By BARNABAS ZULU GOVERNANCE activist Professor Edgar Ng’oma says the United Party for National Development (UPND) government’s relentless criticism of Zambia’s sixth President, Edgar Lungu, has ironically increased his popularity among voters. Prof. Ngoma, a distinguished philosopher and governance fellow, argued that the New Dawn government’s approach to dealing with Lungu and his Patriotic Front (PF) party has backfired, bolstering the former president’s public support rather than diminishing it. “The constant criticism has boosted ECL’s popularity, making him a formidable force,” Prof. Ngoma stated in his write-up. “Their constant focus on disparaging him has created unintended consequences, leading to voter apathy, resentment, and, ultimately, a rise in sympathy for Mr Lungu.” Prof. Ng’oma outlined three psychological factors that he believes explain why this strategy has backfired: The Sympathy Factor, The Backlash Effect, and Desensitization. “The Sympathy Factor occurs when a candidate, continuously under attack, starts to appear more relatable, especially when the criticism is perceived […]
