203 ViewsThe ruling party, the United Party for National Development (UPND) has been accused of paying opposition party candidates to withdraw from the general election set for 13 August. Former diplomat Emmanuel Mwamba says the ruling party is paying opposition party candidates to withdraw from the forthcoming general election so that UPND so that its […]

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The ruling party, the United Party for National Development (UPND) has been accused of paying opposition party candidates to withdraw from the general election set for 13 August.

Former diplomat Emmanuel Mwamba says the ruling party is paying opposition party candidates to withdraw from the forthcoming general election so that UPND so that its candidates sail through unopposed.

“They are buying Opposition Candidates to Withdraw.

“The Socialist Party parliamentary candidate in Liuwa Constituency in Kalabo has withdrawn from the race, leaving UPND candidate Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane unopposed.

“They are buying Opposirion Candidates to Withdraw.

“Dundumwezi independent parliamentary candidate Michelo Haluyasa has withdrawn from the race, leaving the UPND candidate unopposed,” he said.

Recently, former home affairs minister Jack Mwiimbu urged a Monze independent candidate associated with the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) to withdraw from the race and support President Hakainde Hichilema.

According to reports by the Times of Zambia, Mwiimbu said independent candidates with ties to the ruling party should unite behind the UPND and avoid dividing votes ahead of the elections.

He emphasized the importance of party unity and urged members to rally behind President Hichilema and officially adopted UPND candidates in order to strengthen the party’s chances in the polls.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has validly nominated 14 presidential candidates and their running mates for the August 13, 2026 General Election.

The candidates are:

1. Mr Hakainde Hichilema and running mate Mrs Mutale Nalumango – United Party for National Development (UPND).

2. Mr Given Mwenya Chansa and running mate Mr Harrison Chewe – Movement for Economic Emancipation (MEE).

3. Dr Richard Silumbe and running mate Mr Kaela Kamwenesha – Leadership Movement (LM).

4. Mr Harry Kalaba and running mate Mr Moses Mawere – Citizens First (CF).

5. Dr Fred M’membe and running mate Ms Dolika Banda – Socialist Party.

6. Mr Kelvin Fube Bwalya (KBF) and running mate Mr Milner Katolo – Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP).

7. Mr Brian Mundubile and running mate Mr Makebi Zulu – National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP).

8. Mr Howard Kunda and running mate Ms Chipo Miyoba – Zambia Wake Up Party (ZAWAPA).

9. Dr Brian Mushimba and running mate Mr Andyford Mayele Banda – Organised People’s Party (OPP).

10. Ms Given Katuta and running mate Mr John Nyirenda – Independent.

11. Mr Xavier Chungu and running mate Mr Gerald Dingiswayo Mwanza – Liberal Democrats Party (LDP).

12. Dr Dan Pule and running mate Mr Bert Mushala – Christian Democratic Party (CDP).

13. Mr Richwell Siamunene and running mate Mr Nicholas Banda, former Kapoche Member of Parliament – New Focus Party (NFP).

14. Mr Ackim Antony Njobvu and running mate Ms Mirriam Banda – Democratic Union (DU).

GENDER BREAKDOWN OF THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE

As things stand, the August 13, 2026 presidential ballot paper will feature 13 male candidates and one female candidate.

Among the running mates, 11 are male while three are female.

FEWER CANDIDATES THAN IN 2021

By comparison, the August 12, 2021 presidential election ballot paper featured 16 candidates, comprising 15 men and one woman.

The 2021 race also included 11 male running mates and five female running mates.