UPND MEDIA DIRECTOR MARK SIMUUWE RESPONDS TO DR COSMAS MUSUMALI ON PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S ELECTION AS COMESA VICE-CHAIRPERSON

First, Dr Musumali comes from a political party whose performance in the recently concluded general elections, fell below 15,000 votes nationwide. This is a damning reflection of the party’s failure to build a national following, articulate a compelling political vision and inspire confidence among Zambians. Even securing meaningful parliamentary representation proved a challenge. Before questioning the leadership credentials of a democratically elected Head of State, Dr Musumali must first reflect on the political fortunes of the party he leads.

Second, Dr Musumali has yet to demonstrate that he can successfully run a political party capable of commanding broad national support. Leadership is not established through academic titles, press statements or sweeping judgments about others. It is demonstrated through the ability to mobilise people, earn public confidence and translate ideas into practical results. The electoral performance of the Socialist Party raises legitimate questions about whether its leadership has succeeded in meeting these basic tests.

Third, we challenge Dr Musumali to substantiate his assertions with empirical evidence rather than personal opinion. President Hichilema’s leadership and Zambia’s democratic credentials have been subjects of assessment by international research institutions and governance bodies. Afrobarometer, an independent pan-African research network, provides important evidence on citizens’ views regarding democracy, governance and political accountability. Other international assessments have also examined Zambia’s democratic progress and the President’s standing on the continent. His leadership has placed him among the five leading African presidents and among the 21 leading world leaders.

As someone who holds a doctorate, Dr Musumali should understand the importance of empirical evidence in political discourse. We therefore question whether his remarks about President Hichilema’s maturity as an African leader are founded on rigorous research or merely represent a personal political opinion. In a serious political environment, making sweeping declarations without empirical evidence is an embarrassment to informed public debate.

Fourth, President Hichilema’s election as COMESA Vice-Chairperson is an important diplomatic responsibility and an opportunity for Zambia to advance regional economic cooperation, trade, investment and integration. The President’s election provides an opportunity to advance Zambia’s interests and strengthen engagement with fellow member states.

We find it particularly ironic that Dr Musumali questions President Hichilema’s ability to engage African leaders when his own party has struggled to establish a meaningful political constituency at home. University of Zambia has more than 45,000 students and if the Socialist Party’s reported national vote total is below 15,000, it is legitimate to ask why its message has failed to resonate more broadly among Zambians, including young people and students.