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Economic Gains Must Be Protected

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Hikaumba urged the Zambian electorate to re-elect HH, saying Zambia must safeguard economic recoveries, jobs and development progress made under the UPND administration By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (26-05-2026) — The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has urged Zambians to support President in the August 13 general elections, saying the country’s economic recovery and development progress must be protected through continuity in leadership. MDC vice president told journalists in an interview that President Hichilema deserves another term, saying his administration has delivered economic stabilisation, debt restructuring, job creation and improved public service delivery. Hikaumba said citizens are already beginning to feel the impact of ongoing reforms, reflected in improved access to education, employment opportunities and development projects across the country. He said Zambia previously faced high debt, rising living costs and limited government capacity to deli...

Katuta Promises Teaching Hospitals Nationwide

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Independent presidential candidate says provincial health infrastructure expansion will improve healthcare access and medical training Iusaka, Zambia24-- (26-05-2026) - Independent presidential candidate has pledged to establish teaching hospitals in all provincial headquarters across Zambia if elected in the August 2026 general elections. Speaking on the Power FM Breakfast Show on Wednesday morning, Ms. Katuta said the proposed hospitals would help improve access to quality healthcare services while strengthening medical training institutions across the country. She said her administration would prioritise investment in the health sector to ensure citizens in all provinces have access to specialised treatment and better-equipped medical facilities. Ms. Katuta also urged Zambians to support independent candidates seeking various leadership positions, including Members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairpersons and Councillors, arguing that independent leaders are more accountabl...

Relief Still Limited

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CSPR says policy rate cut may not translate into cheaper credit or meaningful household relief without structural reforms in banking and fiscal policy By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (26-05-2026) --- The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has welcomed the Bank of Zambia’s decision to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 25 basis points to 13.25 percent but says the expected relief for households and businesses remains uncertain. Isabel Mukelabeli told Zambia24 that the rate cut reflects improving economic conditions, including lower inflation and more stable external finances following the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held on 11–12 May and announced by Bank of Zambia Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya. Mukelabeli said the decision follows a long tightening cycle that began in 2022, when the policy rate stood at 9.25 percent and later rose to 14.5 percent in January 2025 to contain inflationary pressures. Mukelabeli said inflation has now declined from 11.9 ...

New Rules for Election Broadcasters

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IBA introduces guidelines to ensure fair, balanced and responsible media coverage ahead of 2026 polls By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (26-05-2026) --- The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has introduced new rules for election broadcasters aimed at promoting fair, balanced, accurate and responsible media coverage ahead of Zambia’s 2026 General Elections scheduled for August this year. IBA Director General said the guidelines have been developed to provide practical direction to broadcasters in their coverage of elections and election-related matters. IBA Director General Webster Malido said the guidelines have been developed to provide practical direction to broadcasters in their coverage of elections and election-related matters. Mr. Malido explained that the guidelines provide clearer direction on the responsibilities of broadcasters during election periods and set out standards expected of media houses when covering political activities. He said the framework ...

Frontline Workers Seek Voice

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Community health workers push for formal recognition as government is urged to fast-track CHWAZ registration amid concerns over coordination gaps, weak support systems, and long-standing challenges in Zambia’s primary healthcare delivery. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia 24 --- (26-05-2026) --- The Community Health Workers Association of Zambia (CHWAZ) is pushing for formal recognition, with growing calls for government to speed up its registration process. The National Coordinating Committee (NCC) of PSI affiliates in Zambia, supported by partners under Public Services International, has urged authorities to urgently register CHWAZ, saying delays are affecting coordination and slowing improvements in health service delivery. Nearly 1,000 community health workers have already joined the proposed association, reflecting strong demand for a unified national platform. Community health workers remain a critical part of Zambia’s primary healthcare system, supporting maternal and...

Candidates Cleared, Fraud Detected

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ECZ confirms over 10,000 qualifications as verification exercise ends, flags forged documents and issues replacement certificates By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (26-05-2026) ---The Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) has completed the confirmation of qualifications for aspiring candidates ahead of the 2026 General Election, clearing more than 10,000 applicants while detecting cases of document forgery during the verification process. Speaking on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, ECZ Executive Director Dr Michael M. Chilala announced that the exercise, conducted under the 2026 Election Confirmation Online System, successfully concluded on 22 May 2026 after being extended due to high demand. The said a total of 10,731 confirmation letters were issued during the exercise. Of these, 10,020 were processed through the online system, while 711 were handled through physical submissions at ECZ service centres across the country. Dr Chilala said the introduction of the online platform s...

Poll Credibility Risk

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Opposition warns escalating violence could undermine trust, safety and fairness in the 2026 general elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  - 24 -05-2026) - The People’s Pact has warned that escalating political violence ahead of the 2026 general elections is placing the credibility of Zambia’s polls at serious risk, raising concerns over fairness, safety and public confidence in the democratic process. Vice President Bob Sichinga said during a press conference that the country was facing a dangerous pattern of intimidation and violence that could compromise the integrity of the elections if not urgently addressed. He told diplomats, election observers, international organisations and civil society groups that the situation had moved beyond normal political competition into what he described as a “critical warning phase” for Zambia’s democracy. Sichinga accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of allegedly using violence as a political strategy,...