Tonse Alliance rejects calls to petition Presidential election results

By JULIUS M.PHIRI Correspondent, Zambia 

                                                                Dr, Chris Zumani Zimba

The Tonse Alliance has rejected calls for the opposition to petition the results of Zambia’s just-ended general elections, in which incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) secured a second term in office.The alliance, which participated in the elections under the National Reconciliation, Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), says petitioning the presidential election results would be a mistake and could further heighten tensions in the country.

Tonse Alliance Secretary General, Dr Chris Zumani Zimba, said the country should instead prioritize dialogue, healing, peace and reconciliation following the elections. Dr Zimba, who is also the alliance’s founder and chief adviser, said he would not be part of any effort to petition the presidential results.“With such fire, petitioning Presidential Results will be a big mistake! As for me as Tonse Alliance Founder, SG and Chief Advisor, I will NOT be part of it,” Dr Zimba said.

He called for a peaceful post-election environment, urging stakeholders to embrace dialogue and reconciliation.“Let dialogue, healing, peace and reconciliation reign now to serve many detained and hiding!” he said.Dr Zimba’s position comes amid calls from some opposition stakeholders to challenge aspects of the electoral process through legal channels.

The Tonse Alliance has instead urged stakeholders to focus on restoring peace and ensuring that the post-election period is characterised by reconciliation and respect for democratic processes.

The final 2026 presidential election figures show that incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema won with 2,965,326 votes, while Brian Mundubile of the NRPUP polled 1,856,217 votes. President Hichilema therefore won by 1,109,109 votes.