Kalaba accuses Hichilema administration of undermining 2026 electoral processes

Harry Kalaba, president of the Citizens First party, has raised serious concerns over the government’s handling of the upcoming 2026 general elections, warning that key electoral processes threatened the prospects of democratic, transparent, and credible polls.

Kalaba said he was alarmed by how electoral processes—such as the issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) and the voter registration exercise—had been conducted, describing them as discriminatory, insecure, and deliberately designed to disadvantage certain regions.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Wednesday, Kalaba claimed the exercises amounted to voter suppression, alleging that areas perceived to be opposition strongholds experienced widespread challenges, including malfunctioning machines and equipment breakdowns.

He questioned the composition and impartiality of the Board and Management of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, suggesting that their conduct risked eroding public confidence in the electoral system.

Kalaba also criticized amendments to the Republican Constitution through Bill 7, which altered the electoral framework and expanded the number of Members of Parliament from 165 to 281.

He argued that such changes would strain national resources and shift attention away from critical sectors such as health and education.

“The outcome of this is that the electoral system has been altered fundamentally and the National Assembly will be expanded. The toll will be heavy on extremely limited public resources,” Kalaba stated.

He further alleged that the Electoral Process (Amendment) Bill 2026 contains provisions that could facilitate state interference in political party affairs and weaken party autonomy.

“We have also demonstrated that the proposed amendments has provisions that are designed to enable state interference and undermine the autonomy and independence of political parties,” Kalaba said.

Kalaba added that the bill gave excessive powers to the Registrar of Societies, enabling it to remove or exclude political parties or individuals—an act he warned posed a threat to Zambia’s democracy.

Turning to his party’s preparations for the 2026 elections, Kalaba said Citizens First was mobilizing and inviting interested candidates to apply for leadership positions.

“We wish to inform the nation that our preparations to participate in the 2026 general elections are advancing. The party’s doors remain open to those disadvantaged by current repressive methods and victimized leaders in the ruling party,” he said.

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