558 Views …says opposition candidates may be blocked from ballot Veteran politician Chishimba Kambwili has endorsed Harry Kalaba as his preferred presidential candidate for the August 13, 2026 general elections. Speaking during an address this afternoon, Kambwili said the current political environment had become difficult for opposition presidential hopefuls, alleging that some candidates may […]

558 Views

…says opposition candidates may be blocked from ballot

Kambwili today in the morning, 18th May 2026 when he visited Kalaba (right)

Kambwili today in the morning, 18th May 2026 when he visited Kalaba (right)

Veteran politician Chishimba Kambwili has endorsed Harry Kalaba as his preferred presidential candidate for the August 13, 2026 general elections.

Speaking during an address this afternoon, Kambwili said the current political environment had become difficult for opposition presidential hopefuls, alleging that some candidates may not be allowed to participate in the elections due to what he termed “imingalato-promax.”

Kambwili claimed that the ruling UPND was allegedly using new electoral requirements and laws to make it harder for certain opposition candidates to successfully file nominations with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

He said aspiring candidates needed to carefully assess the political landscape and align themselves with parties that fully meet all ECZ nomination requirements.

“It is clear that some presidential candidates will not be allowed on the ballot to participate,” Kambwili said.

He added that under the prevailing circumstances, opposition leaders needed to be strategic if they wanted to effectively challenge President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND in the upcoming elections.

Kambwili said he did not want to “remain in the cold” politically and had therefore resolved to support a candidate whom he believed satisfied all the requirements expected by the ECZ.

“I will support Harry Kalaba and I urge all meaningful Zambians to support him,” Kambwili declared.

The former cabinet minister described Kalaba as an experienced and reasonable leader capable of governing the country effectively under the current political and economic conditions.

“He is an experienced and reasonable person whom I believe would make a good president under the circumstances,” Kambwili said.

Kalaba, who heads the Citizens First Party, has emerged as one of the prominent opposition candidates challenging President Hichilema in the 2026 elections.

Kambwili, a former senior Patriotic Front official and outspoken critic of the UPND administration, remains influential in opposition politics despite facing a series of legal and political battles in recent years.

The endorsement comes at a time when opposition political parties are intensifying alliance talks and mobilising support ahead of nominations and campaigns for the August general elections.