TRIBALISM? WHAT TRIBALISM?
October 5, 2025
The recent remarks by Hon. Mumbi Phiri suggesting that a presidential ticket pairing “a Bemba with an Easterner” would have a stronger chance of victory have sparked heated discussions across Zambia’s political landscape.
However, PeP President and TONSE Alliance Spokesperson Sean Tembo has dismissed claims that Mumbi Phiri’s comments were tribal, insisting instead that they reflect sound political strategy, not tribalism.
“Those calling this tribalism should explain how it qualifies as such,” Tembo said. “If Hon. Phiri had said the winning ticket needs to be a Bemba with another Bemba, that could be tribal. But she didn’t say that.”
Tembo argued that regional representation in political ticket formation is a common and rational practice across democracies worldwide.
“Politics of Strategy, Not Blackmail”
Tembo emphasized that understanding political dynamics and regional voting patterns is key to victory, not tribal manipulation.
“Let us avoid politics of blackmail,” he said. “I agree with Hon. Mumbi Phiri 100%. The ticket that has the greatest chance of removing UPND is one with a Northerner (Muchinga, Luapula, or Northern Province) as presidential candidate, and an Easterner as running mate.”
He explained that this strategy mirrors electoral behavior seen globally, including in the United States, where both Democrats and Republicans choose running mates based on swing states rather than strongholds.
“It’s meaningless for a Democratic candidate to pick a running mate from a strong Republican state, and vice versa,” Tembo explained. “The same logic applies in Zambia.”
“We Will Not Be Bullied”
Tembo also took a swipe at critics within and outside the opposition, accusing some of being UPND sympathizers or operatives planted to weaken the opposition from within.
“We will not be bullied or blackmailed into floating a politically impotent ticket that makes us lose next year’s elections,” Tembo warned. “What Hon. Mumbi Phiri said is factual. You might like it or hate it, but it remains the truth.”
He concluded his statement with a firm declaration of unity and determination:
“TILI TONSE 🤝 and the future is SET ✌🏽”
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