Three opposition political parties have officially launched the Citizens First (CF) Orange Alliance ahead of this year’s general election, with Citizens First leader, Harry Kalaba, announced as the alliance’s 2026 presidential candidate.

Kalaba described the alliance as a patriotic and encouraging step towards restoring hope, integrity, and effective leadership in Zambia.

Speaking during the unveiling of the alliance in Lusaka on Wednesday, Kalaba expressed gratitude to his colleagues from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Revamp for Development Change (RDC) for endorsing him and strengthening the coalition.

He emphasised that unity among opposition leaders was not optional but essential for meaningful change.

Kalaba noted that no single party can overcome the nation’s challenges in isolation, but together they can deliver real transformation.

“The Alliance aims to rally political and social movements, as well as ordinary citizens, to prioritise the greater good of the country. Its ambitions extend beyond the presidency, seeking a decisive majority in Parliament, mayoral offices, and council positions nationwide,” Kalaba said.

He further invited aspiring candidates and citizens to join the movement, saying it offers a platform anchored on shared vision and collective strength, with ambitions ranging from grassroots mobilisation to the highest office in the land.

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National Democratic Congress (NDC) president, Saboi Imboela, said her party will rally behind Kalaba, stressing that the alliance was not just an endorsement but a structured coalition with a clear identity.

Imboela explained that the name “Orange Alliance” was chosen to symbolise strength, unity, and resilience.

“Opposition parties often fail when each leader insists on being at the top, but this alliance seeks to combine comparative advantages,” she said.

She added that Kalaba had demonstrated stronger progress and leadership, making him the natural choice to lead the coalition.

Imboela also recalled past alliance attempts that were undermined by government interference and internal party divisions.

“The Citizens First Orange Alliance is open to all political parties and movements willing to join. Citizens First has emerged as one of the most stable opposition parties in Zambia,” she said.

Revamp for Development Change (RDC) president, Robert Chansa, also pledged his party’s support to the newly formed alliance.

Chansa, the youngest opposition leader in the coalition, said his involvement reflects that leadership is not about privilege but about God’s fairness.

He criticised the current government, accusing it of making false promises on reducing food and fuel prices.

Chansa further argued that the ruling authorities have shown disregard for the law and Zambia’s Christian values.

“Zambia is at a crossroads and must make a decisive choice in the upcoming elections. God has granted the nation a new ‘David’ in the form of Alliance President Harry Kalaba,” he said.

He urged Zambians to rally behind Kalaba, whom he described as a leader of integrity and honesty, and the strongest candidate to redeem the country from poor governance.

Chansa added that the alliance represented prophetic leadership aimed at delivering Zambia from its current challenges, calling on citizens to trust Kalaba’s leadership and support the CF Orange Alliance as a path to national renewal.

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