Political analyst Owen Sichone says the growing focus on tribalism in Zambian politics is a deliberate diversion from pressing governance and economic issues affecting citizens.
Speaking to Flava News, Professor Sichone argued that tribal politics has limited relevance at parliamentary level, noting that most constituencies are ethnically diverse and candidates cannot rely on a single tribe to secure electoral victory.
He explained that campaigning along tribal lines in parliamentary contests is politically self-defeating, as no single ethnic group holds a majority in most constituencies.
Professor Sichone further stated that tribal mobilisation is more commonly used at presidential level, where candidates typically consolidate support within their districts and provinces before appealing to voters nationally.
He said that once elections move to parliamentary races, voters prioritise inclusivity, accessibility, and solutions to everyday challenges rather than ethnic rhetoric.
Professor Sichone criticised both the ruling party and the opposition for failing to adequately address citizens’ lived realities, arguing that abstract statistics and broad development claims do not reflect the daily struggles faced by ordinary Zambians.
He has urged citizens to reject divisive political narratives and instead hold leaders accountable based on campaign promises, service delivery, and tangible improvements in their communities.
