168 Views Former minister of information Chishimba Kambwili has endorsed Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba for the 2026 General Election. Declaring his support for Kalaba, Kambwili said the decision came after analysing all political parties. “After analysing all political parties, I will support and back the candidature of Harry Kalaba in the 2026 general elections,” […]

168 Views

Former minister of information Chishimba Kambwili has endorsed Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba for the 2026 General Election.

Declaring his support for Kalaba, Kambwili said the decision came after analysing all political parties.

“After analysing all political parties, I will support and back the candidature of Harry Kalaba in the 2026 general elections,” he said.

Apparently, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has rejected the presidential nomination of United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) president Charles Chanda.

Chanda has been declared ineligible on grounds that he is bankrupt and his adoption certificate did not include the name of the party’s secretary general.

Meanwhile, Kalaba is on record saying his party is considering calls for a united opposition front.

He said opposition unity is something his party has already embraced, himself having spoken about the importance of bringing opposition leaders together.

He added that his party has taken deliberate steps to reach out, engage, and build common ground.

He disclosed that they have reached out to people like Brian Mundubile, Dr Fred M’membe, Counsel Kelvin Bwalya Fube, Counsel Makebi Zulu, Given Lubinda, Charles Chanda, Ms Saboi Imboela, Miles Sampa, Dr Chishimba Kambwili, Greyford Monde, and many others.

“We made the decision to bridge the divide not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Now is not the time for competition. It is a time for unity, cooperation, and shared purpose.

“As Citizens First, we have consistently made it clear that we are ready to work with others who are committed to this path. Our focus remains the same. We must come together and serve the people as one, with a united front.

He recently wrote:

I received a call this morning from my barber Emmanuel. “Ba boss, why don’t we work together with other leaders to remove the UPND?”.

Emmanuel is not alone. That same message has been reaching me from ordinary, well-meaning Zambians across the country.

As Citizens First, this is not something we have ignored. In fact, it is something we have already embraced.

In recent days, including my appearance on EMV, I have spoken about the importance of bringing opposition leaders together. But beyond that, we have taken deliberate steps to reach out, engage, and build common ground. We did not stop at words. We made calls, held conversations and extended hands.

We have reached out to Hon Brian Mundubile, Dr Fred M’membe , Counsel Kelvin Bwalya Fube, Counsel Makebi Zulu, Hon Given Lubinda, Mr Charles Chanda, Ms Saboi Imboela, Hon Miles Sampa, Dr Chishimba Kambwili, Hon Greyford Monde, and many others.

We made the decision to bridge the divide not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. Now is not the time for competition. It is a time for unity, cooperation, and shared purpose.

As Citizens First, we have consistently made it clear that we are ready to work with others who are committed to this path. Our focus remains the same. We must come together and serve the people as one, with a united front.

Let us stay focused on the bigger picture and remain committed to the greater good, regardless of who the people ultimately choose.

Harry Kalaba,

Citizens First