail for Tonse Alliance. His death left a huge void in the Alliance to the extent that deep-rooted inherent differences between its constituent parties began to resurface, leading to internal contradictions and public squabbles.
While the alliance’s de-facto leaders attempt to gloss over these differences, the lack of a unified policy agenda makes it impossible to rally a coherent voter base. The absence of a clear political plan or formula fuels suspicion that the alliance is simply a vehicle for individuals’ political survival. Truth be told: Tonse Alliance has struggled to transition from a campaign machine to a viable “government-in-waiting.” It has often appeared reactive – criticizing UPND policies – but has failed to articulate a clear, cohesive, and alternative policy agenda that resonates with a broad electorate. The grouping has lamentably failed to chart a clear governance path, paving a way for the ruling UPND to skilfully absorb some alliance figures and maintained a firm grip on the political narrative, often framing the former ruling party, Patriotic Front (PF) regime as the source of current problems. This has made it difficult for Tonse Alliance to rebrand and mount an effective critique without facing accusations of hypocrisy.
The biggest problem with Tonse Alliance is the lack of vision and strategic political prowess to not only convince the Zambian people as a ‘government-in-waiting’ but also to assert itself with alternatives programs that aligns with Zambian’s economic best interest. Currently, Tonse Alliance do not seem to be an alterative to the ruling UPND; the grouping doesn’t seem to have a vision either. It is completely consumed in the web of self-aggrandizement. We all understand the importance of opposition political parties in a democratic society like ours. A vibrant opposition is essential for any healthy democracy. If the Tonse Alliance continues to flounder, Zambia risks a political monopoly that could breed complacency, weaken accountability, and diminish public trust. Moreover, the alliance’s failure may discourage future coalition building efforts, reinforcing a binary “winner takes all” paradigm that marginalises smaller parties and independent voices. The stakes are high, and the window of opportunity for Tonse Alliance is narrowing. But Zambians are not waiting for them. They have and will continue to move on with options currently available. There are still a few decent political parties that could be considered as alternatives to the ruling UPND government. There’s no doubt that Tonse Alliance is failing and there will be no future to talk about as the situation currently stands. But the few alternatives individual opposition parties have continued to display political maturity and focus. They are able to muster political will, present a solid political front; and so far, seem to be the hope reinvigorating multiparty competition and a vital counterweight to the government. Zambians deserve an opposition that is not just a patchwork of former rivals, but a cohesive force capable of offering genuine choice at the ballot box. Tonse Alliance must decide whether it can rise again to that challenge or remain a footnote in the country’s political history. Zambians are moving beyond the “Tonse” (all together) slogan to a narrative that seeks other alternatives that are inclusive, with a forward looking agenda for the Zambian masses.
By Daily Revelation Editor
Tonse Alliance’s current state of political confusion and disorganisation is not merely an internal problem; it is a symptom of a broader challenge facing Zambia’s opposition politics.
From its inception, Tonse’s glue was Edgar Lungu – presumably not a unified, without any long long-term ideological vision. With Edgar Lungu’s demise, it was clear that Tonse Alliance would seldom survive because there was no formidable foundation created in terms of structural cohesion. Edgar seemed to have been all-in-three: the head, body, and tail for Tonse Alliance. His death left a huge void in the Alliance to the extent that deep-rooted inherent differences between its constituent parties began to resurface, leading to internal contradictions and public squabbles.
While the alliance’s de-facto leaders attempt to gloss over these differences, the lack of a unified policy agenda makes it impossible to rally a coherent voter base. The absence of a clear political plan or formula fuels suspicion that the alliance is simply a vehicle for individuals’ political survival.
Truth be told: Tonse Alliance has struggled to transition from a campaign machine to a viable “government-in-waiting.” It has often appeared reactive – criticizing UPND policies – but has failed to articulate a clear, cohesive, and alternative policy agenda that resonates with a broad electorate. The grouping has lamentably failed to chart a clear governance path, paving a way for the ruling UPND to skilfully absorb some alliance figures and maintained a firm grip on the political narrative, often framing the former ruling party, Patriotic Front (PF) regime as the source of current problems. This has made it difficult for Tonse Alliance to rebrand and mount an effective critique without facing accusations of hypocrisy.
The biggest problem with Tonse Alliance is the lack of vision and strategic political prowess to not only convince the Zambian people as a ‘government-in-waiting’ but also to assert itself with alternatives programs that aligns with Zambian’s economic best interest. Currently, Tonse Alliance do not seem to be an alterative to the ruling UPND; the grouping doesn’t seem to have a vision either. It is completely consumed in the web of self-aggrandizement.
We all understand the importance of opposition political parties in a democratic society like ours. A vibrant opposition is essential for any healthy democracy. If the Tonse Alliance continues to flounder, Zambia risks a political monopoly that could breed complacency, weaken accountability, and diminish public trust. Moreover, the alliance’s failure may discourage future coalition building efforts, reinforcing a binary “winner takes all” paradigm that marginalises smaller parties and independent voices.
The stakes are high, and the window of opportunity for Tonse Alliance is narrowing. But Zambians are not waiting for them. They have and will continue to move on with options currently available. There are still a few decent political parties that could be considered as alternatives to the ruling UPND government. There’s no doubt that Tonse Alliance is failing and there will be no future to talk about as the situation currently stands. But the few alternatives individual opposition parties have continued to display political maturity and focus. They are able to muster political will, present a solid political front; and so far, seem to be the hope reinvigorating multiparty competition and a vital counterweight to the government. Zambians deserve an opposition that is not just a patchwork of former rivals, but a cohesive force capable of offering genuine choice at the ballot box. Tonse Alliance must decide whether it can rise again to that challenge or remain a footnote in the country’s political history.
Zambians are moving beyond the “Tonse” (all together) slogan to a narrative that seeks other alternatives that are inclusive, with a forward looking agenda for the Zambian masses.
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