484 ViewsMONGU, WESTERN PROVINCE, July 5, 2026 – President Hakainde Hichilema has concluded his two-day campaign tour of Western Province with a renewed appeal to voters not to return the former Patriotic Front (PF) to government, arguing that those who presided over Zambia’s economic challenges have merely rebranded under a different political banner. Addressing campaign […]

484 Views

MONGU, WESTERN PROVINCE, July 5, 2026 – President Hakainde Hichilema has concluded his two-day campaign tour of Western Province with a renewed appeal to voters not to return the former Patriotic Front (PF) to government, arguing that those who presided over Zambia’s economic challenges have merely rebranded under a different political banner.

Addressing campaign rallies across the province, the UPND presidential candidate said the PF administration left behind a struggling economy and presided over a period in which citizens experienced political violence and intimidation.

According to President Hichilema, the leaders of the former ruling party are now seeking another opportunity to govern through the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRP-UP).

“Those who destroyed the country have simply changed the name. They brutalised citizens, damaged the economy and must never be allowed back into government,” President Hichilema told supporters.

The Head of State said his administration had made significant progress since taking office in 2021, citing economic recovery, infrastructure development, free education and increased investment in key sectors as achievements that should be protected.

“I have done a lot, but there is still more to do. The gains we have made together must be protected,” he said as he appealed for a second five-year mandate in the August 13 General Election.

Campaign contrasts emerge

President Hichilema’s remarks come as the UPND increasingly focuses its campaign on contrasting its record in government with that of the former PF administration.

However, the political landscape remains more nuanced, with several former PF officials now contesting elections on different political platforms.

The UPND itself has adopted a number of former PF Members of Parliament and officials as parliamentary candidates for this year’s elections. In addition, the ruling party has entered into a political alliance with a PF faction led by Miles Sampa, whose members have been participating in UPND campaign activities.

On the other hand, the NRP-UP presidential ticket is led by former PF Cabinet ministers Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu, both lawyers who served in the administration of former President Edgar Lungu.

NRP-UP emerges as key challenger

As the campaign enters its final weeks, Mundubile and Zulu have emerged as among President Hichilema’s most visible challengers, holding rallies across the country in line with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) campaign schedule.

The NRP-UP campaign has attracted sizeable crowds in several provinces, with the party focusing its message on governance, economic reforms, education and national reconciliation.

Unlike the President, who travels using state-provided presidential transport as the incumbent Head of State while undertaking campaign engagements, the NRP-UP team has largely travelled by road in accordance with the ECZ’s provincial campaign timetable.

Political analysts say the August 13 presidential election is shaping up to be more competitive than initially anticipated, with the ruling UPND seeking re-election while several opposition parties, including the NRP-UP, continue to intensify their nationwide campaigns.

Following the conclusion of his Western Province tour, President Hichilema is expected to spend the next two days campaigning in Central Province as political parties enter another crucial phase of the election campaign.