Citizen First President and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba has assured young people that his party intends to implement strong economic policies aimed at creating jobs and expanding opportunities across the country.
Speaking in a message issued to mark Youth Day, Kalaba said national commemorations had gradually lost their original meaning and risked turning into routine public events rather than platforms for genuine youth empowerment.
He used the occasion to reaffirm that the Citizen First Party is preparing to participate fully in the 2026 Presidential, Parliamentary and Mayoral elections.
Kalaba disclosed that the party has opened invitations to individuals across the country who wish to contest as Members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairpersons and Councillors under the Citizen First banner.
A technical team has already been established at the party secretariat to assess and evaluate applications before submitting shortlisted candidates to the Central Committee for adoption.
Outlining his political agenda, Kalaba said the party is preparing a programme centred on economic renewal and social reforms aimed at strengthening national unity, promoting integrity in leadership and upholding democratic values and human rights.
He described the 2026 general election as a defining moment for the country, arguing that the choices made by voters will shape Zambia’s direction in the coming years.
Kalaba warned that the country could not afford further political experimentation and said Zambians must elect leadership with the experience, integrity and capacity to move the nation forward.
He added that Citizen First represents what he called a clear pathway toward restoring Zambia’s standing in the region as a country known for peace, development and national cohesion.
Kalaba called on citizens to rally behind the party, stating that it had assembled a team he described as credible, determined and ready to provide an alternative to the governing United Party for National Development (UPND).
We welcome you but where are those same economic policies you want to implement. Why dont you share them now so that we scrutinise before we vote. Remember the incumbent told us the same when he was campaigning just to come and fail like a flat battery. His economy is only improving in spastics with zero impact on the ground. Show us the policies now so that we can make descisions. Only Sean Tembo has been showing some clear alternatives in terms of plans and budgets.
We dont want to hear populists campaigns any more, the learnings from 2021 are enough misery.
LT why do have such nonsense as your main headline? Did Kalaba pay you to do that?
Zambia’s standing in the world has never been higher and its current is respected globally. This something that Harry Kalaba could never achieve, in fact all he will do is take the country backwards,. Is that something to be proud of?
HK is the more credible of all the challengers imho………..
Though sometimes he has an inflated air of importance……….
Only unfortunate thing is Zambian politics is driven by bribes , hand outs and chitenge distribution……….
And I don’t think he has the monetary muscle for this initial buying of votes
FWD2041
So you know how HH got his way into State house?
Ati
“Zambian politics is driven by bribes , hand outs and chitenge distribution……”
This year he is busy bribing chiefs, churches and youths. Youths at Nortec, Unza, and chiefs with no furniture in their palaces.
Some churches even refuse to take other candidates’ bribes because their hands are full with HH’s bribes.
For HH the time was ripe………..
Pipo just had enough of PF , lungu and his caders and news about corruption ……..
Now there is none of that , and will cost any challenger not less than $80 million to unseat HH……….with a lot of bribes and free handouts………
FWD2041
PLEASE EXPLAIN When was Zambia ever in a proud place
Opinions may say now but thats only because we giving our valued assests away
Kalaba, just do us a favour by bringing the price of mealie meal where PF left it, never mind where MMD left it, just bring it where PF left it. Thanks
Not where MMD left it ??????
Ba multiple aliases
FWD2041
Kalaba, second chance my behind.
Kalaba, have heard of people being gassed in these last 5 yrs.
Kalaba, Zambians got memory. Never underestimate them.
Yes Kalaba please restore Chipolopolo to where it was and me and the whole family will vote for you.