HH’s re-election most unlikely – Sishuwa
By BARNABAS ZULU
ACADEMICIAN and political analyst Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa has dismissed the notion that President Hakainde Hichilema will easily win and rebound in the 2026 general elections, describing such assumptions as wishful thinking.
In a detailed statement, Dr. Sishuwa argues that, contrary to some optimistic projections, President Hichilema’s re-election is highly unlikely, as he is already “on his way out.”
Dr. Sishuwa has expressed grave concerns about the current state of the political landscape, which he says did not favour Mr Hichilema and his UPND.
“Who will win Zambia’s 2026 election? Is there an alternative? At this stage, I do not know. But I can say that many people in Zambia already know who they will not vote for, and that includes President Hichilema,” Dr Sishuwa said.
“I am not persuaded by the bold assertion being made by some that President Hakainde Hichilema will be re-elected. Such assumptions are, in my view, based on wishful thinking, dressed in certainties, rather than concrete data and a careful consideration of the unfolding political landscape.”
Dr. Sishuwa also claimed that President Hichilema was aware of the growing discontent against him, which has led to increasingly use of authoritarian tactics to maintain power.
“Hichilema recognises the changing political tide against him,” said Dr. Sishuwa, pointing to the President’s alleged efforts to suppress opposition.
He accused the government of undermining opposition parties by using the police for arrests and court cases, as well as manipulating the opposition through the Registrar of Societies.
“I am aware that the government recently changed the names of PF office bearers from Miles Sampa to Robert Chabinga, with the planned intention of expelling both Miles, followed by a by-election in Matero, and Edgar Lungu,” he noted.
Dr. Sishuwa also highlighted concerns about the independence of key institutions.
He claimed that Mr Hichilema has stacked the Electoral Commission of Zambia with ruling UPND members and is in the process of appointing regime-friendly judges to the Constitutional Court.
He warned that such manoeuvres could lead to a compromised election process in 2026.
He also questioned the ruling party’s narrative that there is no credible opposition to challenge Hichilema’s re-election bid.
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He called this argument a strategy designed to manipulate public perception and discredit any potential opposition leaders.
“If there is no credible opposition, then why it is that Mr Hichilema is so desperate to destroy the PF?” Dr. Sishuwa asked, suggesting that the government is deliberately eliminating potential challengers to pave the way for a manipulated victory.
Dr. Sishuwa is also sceptical about the claim that President Hichilema’s popularity will ensure his re-election, given that he has not delivered on key promises.
“What has Hichilema actually done to get re-elected? He has lamentably failed on critical national issues, such as safeguarding democracy, promoting national unity, addressing the cost-of-living crisis, and fighting corruption beyond rhetoric,” he said.
Dr. Sishuwa said President Hichilema’s main challenge will be the emergence of a strong opposition leader.
“If opposition parties are able to put country first, work together, and field a common and credible presidential candidate in 2026, then we might as well start calling Hichilema ‘former president of Zambia’,” he said.
Dr. Sishuwa also reflected on the broader political impact of Hichilema’s presidency, noting that although there may have been hope for change when he was elected in 2021, his tenure has exposed the shortcomings of his leadership.
“The best thing about electing Hichilema president was that we are no longer distracted by his potential to be better than those who came before him, and we can now start looking for suitable alternatives,” he noted.
