Former Cabinet Minister Yamfwa Mukanga has cautioned that the Patriotic Front risks further defections if lingering internal disputes within the opposition party are not urgently addressed.

Mukanga’s remarks come at a time when tensions within the party continue to simmer, with disagreements over leadership direction and organisational management raising concern among members and supporters alike.

Reflecting on the current state of the party, Mukanga warned that prolonged divisions could gradually weaken the PF’s internal cohesion and diminish its capacity to present a unified political front within Zambia’s political landscape.

He observed that internal disagreements are not uncommon in political organisations. However, the decisive factor lies in how such disputes are managed. When conflicts are handled through structured dialogue and inclusive engagement, unity can often be preserved. When disagreements remain unresolved for extended periods, they risk slowly eroding trust and confidence among party members.

According to Mukanga, members of any political organisation naturally look to leadership for stability, direction and reassurance, particularly during periods of political transition or internal contestation. Where uncertainty emerges within the leadership structure, he noted, it can generate unease among members about the party’s long-term future.

Mukanga further cautioned that persistent internal wrangles could eventually drive some members to seek alternative political platforms if they begin to feel that their concerns are not being adequately addressed within existing party structures.

He stressed that unity remains a fundamental pillar for any political organisation seeking to sustain credibility, organisational strength and influence within the national political arena.

Political parties, by their very nature, depend on disciplined internal structures and a shared sense of purpose among members. When internal disputes dominate organisational discourse, Mukanga warned, attention can easily shift away from broader political objectives and the strategic priorities that define the party’s mission.

In this regard, he urged the PF to guard against allowing internal disagreements to overshadow the party’s wider political agenda.

Mukanga emphasised the importance of strengthening internal dialogue mechanisms that allow members to express concerns constructively while safeguarding organisational stability. Such mechanisms, he explained, can help reduce misunderstandings and reinforce confidence among members who wish to remain actively involved in shaping the party’s direction.

He also underscored the crucial role of leadership in managing internal differences. Leaders, he noted, carry the responsibility of guiding party members through periods of tension while maintaining a clear sense of purpose and unity.

Constructive engagement and open communication, Mukanga added, often provide the most effective pathway to resolving disputes before they deepen into entrenched divisions that may prove difficult to reverse.

The former minister further observed that political organisations must continuously reinforce internal discipline and cohesion if they are to remain competitive within Zambia’s evolving political environment.

A fragmented organisation, he cautioned, often struggles to mobilise effectively and risks sending mixed signals to both supporters and the broader electorate.

Mukanga pointed out that the PF has historically maintained a significant presence within Zambia’s political landscape, having built extensive organisational structures and grassroots networks over the years that have supported its participation in national politics.

However, he warned that prolonged internal disputes could gradually weaken these foundations if corrective measures are not implemented in time.

Political parties, he said, ultimately draw their strength not only from leadership but also from the confidence and commitment of ordinary members who form the backbone of the organisation.

When members begin to feel excluded from decision-making processes, dissatisfaction can steadily grow, sometimes culminating in departures that weaken the organisation’s overall structure.

Mukanga therefore urged party leaders and members to prioritise dialogue, reconciliation and collective engagement as a means of restoring stability within the party.

Rebuilding unity within the PF, he said, would not only strengthen its internal structures but also help restore confidence among both members and supporters.

He further emphasised that internal stability plays a significant role in shaping how political parties are perceived by the public.

Where a party appears deeply divided, voters may begin to question its readiness to govern or its capacity to offer credible alternative leadership. Conversely, an organisation that demonstrates cohesion, discipline and clarity of purpose is more likely to retain the confidence of the electorate.

Mukanga encouraged members of the PF to focus on rebuilding trust and reinforcing unity within party structures.

Resolving internal disputes through constructive dialogue, he noted, would not only help prevent further defections but would also strengthen the party’s ability to operate effectively within Zambia’s political environment.

He concluded by stressing that sustained unity within the Patriotic Front remains essential for safeguarding the party’s organisational stability and preserving its standing within the country’s political landscape.