PeP names Chanda Katotobwe as presidential candidate for 2026 election

The Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) has announced Chanda Katotobwe as its presidential candidate for the August 13, 2026 general election.

PeP President, Sean Tembo, said the decision reflected his commitment to placing national interest above personal ambition, adding that he will instead run as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.

Tembo made the announcement during a press briefing at Palmwood Lodge in Lusaka on Monday.

He said the party was confident of victory in the upcoming polls.

“The PeP does not only stand a chance of winning, but now we are 100 percent that we are winning,” Tembo said.

“The introduction of a new candidate outside the party guarantees us that we are winning this year’s elections,” he said.

He added that the party chose its flag bearer with the understanding that the candidate would appeal broadly to voters.

“We had a choice to make — whether to grow slowly as a party — but we have made a decision to grow immediately,” he said.

Katotobwe, who accepted the nomination, pledged to lead the party to victory and deliver meaningful reforms.

He called for unity at a time he said many Zambians were expressing concerns over governance and service delivery.

Katotobwe is currently Member of Parliament for Luapula Constituency under the Patriotic Front (PF).

He had previously expressed interest in contesting for the PF presidency at a party convention, which has been delayed by ongoing legal disputes.

He also did not participate in the so-called “No Name Convention,” at which Makebi Zulu was elected PF president, defeating Given Lubinda, Chishimba Kambwili, Chitalu Chilufya and Greyford Monde.

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