Dr Chris Zumani Zimba has proposed a political ceasefire and national unity government between the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) and the New Revolutionary National Unity Party (NRPUP) following the 2026 general election, arguing that dialogue and reconciliation should take precedence over prolonged political confrontation.
In his proposal addressed to President Hakainde Hichilema and NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, Zimba acknowledges that challenging presidential election results is a constitutional right but argues that Zambia’s experience with post-election tensions makes political reconciliation a more desirable path.
He proposes what he describes as a “give and take” arrangement, including an amnesty for political detainees, withdrawal of charges against Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu, and an immediate political ceasefire between supporters of the two parties.
Zimba also calls for both sides to discourage political attacks, insults, misinformation and cyber warfare, arguing that political rhetoric has contributed to tribalism, regional tensions and hostility.
Among his most significant proposals is the sharing of government positions with NRPUP. He suggests that a unity government should include four Cabinet positions, four diplomatic appointments, four permanent secretary positions, four parastatal chief executive positions and 30 district commissioner positions for the opposition alliance.
He further proposes that NRPUP’s elected parliamentary, mayoral and council seats be protected from what he describes as malicious petitions, while both parties should agree to electoral reforms aimed at strengthening the autonomy, credibility and public confidence in the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
However, the proposal places a major responsibility on NRPUP itself. Zimba argues that, in exchange for a negotiated political settlement, the alliance should accept the outcome of the August 2026 election as declared by the Electoral Commission of Zambia and publicly acknowledge Hichilema’s victory.
He contends that such acceptance would provide the foundation for meaningful dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation rather than a prolonged legal battle over the presidential results.
Zimba also argues that Zambia’s political challenges require locally rooted mechanisms of reconciliation rather than relying exclusively on adversarial court processes. He proposes a Truth and Reconciliation Commission focused on the circumstances surrounding the death of former Lunte lawmaker and minister Mutotwe Kafwaya.
He also links the proposed political settlement to the unresolved issue surrounding the burial of former President Edgar Lungu, arguing that national healing requires Zambia to move beyond political rivalry and allow the country to address its outstanding national grievances.
The proposal ultimately presents dialogue as an alternative to continued confrontation, warning that a presidential election petition could become a lengthy and uncertain process without necessarily delivering the desired outcome.
Zimba says his intervention is informed by his academic background in comparative politics, democracy promotion and public policy analysis. He maintains that his objective is to contribute to the national debate while respecting those who hold opposing views.
The proposal therefore puts the focus squarely on whether Zambia’s political actors can find common ground after a fiercely contested election and place national stability, reconciliation and institutional reform above partisan interests.
Picture: Dr Zumani