OPPOSITION political leaders play a crucial and dynamic role in any functioning democracy.
They are not just critics of the political party in government, they are essential architects of accountability, diversity, and progress.
Opposition leaders scrutinise government policies, decisions, and spending. They question executive actions in Parliament, and demand transparency and ethical governance.
A strong opposition is a government-in-waiting. Their readiness ensures continuity of leadership, stability during elections, and a culture of peaceful political competition.
In other words, opposition leaders are not obstacles to governance—they are essential partners in building a resilient, responsive, and inclusive democracy.
And the importance of opposition leaders being civil in their political practice cannot be overstated; it is a matter of preserving the dignity of democracy itself.
Civility is not weakness; it is strength wrapped in wisdom.
Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case with opposition political party leaders in Zambia.
They are more pre-occupied with unseating President Hakainde Hichilema than providing alterative solutions to challenges facing the country.
Therefore, Economic Front leader Wynter Kabimba is right to urge Zambians to be careful with opposition leaders who centre their politics on President Hichilema instead of preaching ideologies that can lead the nation to prosperity.
Featuring on Hot FM’s Beyond the Headline Programme, Mr Kabimba said he does not agree with opposition political leaders who always condemn President Hichilema about everything.
His caution to Zambians about opposition leaders who focus solely on criticising the President—rather than presenting substantive ideologies—is a call for political maturity and national focus.
Mr Kabimba’s message matters a lot because he is urging Zambians to demand more than personality-based politics. When opposition leaders centre their campaigns on attacking one individual, it often distracts from real issues like economic reform, education, healthcare, and job creation.
A democracy thrives when political parties compete on ideas, not insults.
Mr Kabimba’s concern is that reducing politics to anti-Hichilema rhetoric risks undermining the democratic process and turning elections into popularity contests rather than policy debates.
Without fresh ideas, opposition movements risk becoming echo chambers.
Mr Kabimba’s warning is a reminder that Zambia needs visionary alternatives—not just reactionary voices.
By shifting focus to ideology, citizens can better evaluate what every political party stands for.
This makes it easier to hold leaders accountable for pledges and performance, rather than just their stance on the sitting head of State.
In fact, constant personal attacks can deepen divisions. Mr Kabimba’s approach promotes unity by encouraging discourse around shared goals and national development.
His message is not just political; it is philosophical.
He is asking Zambians to think critically, to look beyond personalities and demand real solutions.
In a country with pressing challenges, that kind of shift could be transformative.
In short, Mr Kabimba’s message that opposition politics should not revolve around removing President Hichilema, but rather focus on generating ideas that can serve Zambians is a powerful call for ideological renewal and national responsibility.
Opposition should avoid personality-based politics
OPPOSITION political leaders play a crucial and dynamic role in any functioning democracy.
They are not just critics of the political party in government, they are essential architects of accountability, diversity, and progress.
Opposition leaders scrutinise government policies, decisions, and spending. They question executive actions in Parliament, and demand transparency and ethical governance.
A strong opposition is a government-in-waiting. Their readiness ensures continuity of leadership, stability during elections, and a culture of peaceful political competition.
In other words, opposition leaders are not obstacles to governance—they are essential partners in building a resilient, responsive, and inclusive democracy.
And the importance of opposition leaders being civil in their political practice cannot be overstated; it is a matter of preserving the dignity of democracy itself.
Civility is not weakness; it is strength wrapped in wisdom.
Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case with opposition political party leaders in Zambia.
They are more pre-occupied with unseating President Hakainde Hichilema than providing alterative solutions to challenges facing the country.
Therefore, Economic Front leader Wynter Kabimba is right to urge Zambians to be careful with opposition leaders who centre their politics on President Hichilema instead of preaching ideologies that can lead the nation to prosperity.
Featuring on Hot FM’s Beyond the Headline Programme, Mr Kabimba said he does not agree with opposition political leaders who always condemn President Hichilema about everything.
His caution to Zambians about opposition leaders who focus solely on criticising the President—rather than presenting substantive ideologies—is a call for political maturity and national focus.
Mr Kabimba’s message matters a lot because he is urging Zambians to demand more than personality-based politics. When opposition leaders centre their campaigns on attacking one individual, it often distracts from real issues like economic reform, education, healthcare, and job creation.
A democracy thrives when political parties compete on ideas, not insults.
Mr Kabimba’s concern is that reducing politics to anti-Hichilema rhetoric risks undermining the democratic process and turning elections into popularity contests rather than policy debates.
Without fresh ideas, opposition movements risk becoming echo chambers.
Mr Kabimba’s warning is a reminder that Zambia needs visionary alternatives—not just reactionary voices.
By shifting focus to ideology, citizens can better evaluate what every political party stands for.
This makes it easier to hold leaders accountable for pledges and performance, rather than just their stance on the sitting head of State.
In fact, constant personal attacks can deepen divisions. Mr Kabimba’s approach promotes unity by encouraging discourse around shared goals and national development.
His message is not just political; it is philosophical.
He is asking Zambians to think critically, to look beyond personalities and demand real solutions.
In a country with pressing challenges, that kind of shift could be transformative.
In short, Mr Kabimba’s message that opposition politics should not revolve around removing President Hichilema, but rather focus on generating ideas that can serve Zambians is a powerful call for ideological renewal and national responsibility.