Zambia's opposition party leader acknowledged that only alliance among oppositions could beat down President Mwanawasa in next year's presidential election.

"We are aware that no individual political party can win the presidential election in this country," said Daniel Pule, interim President of opposition Zambia Development Conference (ZADECO), while addressing a press briefing here on Thursday.

He noted that not much progress has been made till now though there have been some talks among political leaders, referring to the Rainbow Coalition proposed by some opposition parties a few months ago in hopes of giving the president a challenge in next year's election.

"We'll support possible alliance of political parties," said ZADECO leader, adding his party would be part of it if the coalition is formed.

The press briefing was held shortly after President Mwanawasa won his party leadership as well as the candidature for next year's presidential election last weekend.

Pule accused the president of not doing enough to deal with the country's predicament such as poverty, corruption and suppression of free expression, which he said Mwanawasa should take responsibility.

The party leader complained against the country's tax level, saying the current high tax contributed to the poverty of ordinary Zambian people.

Source: Xinhua