356 Views …cites bankruptcy status, defective adoption papers Charles Chanda, president of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ), has become the first aspiring presidential candidate to be rejected from participating in the August 13, 2026 general elections. The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) reportedly rejected Chanda’s nomination on grounds that he is allegedly bankrupt […]

356 Views

…cites bankruptcy status, defective adoption papers

Charles Chanda

Charles Chanda, president of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ), has become the first aspiring presidential candidate to be rejected from participating in the August 13, 2026 general elections.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) reportedly rejected Chanda’s nomination on grounds that he is allegedly bankrupt and that his adoption certificate did not contain the name of the party’s Secretary General as required.

According to proceedings at the nomination centre, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis informed Chanda that his nomination papers could not be accepted due to the irregularities.

“You are bankrupt,” Zaloumis reportedly told the UPPZ leader, who has previously participated in four presidential elections.

The Commission also raised concern over the adoption certificate submitted by the party, stating that it did not properly indicate the name of the Secretary General.

However, Chanda strongly objected to the decision, insisting that he was not bankrupt and claiming he had obtained documents from the court clearing his status.

“But I’m not bankrupt. How can someone worth K5 billion be bankrupt?” Chanda reacted angrily before supporters and journalists.

The visibly upset politician reportedly tore the rejection papers from ECZ officials and accused the electoral body of attempting to manipulate the electoral process.

“Zambia is our country, this imingalato will not work,” Chanda declared as some of his supporters shouted in protest.

The dramatic scenes marked one of the first major controversies of the 2026 nomination process as political tensions continue to rise ahead of the general elections.

Chanda has been one of Zambia’s recurring presidential contenders, often presenting himself as an anti-establishment candidate advocating for economic empowerment and political reforms.

The ECZ had not by press time issued a detailed public statement explaining the rejection beyond the issues raised during the filing process.

The development is likely to trigger legal and political debate, especially among opposition parties that have accused authorities of creating stringent nomination requirements aimed at reducing the number of candidates on the presidential ballot.