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πŸŸ₯ π—§π—›π—˜ π——π—”π—œπ—Ÿπ—¬ 𝗕π—₯π—œπ—˜π—™ β€” π—ͺ𝗛𝗔𝗧 π—§π—›π—˜ π—£π—”π—£π—˜π—₯𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗬 The August election campaign entered a more volatile phase on Tuesday as opposit...
02/06/2026

πŸŸ₯ π—§π—›π—˜ π——π—”π—œπ—Ÿπ—¬ 𝗕π—₯π—œπ—˜π—™ β€” π—ͺ𝗛𝗔𝗧 π—§π—›π—˜ π—£π—”π—£π—˜π—₯𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗬

The August election campaign entered a more volatile phase on Tuesday as opposition divisions, candidate legal troubles and competing narratives over political stability dominated newspaper coverage. The strongest political development came from the Patriotic Front camp, where reports of possible cooperation between the Miles Sampa faction and the ruling UPND triggered a wave of resignations. Daily Nation reports that more than a dozen senior officials have left the faction, while allies of the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance insist the real PF remains aligned with the opposition bloc. The story points to continuing fragmentation within opposition ranks at a time when parties are attempting to consolidate support ahead of polling day.

The ruling party, meanwhile, received a political boost after United Progressive People leader Saviour Chishimba formally endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema and joined the UPND Alliance. The endorsement was accompanied by familiar government campaign themes centred on economic recovery, debt restructuring, free education and public sector recruitment. UPND officials also continued highlighting the recruitment of more than 23,000 health workers while projecting further recruitment if returned to office, reinforcing the continuity message appearing across several publications.

The legal and political difficulties facing independent Mazabuka Central candidate Gary Nkombo remained one of the most widely reported stories of the day. Both Daily Nation and News Diggers carried his remarks following his arrest and charging in connection with the Mazabuka Civic Centre incident. Nkombo's comments that he would have acted differently had he known what lay ahead suggest a politician confronting the consequences of a confrontation that has become one of the most politically significant nomination-day incidents of the campaign season.

Election preparations featured prominently across all four newspapers. The Electoral Commission of Zambia launched its nationwide "Count Me In" voter education campaign, urging citizens to participate actively in the August 13 election. The campaign will cover all districts and wards and is intended to improve voter awareness, turnout and confidence in the electoral process. Alongside the voter education programme, election observation training involving regional stakeholders points to increasing attention on electoral transparency and monitoring mechanisms as polling day approaches.

The death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV continues to command national attention and remains one of the few issues drawing broadly similar treatment across newspapers with differing political outlooks. Tributes continued from traditional leaders, politicians and regional figures, while the Ngoni Royal Establishment moved to dampen speculation over succession. Advisers close to the establishment stressed that established customary procedures would determine the next paramount chief and warned against political interference during the mourning period. The death of the veteran traditional leader has effectively suspended political activity across parts of Eastern Province while funeral preparations continue.

Courtrooms also remained busy. Former Cabinet Minister Chishimba Kambwili admitted an immigration-related offence after changing an earlier plea, moving the matter closer to sentencing. Civil rights activist Brebner Changala was warned to commence his defence in an ongoing case, while Pastor John Nundwe, popularly known as John General, continued presenting his version of events in a case that has attracted substantial public interest. These cases ensure that legal proceedings remain deeply intertwined with the country's political conversation.

Economic concerns remain firmly in the background of the election campaign. Leadership Movement president Kelvin Fube Bwalya argues that many citizens are too preoccupied with economic survival to become excited about politics. Fuel price reductions received positive coverage, though analysts cautioned that any relief may be temporary given Zambia's exposure to international oil prices and exchange-rate movements. Debate is also shifting toward how Zambia should handle its projected record maize harvest, with competing arguments emerging over exports, food security and value addition.

Taken together, today's newspapers point to five dominant currents shaping the national conversation: instability within sections of the opposition, the UPND's effort to build a continuity coalition, the continuing political fallout surrounding Gary Nkombo, nationwide preparations for the August election, and national mourning for Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV. Those themes cut across political, legal and economic reporting and are likely to remain at the centre of public discussion in the days ahead.

πŸŸ₯ π—§π—›π—˜ π——π—”π—œπ—Ÿπ—¬ 𝗕π—₯π—œπ—˜π—™ β€” π—ͺ𝗛𝗔𝗧 π—§π—›π—˜ π—£π—”π—£π—˜π—₯𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗬 | 31 𝗠𝗔𝗬 2026 The death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV dominates Zambia's Sunday ...
31/05/2026

πŸŸ₯ π—§π—›π—˜ π——π—”π—œπ—Ÿπ—¬ 𝗕π—₯π—œπ—˜π—™ β€” π—ͺ𝗛𝗔𝗧 π—§π—›π—˜ π—£π—”π—£π—˜π—₯𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗬 | 31 𝗠𝗔𝗬 2026

The death of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV dominates Zambia's Sunday newspapers, with publications across the political spectrum leading with tributes to one of the country's longest-serving traditional leaders. Government, opposition leaders, traditional authorities and ordinary citizens have all described his passing as a national loss. The consensus across the papers is that the end of his 44-year reign marks the close of a significant chapter in Zambia's traditional leadership history, with attention gradually turning to funeral arrangements, succession matters and the legacy he leaves behind.

Election politics remains the second major theme running through today's newspapers. Several reports focus on growing controversy surrounding candidate withdrawals, independent candidacies and allegations of political pressure ahead of the August 13 general election. Brian Mundubile accuses the ruling party of intimidating candidates into withdrawing, while independent candidate Mwaka Simaata claims he was offered inducements to abandon the Kabwata parliamentary race. In a related legal argument, Isaac Mwanza contends that nominated independent candidates cannot simply withdraw in a manner that creates unopposed seats without following lawful procedures.

The political contest is also shifting into the courts. A fresh constitutional challenge targeting President Hakainde Hichilema's nomination has emerged, with Longwe reportedly petitioning the Constitutional Court over the validity of party structures that endorsed the President's candidacy. The development adds another legal dimension to an election season already characterised by nomination disputes and litigation.

In Mazabuka, police have summoned independent parliamentary candidate Gary Nkombo following remarks linked to an incident at the civic centre. The matter has quickly become one of the most closely watched constituency developments in the country because of Nkombo's high profile and the increasingly competitive nature of the Mazabuka Central contest.

Questions surrounding media freedom and election coverage are also receiving considerable attention. The Independent Broadcasting Authority's caution against Hot FM over a political campaign song has generated criticism from opposition figures and media advocates. The issue is being discussed alongside the detention and subsequent release of ThatZed podcast hosts Kalenga Chambatu and Elson Chigerwe following an interview with former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu. Several commentaries argue that election-period regulation must strike a balance between broadcasting standards and freedom of expression.

The ruling party is pushing back against opposition claims of political advantage through law enforcement institutions. UPND National Youth Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso says elections will be won through development achievements rather than police action, while party officials continue dismissing reports of internal turmoil arising from candidate adoption disputes. At the same time, some reports indicate lingering tensions within local party structures following the adoption process.

Governance and accountability stories feature prominently. The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested Hamanyanga Hamanyanga, a Ward Development Committee member, over allegations involving a K200,000 Constituency Development Fund empowerment loan. The case has renewed scrutiny of CDF administration and conflict-of-interest safeguards. Separately, State House has publicly distanced itself from remarks made by former ambassador Anthony Mukwita Michelo, insisting that his views do not represent official government policy.

Crime and law enforcement remain strong secondary themes. The Drug Enforcement Commission has intercepted a significant drug consignment allegedly being transported from South Africa to the Copperbelt aboard a public service vehicle. Meanwhile, authorities are warning against abuse of sulphuric acid export permits, signalling tighter oversight of strategic exports and cross-border trade compliance.

Economic and development reporting paints a more positive picture. Government officials say recent African Development Bank engagements strengthened investor confidence in Zambia's economic prospects. Development-focused stories also highlight rural road investments, solar energy projects, industrial revival initiatives in Ndola and continued implementation of Constituency Development Fund projects in several districts.

Health reporting centres on two contrasting narratives. Government says Zambia remains free of Ebola despite heightened regional vigilance following outbreaks in neighbouring countries. Another widely discussed report notes growing interest in vasectomy services, with health officials reporting between 10 and 20 men seeking the procedure weekly.

Across the papers, one theme rises above all others. Political campaigns, court battles and media disputes continue to compete for attention, but the passing of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV has temporarily united much of the national conversation. His death is being treated not simply as the loss of a traditional leader, but as the end of an era that connected generations of Zambians through culture, identity and continuity.

πŸŸ₯ π—«π—”π—©π—œπ—˜π—₯ π—–π—›π—¨π—‘π—šπ—¨ π—€π—¨π—˜π—¦π—§π—œπ—’π—‘π—œπ—‘π—š π—•π—˜π—–π—’π— π—˜π—¦ π—˜π—Ÿπ—˜π—–π—§π—œπ—’π—‘ π—§π—”π—Ÿπ—žπ—œπ—‘π—š π—£π—’π—œπ—‘π—§ The police questioning of former intelligence chief and Liber...
29/05/2026

πŸŸ₯ π—«π—”π—©π—œπ—˜π—₯ π—–π—›π—¨π—‘π—šπ—¨ π—€π—¨π—˜π—¦π—§π—œπ—’π—‘π—œπ—‘π—š π—•π—˜π—–π—’π— π—˜π—¦ π—˜π—Ÿπ—˜π—–π—§π—œπ—’π—‘ π—§π—”π—Ÿπ—žπ—œπ—‘π—š π—£π—’π—œπ—‘π—§

The police questioning of former intelligence chief and Liberal Democrats Party presidential candidate Xavier Chungu has quickly become one of the most discussed political developments of the 2026 election season.

Police confirmed that Chungu was questioned as part of an ongoing investigation but have not disclosed the full details of the matter. Authorities have indicated that further information will be released when investigations advance.

The development came after a series of media appearances in which Chungu discussed intelligence operations, governance issues and his presidential ambitions ahead of the August 13 elections.

While police have kept their public comments limited, political reactions have spread rapidly across the country.

Several opposition figures have questioned the timing of the development, arguing that it arrives during a sensitive election period when presidential candidates are actively engaging voters and presenting their visions for the country.

Former ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba expressed concern that the questioning could discourage political participation, while former finance minister Dr Katele Kalumba said the matter is likely to attract national attention because of Chungu’s profile and the timing within the electoral calendar.

Government-aligned figures have taken a different view.

UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe argued that individuals with intelligence backgrounds should exercise caution when discussing intelligence-related matters in public forums and suggested that responsibility must accompany public commentary on sensitive state issues.

Beyond the politics, the story carries significant historical weight.

Chungu remains one of the most recognisable figures in Zambia’s intelligence history, having served as Director General of the Zambia Intelligence and Security Service during the Chiluba administration.

After years away from frontline politics, he returned to the national stage during the 2026 election cycle and is now seeking the presidency.

No charges have been announced and the matter remains under investigation.

But the political conversation surrounding the questioning is already expanding well beyond the original police inquiry, making it one of the stories likely to remain under close public scrutiny as election campaigns gather momentum.

πŸŸ₯ π—šπ—”π—₯𝗬 π—‘π—žπ—’π— π—•π—’ 𝗦𝗛𝗒π—ͺ𝗦 π—ͺ𝗛𝗬 π——π—˜π— π—’π—–π—₯π—”π—§π—œπ—– π—£π—’π—Ÿπ—œπ—§π—œπ—–π—¦ π—₯π—˜π—€π—¨π—œπ—₯π—˜π—¦ π——π—œπ—™π—™π—˜π—₯π—˜π—‘π—§ π—©π—œπ—˜π—ͺ𝗦 Political movements are strongest when people can a...
29/05/2026

πŸŸ₯ π—šπ—”π—₯𝗬 π—‘π—žπ—’π— π—•π—’ 𝗦𝗛𝗒π—ͺ𝗦 π—ͺ𝗛𝗬 π——π—˜π— π—’π—–π—₯π—”π—§π—œπ—– π—£π—’π—Ÿπ—œπ—§π—œπ—–π—¦ π—₯π—˜π—€π—¨π—œπ—₯π—˜π—¦ π——π—œπ—™π—™π—˜π—₯π—˜π—‘π—§ π—©π—œπ—˜π—ͺ𝗦

Political movements are strongest when people can agree on major goals while still expressing different opinions on individual issues.

That is the position being advanced by Gary Nkombo as discussion around Bill 7 continues.

Mr Nkombo has made it clear that his support for constitutional reforms should not be interpreted as a rejection of President Hakainde Hichilema or the values that brought many UPND members together over the years.

His comments are important because they remind the public that democracy is not built on uniformity of thought. Political leaders can support the same administration and still hold different views on specific policy questions.

The former lawmaker has pointed to his long political association with President Hichilema and says that history should not be discarded because of one constitutional issue.

The discussion has also highlighted the role of Gilbert Liswaniso, whom Mr Nkombo defended against suggestions that he represents a challenge to the President's authority.

While political opponents may seek to portray disagreement as division, supporters of democratic reform often argue that healthy political organisations must be able to accommodate different viewpoints.

Bill 7 remains under public scrutiny and debate will continue. What Mr Nkombo's intervention has done is place attention on a broader principle: whether political leaders can disagree without becoming enemies.

That question may prove just as important as the constitutional proposals themselves as Zambia heads toward the August elections

πŸŸ₯ π—§π—›π—˜ π——π—”π—œπ—Ÿπ—¬ 𝗕π—₯π—œπ—˜π—™ β€” π—ͺ𝗛𝗔𝗧 π—§π—›π—˜ π—£π—”π—£π—˜π—₯𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗬 | 290526 The election campaign is beginning to settle around a handful of domina...
29/05/2026

πŸŸ₯ π—§π—›π—˜ π——π—”π—œπ—Ÿπ—¬ 𝗕π—₯π—œπ—˜π—™ β€” π—ͺ𝗛𝗔𝗧 π—§π—›π—˜ π—£π—”π—£π—˜π—₯𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗬 | 290526

The election campaign is beginning to settle around a handful of dominant national storylines. Candidate withdrawals, police action involving presidential candidate Xavier Chungu, campaign conduct, inflation, and questions about democratic participation have emerged as the strongest themes across the papers reviewed so far.

The biggest developing story concerns Xavier Chungu. While State-aligned newspapers focus on the legal and security implications of remarks attributed to the former intelligence chief, opposition-leaning newspapers frame the matter as a political and democratic issue. The Mast carries warnings from Dr Katele Kalumba over the detention of Mr Chungu, while News Diggers reports police questioning and legal representation. Daily Nation goes further, carrying arguments from UPND media director Mark Simuuwe that Mr Chungu's public discussion of intelligence matters exposed him to legal risk. The story has rapidly become one of the most significant election-period developments.

A second major narrative centres on the growing number of candidates withdrawing from parliamentary races. UPND officials argue that the withdrawals reflect confidence in Government programmes and predict additional constituencies could become unopposed. Opposition voices see something different. Emmanuel Mwamba has asked the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the withdrawals, while Transparency International Zambia has warned against any actions that may undermine independent candidates. What began as isolated withdrawals is becoming a broader national discussion about competition, participation and electoral integrity.

Campaign conduct is another issue receiving extensive coverage. President Hakainde Hichilema has renewed calls for peaceful elections free from violence and intimidation. Government has also warned political parties against defamatory campaign songs and allegations involving tribalism, Satanism and other claims requiring evidence. Churches, governance groups and traditional leaders are increasingly joining the conversation, urging issue-based campaigns and peaceful participation.

The United States Embassy advisory warning of possible unrest around the August elections has become one of the strongest cross-paper stories. The warning appears in Daily Nation, News Diggers and The Mast, placing international attention on Zambia's electoral environment. Although such advisories are routinely issued ahead of elections, the prominence given to the warning by multiple newspapers ensures it will remain part of the national conversation.

Economic reporting remains largely positive across the newspapers. Zambia's annual inflation rate has fallen to 6.6 percent, largely driven by lower food and mealie meal prices. The story appears prominently in Times of Zambia, Daily Mail and News Diggers, making it one of the most consistent economic narratives of the day. At the same time, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane's recognition as Africa's Finance Minister of the Year provides Government supporters with a significant continental endorsement of Zambia's economic reform programme.

Governance and public administration stories also feature strongly. Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has instructed civil servants who entered politics without resigning to leave public service, while Government continues rolling out digital reforms, including the ZamPortal platform for councils and wider digital transformation programmes. These stories reinforce a broader Government message centred on administration, service delivery and modernisation.

Within opposition politics, Gary Nkombo's remarks regarding President Hakainde Hichilema, Bill 7 and Gilbert Liswaniso have created another emerging storyline. Diggers presents the dispute as part of a broader conversation about internal political relationships and constitutional reform. The Mast adds a sharper angle through comments attributed to Gilbert Liswaniso, creating one of the day's most interesting political subplots.

Meanwhile, Dr Fred M'membe continues positioning the Socialist Party around poverty reduction and social justice, while Tonse Alliance officials are working to broaden public discussion beyond jailed PF members and towards governance and economic issues.

The election campaign is still in its early stages, but today's papers show clear signs of the themes likely to dominate the weeks ahead: democratic participation, candidate withdrawals, campaign conduct, economic performance, public administration and the growing battle to define the meaning of political change.

πŸ”΄ π—«π—”π—©π—œπ—˜π—₯ π—–π—›π—¨π—‘π—šπ—¨ π—₯π—˜π—£π—’π—₯π—§π—˜π——π—Ÿπ—¬ π—£π—œπ—–π—žπ—˜π—— 𝗨𝗣 π—”π—™π—§π—˜π—₯ π—₯π—˜π—–π—˜π—‘π—§ π—£π—¨π—•π—Ÿπ—œπ—– π——π—˜π—™π—˜π—‘π—–π—˜ Former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu is reportedly a...
28/05/2026

πŸ”΄ π—«π—”π—©π—œπ—˜π—₯ π—–π—›π—¨π—‘π—šπ—¨ π—₯π—˜π—£π—’π—₯π—§π—˜π——π—Ÿπ—¬ π—£π—œπ—–π—žπ—˜π—— 𝗨𝗣 π—”π—™π—§π—˜π—₯ π—₯π—˜π—–π—˜π—‘π—§ π—£π—¨π—•π—Ÿπ—œπ—– π——π—˜π—™π—˜π—‘π—–π—˜

Former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu is reportedly at the centre of a police operation after reports emerged this morning alleging that he was picked up from his New Kasama residence.

The development comes only days after Mr Chungu publicly defended himself against corruption allegations linked to his time in intelligence service.

In recent remarks, Mr Chungu argued that intelligence officers carrying out State assignments should not automatically be viewed as corrupt officials, comments that reignited public discussion around past intelligence operations and long-standing corruption-related matters.

The circulating reports allege that heavily armed officers were involved in the operation.

By publishing time, the Zambia Police had not yet issued an official statement confirming whether the reports were true or explaining the circumstances surrounding the alleged operation.

🟒 𝗛𝗛 π—£π—¨π—¦π—›π—˜π—¦ π—π—¨π——π—œπ—–π—œπ—”π—Ÿ π—₯π—˜π—™π—’π—₯𝗠𝗦 𝗔𝗦 40 π—π—¨π——π—šπ—˜π—¦ 𝗦π—ͺ𝗒π—₯𝗑 π—œπ—‘ President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday swore in 40 judges, the larges...
28/05/2026

🟒 𝗛𝗛 π—£π—¨π—¦π—›π—˜π—¦ π—π—¨π——π—œπ—–π—œπ—”π—Ÿ π—₯π—˜π—™π—’π—₯𝗠𝗦 𝗔𝗦 40 π—π—¨π——π—šπ—˜π—¦ 𝗦π—ͺ𝗒π—₯𝗑 π—œπ—‘

President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday swore in 40 judges, the largest single judicial appointment in Zambia’s history, as Government moved to strengthen the country’s justice system and reduce case backlogs.

Speaking during the ceremony at State House, President Hichilema urged the newly appointed judges to deliver justice fairly, professionally and without delay.

The Head of State said delayed justice weakens public confidence in institutions and affects ordinary citizens seeking legal remedies.

He also warned judicial officers against using social media to discuss sensitive institutional matters, saying concerns within the Judiciary should be handled through proper professional channels.

The appointments are being viewed as part of broader institutional reforms under the New Dawn administration aimed at improving efficiency and access to justice across the country.

Government-aligned newspapers also highlighted increasing female and youthful representation among the newly sworn-in judges, describing the move as a major step toward a more inclusive Judiciary.

At the same event, President Hichilema challenged newly sworn-in National Assembly Clerk Loveness Mayaka to ensure Parliament continues producing clear and effective laws capable of supporting national development.

The Judiciary story dominated major newspapers alongside Government’s broader economic and infrastructure messaging.

State media also highlighted continued recovery in the mining sector, with Konkola Copper Mines reporting a US$600 million investment programme expected to support increased copper production and employment on the Copperbelt.

Government’s energy reforms also featured strongly after Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investment Jito Kayumba dismissed claims that improved electricity supply was politically motivated.

Kayumba said Zambia’s rising solar generation capacity and regional power partnerships were helping stabilise the energy sector following drought-related power shortages.

Meanwhile, the Natural Resources Development College solar plant has already started feeding electricity into the national grid ahead of commissioning, with officials describing the project as part of Government’s wider diversification strategy.

Education reforms also continued receiving positive coverage, with academics praising the Free Education Policy and competence-based curriculum introduced under the New Dawn administration.

Student leaders from Copperbelt University, NORTEC and Mukuba University also expressed support for President Hichilema, citing free education, youth empowerment programmes and CDF-sponsored opportunities.

Across Government-aligned papers, the dominant message remained consistent: institutional reforms, infrastructure investment, mining recovery, education expansion and energy stabilisation are being positioned as proof that the administration’s economic recovery agenda is gaining momentum ahead of the August elections.

🟦 π—˜π—–π—­ π—£π—¨π—¦π—›π—˜π—— π—œπ—‘π—§π—’ π——π—˜π—™π—˜π—‘π—¦π—œπ—©π—˜ π— π—’π——π—˜ π—’π—©π—˜π—₯ π— π—¨π—‘π——π—¨π—•π—œπ—Ÿπ—˜ π—–π—Ÿπ—”π—œπ— π—¦ The Electoral Commission of Zambia has moved quickly to shut down...
28/05/2026

🟦 π—˜π—–π—­ π—£π—¨π—¦π—›π—˜π—— π—œπ—‘π—§π—’ π——π—˜π—™π—˜π—‘π—¦π—œπ—©π—˜ π— π—’π——π—˜ π—’π—©π—˜π—₯ π— π—¨π—‘π——π—¨π—•π—œπ—Ÿπ—˜ π—–π—Ÿπ—”π—œπ— π—¦

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has moved quickly to shut down claims circulating online that opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu face possible disqualification from the August elections.

ECZ says the claims are completely false.

Chief electoral officer Brown Kasaro stated that the commission had already accepted the nomination of the Mundubile-Makebi ticket and warned against spreading misinformation targeting constitutional bodies.

But despite the denial, the issue has exposed the deep mistrust now surrounding Zambia’s election environment.

Mundubile says the opposition is concerned about what he described as β€œlast-minute mingalato” aimed at blocking competitors from the ballot.

He warned that removing candidates after nominations would damage confidence in the electoral process and create instability.

The issue comes as political tensions continue rising across the country.

Government yesterday also defended itself against accusations that Patriots for Economic Progress records were altered at the Registrar of Societies. Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo rejected the allegations and insisted no unauthorised changes were made.

Across the newspapers today, one theme stood out clearly: confidence in institutions is becoming one of the biggest political battlegrounds ahead of August 13.

Opposition voices continue raising concerns over nominations, political violence and selective treatment by institutions.

The Mast carried strong criticism from former minister Dr Katele Kalumba, who accused the ruling party of using State structures to remain in power.

Another commentary by Prof Cephas Lumina warned that violence and intimidation during campaigns threaten democratic participation and public trust.

At the same time, several independent and opposition candidates have withdrawn from races in parts of Southern Province, leaving some ruling party candidates unopposed.

Government-aligned papers, however, continued projecting stability, economic recovery, bumper harvests, mining investment and solar expansion.

The political battle is now moving beyond campaign rallies.

Questions surrounding institutions, fairness and electoral credibility are steadily becoming the centre of Zambia’s 2026 election conversation.

πŸŸ₯ π—§π—›π—˜ π——π—”π—œπ—Ÿπ—¬ 𝗕π—₯π—œπ—˜π—™ β€” π—ͺ𝗛𝗔𝗧 π—§π—›π—˜ π—£π—”π—£π—˜π—₯𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗬 The country’s political atmosphere is becoming more confrontational as oppositio...
28/05/2026

πŸŸ₯ π—§π—›π—˜ π——π—”π—œπ—Ÿπ—¬ 𝗕π—₯π—œπ—˜π—™ β€” π—ͺ𝗛𝗔𝗧 π—§π—›π—˜ π—£π—”π—£π—˜π—₯𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗬

The country’s political atmosphere is becoming more confrontational as opposition leaders intensify accusations against the ruling UPND while Government and State institutions move aggressively to defend their credibility ahead of the August 13 general election. Across the major newspapers, the dominant themes today are institutional trust, opposition frustration, judicial conduct, electoral legitimacy, economic pressure and political violence.

President Hakainde Hichilema’s warning to judges over social media conduct dominated both the Zambia Daily Mail and Times of Zambia, with the Head of State urging newly sworn-in judges to preserve judicial integrity and avoid discussing institutional concerns online. The President also pushed for faster justice delivery while presenting the Judiciary reforms as part of broader institutional strengthening. The same ceremonies were used to project Zambia’s international diplomacy agenda, with Government repeatedly linking global instability, fuel prices and inflation to domestic economic pressures.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia mounted a strong defence against claims that Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and running mate Makebi Zulu face possible disqualification. State media and News Diggers all carried ECZ denials dismissing the allegations as false and malicious. The issue reflects growing mistrust between opposition political players and electoral institutions, with the opposition increasingly framing the election environment as manipulated or hostile.

The PEP registration dispute also continued dominating coverage. Government, through Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo, insisted Patriots for Economic Progress remains legally registered as a political party and denied allegations of unauthorised tampering at the Registrar of Societies. Opposition-linked papers continue treating the issue as part of broader concerns surrounding nominations, participation and institutional credibility.

The Mast carried some of the harshest political rhetoric of the day. Leadership Movement president Dr Richard Silumbe described the current administration as brutal and corrupt, while former minister Dr Katele Kalumba accused the UPND of using State institutions to remain in power. Former opposition chief whip Stephen Chungu warned that citizens would suffer more hardship if the ruling party wins another term. Opposition criticism across the papers is now increasingly centred on economic frustration, governance concerns and accusations of political intimidation.

Political violence and democratic participation featured heavily in The Mast through legal and political analyses by Prof Cephas Lumina and Hicks Sikazwe, both warning that intimidation and violence during nominations threaten Zambia’s democratic credibility. Concerns around policing, selective law enforcement and attacks linked to nominations are now emerging as one of the major election narratives across opposition-leaning publications.

Internal party tensions also continue surfacing. Daily Nation and The Mast both carried criticism of UPND adoption processes, with Saboi Imboela accusing the ruling party of corruption, intolerance and imposed candidates. Meanwhile, Times of Zambia and Daily Mail highlighted multiple withdrawals by independent and opposition candidates in Southern Province, leaving several UPND candidates effectively unopposed.

Agriculture and the projected bumper maize harvest remain central to Government messaging, but opposition and independent analysts are beginning to challenge the narrative. While state-aligned papers celebrated the projected 4.9 million tonne harvest as proof of successful agricultural policy, former minister Bob Sichinga argued in The Mast that the harvest was mainly driven by favourable rainfall rather than policy reforms. Farmer organisations also warned that strong harvest figures would mean little unless farmers receive fair prices and mealie meal costs fall for ordinary citizens.

The energy sector featured prominently across the papers. Government defended improved electricity supply through statements by Jito Kayumba, while News Diggers highlighted a new US$232 million solar project aimed at strengthening long-term energy stability. Daily Mail also carried reports on the NRDC solar plant already feeding electricity into the national grid. Energy security is now being presented as one of Government’s strongest recovery and infrastructure narratives after months of load shedding.

Mining recovery stories also remained strong. Daily Mail highlighted KCM’s US$600 million investment programme, while News Diggers and The Mast both reported the US$30 million revival of Ndola Lime through a partnership involving ZCCM-IH and Wonderful Group. Government-aligned coverage continues presenting mining recovery as evidence of economic stabilisation and renewed investor confidence.

Several papers also focused on social media accountability and digital-era politics following the K20,000 libel judgment against Lusaka mayoral aspirant Simon Mwewa Lane. The case has become symbolic of growing legal pressure surrounding online political commentary and activist-style digital engagement.

On the economic front, Daily Nation carried warnings from economist Rita Mkandawire that declining inflation figures must begin translating into lower household costs. The paper also highlighted concerns over persistent mobile network failures and wider public frustration over living conditions despite improving macroeconomic indicators.

Human interest and social development stories were also visible across the coverage. Daily Mail highlighted youth cyclist James Falanga’s return from a regional cycling expedition, while The Mast carried feature pieces on menstrual health advocacy, women’s political participation and Zambia-China silk cooperation projects. State media meanwhile continued emphasising education reforms, social cash transfer distribution, infrastructure works and inclusive voter education programmes.

International coverage in The Mast focused heavily on escalating Israeli strikes in Lebanon, with warnings of broader regional instability in the Middle East. Daily Nation also highlighted Africa’s debt crisis discussions taking place in Nairobi, reflecting continuing concern over debt sustainability and economic vulnerability across the continent.

Overall, today’s newspaper landscape shows a country moving deeper into election-season confrontation. Government-aligned papers are projecting stability, investment recovery, institutional reform and infrastructure progress, while opposition-leaning publications are pushing narratives around economic hardship, institutional distrust, democratic backsliding and political intimidation.

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