KALABA CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF 2026 ELECTIONS

KALABA CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF 2026 ELECTIONS CITIZENS First president Harry Kalaba has called for a thorough, transparent and independent review of the August 13 general election, saying the process was marred by intimidation, interference and inconsistencies in the handling of electoral materials. Kalaba said Zambia risked losing its reputation as a beacon of […]

KALABA CALLS FOR INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF 2026 ELECTIONS

CITIZENS First president Harry Kalaba has called for a thorough, transparent and independent review of the August 13 general election, saying the process was marred by intimidation, interference and inconsistencies in the handling of electoral materials.

Kalaba said Zambia risked losing its reputation as a beacon of democracy and good governance if concerns surrounding the election were not addressed.

He commended civic leaders, religious organisations and other stakeholders for providing oversight during the electoral period, saying most participants had demonstrated maturity.

Kalaba also praised Tonse Alliance leader Brian Mundubile for what he described as a courageous fight despite difficult circumstances.

“To stand firm under conditions of intimidation, provocation and systemic irregularities requires resilience, conviction and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles,” he said.

He further commended Zambians for maintaining peace despite what he described as clear provocation and intimidation.

“Our citizens chose restraint over chaos, peace over conflict, and dignity over disorder,” Kalaba said.

But Kalaba said the reported irregularities should not be ignored, arguing that Zambia was now at risk of becoming a cautionary tale on democratic governance.

“From being a model of good governance, we are now in danger of becoming a laughing stock, not only within the region but across the globe,” he said.

Kalaba said Citizens First would continue advocating for transparency, accountability and protection of the sovereign will of Zambians.

“Democracy is not merely about putting an ‘X’ on paper,” he said.

He also demanded a comprehensive Government statement on issues surrounding Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya, saying transparency was necessary for national healing.

“The nation needs healing and transparency is a good starting point in that healing process,” Kalaba said.

He writes:

19 August 2026

I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to all the participants, civic leaders, religious and faith based organizations that participated and provided the much needed oversight during the period surrounding the 13th of August. The majority of the participants demonstrated maturity in line with the values and spirit of the Zambian people.

Of particular note, I would like to commend the Tonse Alliance and its leader, Hon. Brian Mundubile, for putting up a spirited and courageous fight in the face of what can only be described as one of the most deeply flawed processes in the history of our Republic.

To stand firm under conditions of intimidation, provocation and systemic irregularities requires resilience, conviction and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles. For that, they deserve recognition.

At the same time, I wish to commend the people of Zambia. In the face of clear provocation, intimidation and a worrying departure from established norms and standards of election management, our citizens chose restraint over chaos, peace over conflict, and dignity over disorder. This is a testament to the character of the Zambian people, who continue to demonstrate maturity even when the system fails them.

However, we must not shy away from confronting the truth.

The process we have just witnessed raises serious concerns that cannot be ignored. Reports of intimidation, interference with polling processes, inconsistencies in the handling of materials and the uneven application of the law point to a process that fell far short of the democratic standards Zambia has historically upheld.

Zambia was once regarded as a beacon of stability, democracy and good governance on the African continent. Today, regrettably, we risk being seen as a cautionary tale a nation that is steadily eroding the very democratic foundations it once proudly championed.

From being a model of good governance, we are now in danger of becoming a laughing stock, not only within the region but across the globe.

This is not a label that the people of Zambia deserve.

The responsibility for restoring credibility to our democratic processes lies squarely with those entrusted with managing them. Our institutions must rise above reproach. The integrity of whom the people choose must be protected not only in outcome, but in process. Without that, the very legitimacy of governance is called into question.

As Citizens First, we reaffirm our commitment to peaceful democratic engagement. We shall continue to advocate for transparency, accountability and the protection of the sovereign will of the Zambian people.

We call for a thorough, transparent and independent review of the electoral process so that the concerns raised can be addressed and public confidence restored.

Let it be clear: democracy is not merely about putting an “X” on paper. It is about ensuring that every individual is free to choose whomever they wish, and that their choice is protected from interference.

Zambia belongs to all of us.

And together, we must reclaim and restore the democratic values that define us as a nation.

Finally, we would like to extend our profound condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones before, during and after the polls. We also demand that government issues a comprehensive statement with regard to the issue surrounding Hon. Mutotwe Kafwaya. The nation needs healing and transparency is a good starting point in that healing process.

We thank you and may God bless the Republic of Zambia.

Harry Kalaba
Citizens First (CF)