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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,...
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Zero Tolerance on Violence

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Government condemns political violence, warns of firm legal action ahead of elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  - 24 -05-2026) - The Government has strongly condemned acts of political violence, saying it will not tolerate disorder and will deal decisively with perpetrators in accordance with the law. Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, said concerns raised by stakeholders over recent incidents of political violence were being taken seriously, warning that such conduct threatens peace, stability, and democratic processes. He said Zambia must not return to what he described as “dark days” of political intolerance and violence, adding that the current administration remains committed to enforcing law and order without fear or favour. “That behaviour is condemned in the strongest terms possible… it will not be tolerated and will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law,” he said. Kawana said all perpetrators of political v...
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Election Nomination Concerns

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NGOCC raises alarm over irregularities, violence and disputed processes ahead of 2026 polls By Francis Maingaila Lusaka. Zambia24 --- (24-05-2026) - The Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has raised concerns over irregularities, violence and confusion during candidate nomination processes ahead of the 13th August 2026 General Elections. NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe said the concerns stem from reports of disrupted nomination processes, disputed adoption certificates and incidents of intimidation in some parts of the country. Katebe said NGOCC’s core mandate is to promote equal participation of women and men in governance, noting that women remain underrepresented in political leadership in Zambia. She said the organisation engaged political parties before the nomination period to advocate for the adoption of more women candidates. NGOCC also submitted lists of qualified women for consideration in various parties’ adoption processes. Katebe said p...
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'No Going Back, Defend Gains’

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HH urges Zambians ahead of August polls, saying the election is about protecting economic recovery, free education, peace, and national unity achieved under the UPND administration. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (22-05-2026)  -- President Hakainde Hichilema has urged Zambians to defend the gains made under the United Party for National Development (UPND) government, declaring that “there is no going back” as the country heads towards the August 13 presidential election. Addressing supporters shortly after his presidential nomination papers were accepted, Mr Hichilema said the forthcoming election was not just about electing leaders, but about protecting the progress and promises fulfilled during the UPND administration’s four years and nine months in office. “The election is about protecting the promises fulfilled and there is no going back,” Mr Hichilema told cheering supporters during a rally held after his successful nomination. The President said he had officia...
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Fight Against Unsafe Products Intensifies

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ZCSA trains Copperbelt journalists to strengthen consumer protection and standards awareness By Francis Maingaila Lusaka , Zambia24 — (22-05-2026) --- The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency’s (ZCSA) fight against unsafe and non-compliant products has intensified following its move to strengthen media involvement in consumer protection through a specialised training programme for journalists on the Copperbelt. The agency has trained 40 journalists from Kitwe, Ndola, Chingola, Kalulushi, Luanshya and Mufulira in compulsory standards, product safety and public awareness reporting during a media engagement workshop held at Sherbourne Lodge in Kitwe. Officially opening the training on Thursday, ZCSA Executive Director Mr. Gerald Chizinga said the media remains a critical partner in protecting consumers from unsafe products and promoting compliance with compulsory standards. Mr. Chizinga’s speech was delivered on his behalf by ZCSA Regional Manager for Domestic Quality Monitoring (North...
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NGOCC Condemns Violence at Nomination Centres

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By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia — 21-05-2026 — The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed deep concern over incidents of violence and intimidation reported at several nomination centres during the filing of nominations, warning that such acts threaten democracy and discourage women from participating in politics. NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe condemned the disturbances witnessed in parts of the country, particularly the incident at the Mandevu Nomination Centre involving aspiring candidate Jean Kapata. The organisation said Ms. Kapata was allegedly forced to take extraordinary measures to navigate what it described as a hostile environment created by unruly elements. NGOCC also condemned the reported attack on former Local Government and Rural Development Minister , saying the incident occurred in full view of police officers. “These incidents are deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democratic dispensation like ours and...
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Corporates Power Wonderful Marathon

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Business rallies behind women empowerment, health and girl child initiative ahead of Lusaka race By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (21-05-2026) --  The Wonderful Group Marathon has attracted strong corporate backing, with leading institutions across banking, insurance, healthcare and the private sector aligning behind an initiative aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, supporting the girl child, and encouraging healthier lifestyles in Zambia. Scheduled for 30 May in Lusaka, the event has been positioned as more than a sporting competition, but as a national platform for community development, gender equality and public health awareness indicating that the growing support reflects a shared commitment to using sport as a tool for social impact, with plans already underway to establish it as an annual national event. Speaking during the launch, Wonderful Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer Roy Mwamba said the marathon was inspired by the company’s desire to give back to societ...
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