Zambia's 2026 Election Campaign Intensifies Amid Candidate Withdrawals

Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRP‑UP) and his running mate Makebi Zulu arrived in Solwezi, North‑Western Province, on July 28, 2026, to launch a five‑day campaign tour ahead of the Aug. 13 general election. Supporters greeted the convoy with chants of “We want change!” and Mundubile pledged reforms to ensure Zambia’s mining sector benefits local communities through more jobs, business opportunities and infrastructure development.

At the same time, the Electoral Commission of Zambia announced that four candidates, including Resolute Party parliamentary hopeful Robster Mwanza for Chongwe East and NRP‑UP ward candidate Kelly Nyambe for Mulenje, have formally withdrawn from the contest. Their names will remain on ballot papers due to timing, but they will no longer campaign, reducing the organisational reach of their parties in the affected districts just weeks before polling day.