A recent statement by Hon. Mumbi Phiri, suggesting that a winning presidential ticket for the opposition would involve a northerner (from Muchinga, Luapula, or Northern Province) as the presidential candidate paired with an Easterner as the running-mate, has sparked considerable debate in Zambia’s political landscape. Phiri has staunchly defended her assertion, clarifying that it represents a political strategy aimed at electoral success, rather than a tribalistic pronouncement. She challenged critics to explain how a ticket comprising individuals from two distinct regions could inherently be tribal, further arguing that a truly tribal statement would imply an all-Bemba ticket, which was not her proposition. She emphatically endorsed this strategy, stating her belief that this combination offers the greatest probability of dislodging the current UPND government.

To support her argument, Hon. Mumbi Phiri drew parallels with global political practices, particularly referencing the United States electoral system. She highlighted how political parties worldwide often identify and leverage regional strongholds. In the US, for instance, Democrats are strong in the north and Republicans in the south, with swing states like Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania being critical battlegrounds. Phiri noted that it is standard practice for presidential candidates to select running mates from these swing states to maximize electoral advantage, deeming it ineffective to choose a running mate from a staunchly opposing region where they would not bring additional votes. This analogy served to underpin her view that her proposed ticket combination is a pragmatic strategic choice based on regional support dynamics, not tribal affiliation.

Phiri also critically assessed the political standing of certain opposition figures, asserting that Hon. Given Lubinda and Hon. Raphael Nakachinda, for example, might struggle to win even a Ward Councillor seat in their home villages due to those areas being UPND strongholds. She characterized those condemning her statement as either UPND supporters or individuals attempting to undermine the opposition from within. Phiri declared that well-meaning opposition leaders would not succumb to such “blackmail” or be deterred from openly discussing winning electoral strategies, reiterating that her statement is simply a matter of fact, regardless of personal opinions.

In a separate development, an unnamed official, speaking during an ongoing party structure audit in Chirundu district, strongly condemned tribalism, asserting that “Any manner of tribalism must end within the UPND government boundaries and must never be entertained within the ranks and file of the Patriotic Front.” This official emphasized that the Patriotic Front (PF) is a national party, belonging to all well-meaning Zambians, and should not be confined to any single part of the country. The event saw hundreds of party officials gathering to present expanded party structures, increasing from 24 to 72 at the ward, constituency, and district levels. PF Lusaka Province Chairman Christopher Shakafuswa was also present at the function, thanking the Chirundu district leadership for their unwavering loyalty and commitment to the party. This statement highlights a broader commitment within the PF to address and combat tribalism, emphasizing national unity despite the strategic regional considerations raised by Mumbi Phiri.