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MDC CONFRONTS MPUNDU

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Hikaumba demands retraction as MDC warns ‘ready to kill’ remarks threaten electoral peace By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24, Sunday, August 9, 2026 — The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has confronted former lawmaker Binwell Mpundu over remarks in which he allegedly said he and others were ready to be killed and to kill ahead of Thursday’s general elections. MDC Vice President Leonard Hikaumba has described the remarks as inflammatory and irresponsible, warning that such language could heighten political tensions and threaten Zambia’s peaceful electoral environment. Mr Mpundu is reported to have said in a recent video address: “Aya ama elections aya, there is a lot at stake for some of us,” before adding: “We are ready to be killed, and we are ready to kill.” Mr Hikaumba said the remarks were particularly disturbing coming from a former legislator who should understand the responsibility that comes with political leadership. He said political competition should never be reduce...
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FOUR DAYS TO POLLS,

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CIVIL SOCIETY WARNS AGAINST VIOLENCE, POLICE BIAS — MWANZA SAYS ELECTORAL PROCESS IS GENERALLY ON COURSE BUT WARNS CREDIBILITY CANNOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – 9-8-2026 -- A major civil society consortium has warned that Zambia’s electoral process could lose public confidence in the final days before Thursday’s general election if political violence, alleged police bias and growing concerns over the conduct of institutions are not addressed. With only four days remaining before Zambians go to the polls, Consortium Chairperson Isaac Mwanza said the electoral process was “generally on course”, but warned that the progress made so far should not be taken as proof that everything was guaranteed to go well. Mr Mwanza, who delivered the Consortium’s pre-election assessment yesterday, said the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and other stakeholders had done a lot of work in preparing for the election. But he said the real test would be whether the ...
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PEACE PLEDGE PUT TO THE TEST

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ZCID challenges political parties to turn commitments into action as tensions rise ahead of Zambia’s August 13 General Elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- Zambia24 -- 7-08-2026 -- The Zambia Centre for Interparty Dialogue (ZCID) has called on political parties, candidates, supporters and all stakeholders to reject violence, exercise restraint and uphold peace as Zambia moves closer to the August 13 General Elections. ZCID Executive Director Doreen Njovu Kabwe said the situation was particularly disappointing because it comes shortly after political party leaders signed a National Peace Pledge committing themselves to tolerance, respect for democratic principles and non-violence throughout the electoral process. Ms Kabwe said ZCID had noted with concern the rising political tensions and continued reports of acts of violence ahead of the elections, warning that such actions threaten to undermine Zambia’s democratic values, national unity and the credibility of the...
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NO TRUCKS, NO ECONOMY

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Government, employers and unions race to ease truck drivers' hardships before transport disruptions hit the country By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 -- 7-08-2026 -- The Government has called an urgent meeting with employers and trade unions to address truck drivers' long-standing complaints over subsistence allowances amid growing concern that frustrations among drivers could disrupt the movement of goods and affect businesses and households across Zambia. The high-level meeting followed reports that some truck drivers had abandoned their trucks in protest, raising fears that any prolonged disruption would choke the supply of fuel, food, raw materials and other essential commodities that keep the country's economy running. Addressing the Transport Sector Stakeholders Consultative Meeting in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Zachariah Luhanga described truck drivers as the lifeblood of Zambia's economy, saying every jour...
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ZAMBIA’S SON AT OXFORD’S HELM

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First Black Lord Mayor of Oxford pledges to use historic position to promote cooperation in education, investment, research and community development. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 6-08-2026 -- The first Black Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Chewe Munkonge, has pledged to use his historic position to promote stronger relations between Zambia and the United Kingdom, with a focus on expanding cooperation in education, investment, research and community partnerships. Councillor Munkonge said his journey from humble beginnings in Zambia to one of Britain’s oldest civic offices should inspire young people to believe that opportunities are possible regardless of their background. Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa at Cabinet Office in Lusaka, Councillor Munkonge said returning home was an emotional moment because Zambia shaped his character and provided the foundation for his journey. “I am humbled to be the first Black Lord...
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Reject Violence, Protect Zambia’s Peace

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Home Affairs and Information Permanent Secretaries warn against political schemes ahead of August 13 elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- 6-08-2026 -- The Government has urged the people to reject all forms of political violence, avoid being used by political actors, and protect peace before, during, and after the August 13, 2026 General Elections. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Mr. Dickson Matembo said Zambia’s peace was a shared responsibility and called on citizens to refuse any attempts to drag them into acts of violence during the election period. Mr. Matembo said government had been concerned by reports and videos circulating on different media platforms showing incidents of violence, saying such actions had no place in Zambia’s democratic process. He said political parties and their supporters must respect the laws of the country and allow citizens to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation....
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No Funding, No Retreat

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FODEP turns to 1,200 volunteers to keep election watch alive ahead of August 13 polls By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka , Zambia24 – 6-08-2026) -- The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) says it will not step aside from its role of monitoring Zambia’s elections despite failing to secure funding for its traditional comprehensive election observation mission. FODEP Chairperson Mweenda Mumbuna said the organisation has chosen to rely on its long-standing network of volunteers to ensure that citizens continue to have an independent voice watching over the electoral process. Mumbuna said FODEP’s commitment to election monitoring dates back to 1991, adding that the organisation has remained present in every general election because credible elections require the involvement of citizens and independent observers. He said financial challenges would not stop FODEP from playing its part in protecting the integrity of Zambia’s democratic process. “We cannot walk away from our responsib...
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