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2026-07-27 19:10 UTC → 2026-07-29 15:14 UTC ·
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Zambia 2026 election campaign and peace appeals intensifies
The presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for 13 August 2026 remain a test of President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic turnaround. Investors are watching whether Zambia can secure a new US$1.7 billion IMF programme after the previous arrangement expired in January; the outcome will signal policy continuity for the post‑default recovery. Hichilema is widely expected continues to defeat promote his economic turnaround ahead of the Tonse‑Pamodzi Alliance (candidates Brian Mundubile and Makabi Zulu) 13 August 2026 presidential and has warned the opposition they will be left “in tears” after the vote. He continues to tout parliamentary polls, highlighting infrastructure projects such as the Lusaka‑Ndola road, projects, expanded Constituency Development Fund allocations, large‑scale hiring in health and education, new market facilities constituency funds and a modern health centre for the John Chinena community. The proposed mining‑local‑content law, law aiming to raise double domestic procurement from about 20 % to 40 % over procurement. He warns that supporting inexperienced candidates or a resurgence of the next three Patriotic Front (PF) would repeat past failures, urging voters to four years, remains central as copper exporters Vedanta, Barrick Gold back the UPND. Socialist Party leader Dr Fred M’membe echoed the call for alternatives, cautioning that voting for either the UPND or the Tonse‑Pamodzi Alliance would merely recycle the same leadership without solving cost‑of‑living, jobs and First Quantum Minerals keep operations running. On 26 July, service‑delivery challenges. Opposition candidate Brian Mundubile addressed thousands in Chingola, the final Copperbelt rally, urging launched a new direction focused on job creation, five‑day tour in Solwezi, pledging that Zambia’s mining sector should deliver more jobs, business opportunities for youth, cost‑of‑living relief and improved service delivery. He called infrastructure for peace, unity and local communities. He framed his platform as a high voter turnout. MP Stephen Kampyongo also spoke, rejecting “paid prophecies,” recalling past gassing incidents, highlighting police‑housing projects, break from the PF legacy and endorsing Mundubile. a push for genuine reform. The Zambia Conference Electoral Commission announced the withdrawal of four candidates, including parliamentary hopefuls Robster Mwanza and Kelly Nyambe, whose names will remain on ballots but who will no longer campaign, tightening the contest in the weeks before polling day. Catholic Bishops continues bishops continue to urge a rejection of peace and reject political violence as the campaign intensifies. heats up.