ECZ clears Makebi, Mundubile as presidential race widens

LUSAKA — The Electoral Commission of Zambia has moved to shut down growing claims that opposition figures Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu were facing exclusion from the presidential race, clarifying that both politicians remain fully accommodated within the nomination process as Zambia enters one of the most consequential phases of the August general election.

The clarification followed rising political speculation after claims circulated suggesting the two opposition figures could be blocked from appearing on the ballot despite recently announcing a political alliance that has quickly altered conversations within opposition circles. The claims spread as presidential candidates prepared to file nomination papers at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, where the country’s presidential field is now expected to become clearer after weeks of coalition talks, political uncertainty and shifting alliances.

ECZ said both politicians had already gone through the required pre-nomination processes and had been factored into the nomination schedule, directly contradicting allegations that state institutions were preparing to remove them from contention. The clarification carries weight because questions surrounding candidate eligibility often become flashpoints during Zambia’s election cycles, particularly when opposition alliances emerge late and begin threatening established political calculations.

The Makebi-Mundubile partnership has become one of the most closely watched political developments in recent weeks because it emerged at a time when opposition formations were struggling to present a consolidated challenge to President Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking another term. Their alliance has attempted to market itself as a fresh political alternative capable of attracting frustrated opposition voters, younger voters and citizens dissatisfied with longstanding divisions among opposition leaders.

Even ruling party voices acknowledged the alliance has political value.

UPND media committee member Amos Chanda described the alliance as potentially formidable if it remains intact, while arguing that it may have arrived late in the electoral cycle to build sufficient national structures capable of mounting a serious challenge. Chanda also dismissed claims that state institutions were trying to block the pair, arguing that such action would likely have happened earlier during supporter verification stages if that had been the intention.

The nomination process is expected to provide the clearest picture yet of Zambia’s presidential field after earlier projections showed a crowded race. Multiple candidates from major parties, smaller political formations and independent movements are expected to formalise their bids, setting the stage for what is likely to become a far more aggressive campaign season once nominations are completed.

For Makebi and Mundubile, surviving early eligibility speculation may offer a short-term political boost. But their larger challenge begins after nomination formalities are completed.

They must now prove that media attention surrounding their alliance can translate into provincial structures, campaign financing, grassroots mobilisation and sustained political discipline in a race where opposition fragmentation has historically weakened electoral momentum.