Tonse Alliance Vows to Use Edgar Lungu's Name in 2026 Elections Despite Electoral Commission Ban

Strategic Insights -

Tonse Alliance, the opposition grouping, has announced its plans to use the name of former President Edgar Lungu in all future elections, including the 2026 general elections. According to NCP President Pastor Peter Chanda, the alliance is aware of the UPND's fear of Lungu, even in his death, but will proceed with using his name and legacy to build support for their candidate. The alliance's decision comes after the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) directed that parties in alliances, such as the PF and NCP, should not use their alliance partner's regalia in by-elections.

The NCP has been in an alliance with the PF since 2015, and Chanda emphasized that the relationship between the two parties is solid and cannot be destroyed. He also explained that other parties in the alliance have voted for NCP to be the flag bearer, and that the Tonse Alliance has elected Lungu as their candidate for 2026. Chanda's announcement is seen as a bold move by the alliance to challenge the UPND's dominance.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Zambia has clarified that it will not tolerate the use of PF regalia by NCP during the Mfuwe by-election. According to ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro, the Commission's stance is guided by the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016. The ECZ defines campaign materials as party or candidate manifestos, advertisements, billboards, posters, t-shirts, cloth, or other materials depicting colors, symbols, and designs of a party or pictorial images of a candidate.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tonse Alliance plans to use Edgar Lungu's name in all future elections, including the 2026 general elections, despite the Electoral Commission of Zambia's ban on using alliance partner regalia.
  • NCP President Pastor Peter Chanda emphasized that the party's relationship with the PF is solid and cannot be destroyed, despite the Electoral Commission's directive.
  • The Tonse Alliance has elected Lungu as their candidate for 2026, despite his passing, and plans to use his legacy to build support.
  • The Electoral Commission of Zambia has clarified that it will not tolerate the use of PF regalia by NCP during the Mfuwe by-election, citing the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.
  • The commission aims to maintain the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, providing guidance for political parties and candidates participating in the by-election.

Statistics:

  • 2026: the year of the general elections where Tonse Alliance plans to use Edgar Lungu's name.
  • 2015: the year when NCP and PF formed an alliance.
  • 5th June 2025: the date when Edgar Lungu passed away.
  • 2025: the year when the Mfuwe by-election is scheduled to take place.
  • 8 months: the sentence handed to incumbent lawmaker Maureen Mabonga for sedition.

Sources:

  • [Pastor Peter Chanda, NCP President, Tonse Alliance] (no date)
  • [Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Brown Kasaro, Chief Electoral Officer] (no date)
  • [Constitution of Zambia, Article 229 (2) (e)]