Citizens First president Harry Kalaba has expressed concern about recent opinion poll figures, stating that the numbers suggest the opposition would struggle to defeat the ruling party if the current trends continue.

Speaking about the survey results, he said the figures should not be dismissed as routine political commentary but instead treated as an indication of how voters are currently responding to political messaging. According to him, the data signals that opposition parties still face significant challenges in building nationwide support.

He told supporters that the opposition must confront the reality reflected in the numbers and adjust its strategy accordingly. If the same patterns persist, he said, it would be difficult for opposition parties to secure victory in a national election.

The remarks come amid increasing discussion around opinion surveys circulating in Zambia’s political environment. Such polls often measure public sentiment toward political leaders and parties, offering snapshots of voter perceptions ahead of election cycles.

Opinion surveys do not determine election outcomes, but they frequently shape internal discussions within political organisations. Parties use the results to assess their standing with voters and evaluate whether their political messages are resonating with the public.

The Citizens First leader said the numbers should encourage deeper reflection among opposition leaders. According to him, political success depends on convincing voters that opposition parties offer credible alternatives to the governing administration.

He said the opposition must focus on building stronger connections with ordinary citizens rather than relying solely on criticism of government policies. Voters, he said, respond more strongly to leaders who demonstrate practical solutions to the issues affecting their lives.

Political competition, he said, requires sustained engagement with communities across the country. Without that engagement, opinion surveys are likely to continue reflecting limited growth in opposition support.

The comments also touched on the broader question of opposition cooperation. Zambia’s political landscape includes several opposition parties that often campaign separately, a situation some leaders believe reduces their collective influence.

According to him, unity and coordination remain important factors if opposition parties intend to compete effectively in national elections. Fragmentation among opposition groups can dilute political support and make it easier for a ruling party to maintain its advantage.

Political observers frequently note that coalition-building can alter the dynamics of electoral competition. In many political systems, alliances between opposition parties allow them to consolidate support and present a stronger challenge to incumbent governments.

Within Zambia’s opposition circles, discussions about cooperation have surfaced repeatedly in the years following previous elections. Some leaders have advocated for greater coordination, while others have chosen to pursue independent political strategies.

The opinion poll discussion has therefore revived debate about how opposition parties position themselves ahead of future electoral contests. For some political actors, the numbers highlight the need for renewed efforts to engage voters and expand political outreach.

He said opposition leaders must treat the figures as a signal rather than a final judgment. Elections are ultimately determined by voters on polling day, and political support can shift as campaigns evolve and new issues emerge.

The Citizens First leader urged supporters not to lose momentum despite the numbers. Instead, he said, the results should encourage opposition parties to intensify their work in communities and present clearer policy proposals.

Political campaigns, he said, are shaped by sustained engagement with citizens rather than isolated moments of political debate. Building trust among voters requires continuous interaction and visible leadership on issues affecting everyday life.

He added that opposition parties must also strengthen internal organisation and discipline if they hope to expand their support base. Effective political mobilisation, he said, depends on both strong leadership structures and clear communication with voters.

The discussion around opinion polls illustrates the competitive nature of Zambia’s political landscape. As parties assess their prospects ahead of future elections, survey numbers are likely to remain part of the broader debate about political strategy and voter engagement.

President Hakainde Hichilema used Zambia’s International Women’s Day commemorations to deliver a direct warning against the exploitation of young girls, confronting men who prey on minors and urging communities to protect the dignity and safety of women and children.

Speaking during national celebrations in Lusaka, the President questioned the conduct of men who pursue girls instead of approaching women their own age. Hichilema described such behaviour as cowardly and unacceptable, saying it undermines the safety of children and damages the moral fabric of society.

He told the gathering that respect for women and girls must begin with the behaviour of men and with communities refusing to tolerate abuse. According to the President, the protection of girls cannot be left only to law enforcement but must be upheld by families, leaders and institutions across the country.

The President said acts of defilement and sexual exploitation represent a serious social problem that requires collective action. He said men must confront the issue directly and reject behaviour that exposes young girls to harm.

Hichilema’s remarks came as Zambia joined the rest of the world in marking International Women’s Day under the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls.” The global observance recognises the contributions women make to society while highlighting the continued need to protect women’s rights.

During the celebrations, the President praised women for their strength and resilience, noting that women play a vital role in Zambia’s social and economic development. He said women continue to contribute significantly in homes, communities, farms, businesses and public institutions.

Hichilema noted that women carry much of the responsibility for sustaining families and communities. He said their contributions often form the backbone of local economies and social structures.

The President said the country must ensure that women are given equal opportunities to participate in leadership and decision-making. According to Hichilema, when women are present in governance and public institutions, national decisions reflect broader perspectives and stronger community representation.

He encouraged women across the country to take up leadership positions and participate actively in politics and public service. The President said expanding women’s representation in governance remains important for strengthening democracy and improving policy outcomes.

Hichilema also pointed to the need to address barriers that prevent women from advancing in leadership. These barriers include economic inequality, cultural attitudes and limited access to opportunities in certain sectors.

He said government programmes aimed at supporting women must continue expanding so that more women can access education, economic empowerment initiatives and leadership opportunities. According to the President, empowering women ultimately strengthens families and communities.

The Women’s Day commemorations brought together government officials, community leaders, advocacy groups and organisations working to advance women’s rights. The event served both as a celebration of women’s achievements and a platform for addressing the challenges women and girls continue to face.

Participants highlighted issues such as gender-based violence, limited economic opportunities and underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. Speakers stressed that addressing these challenges requires cooperation between government, civil society and communities.

Many discussions during the commemorations also focused on education and economic empowerment as key pathways for strengthening the position of women in society. Leaders emphasised that when women have access to education, employment and leadership opportunities, communities benefit broadly.

Hichilema told the gathering that protecting girls from abuse must remain a national priority. He said the country cannot claim social progress if children continue to face exploitation or if communities remain silent about abuse.

The President urged parents, teachers, religious leaders and community members to take active roles in protecting children. He said safeguarding girls requires vigilance, strong community values and institutions willing to act when abuse occurs.

The International Women’s Day commemorations concluded with renewed calls for respect, dignity and opportunity for women across Zambia. Leaders attending the event stressed that protecting girls and empowering women remain essential steps toward building a stronger and more inclusive society.

Presidential candidate Makebi Zulu says Zambia must place women at the centre of national policy, arguing that empowering women remains essential for community stability and long-term economic progress. Speaking during an International Women’s Day conversation on the Conversation Podcast hosted by Coach Brian, Zulu outlined a governance approach that prioritises women’s leadership, healthcare and economic participation. He framed women’s empowerment not simply as a social objective but as a development strategy capable of strengthening families and communities.

Zulu described women as a decisive force in the country’s social and political life, noting that they represent the largest share of voters in Zambia. He explained that policies supporting women tend to produce stronger outcomes in households and local economies because women frequently reinvest resources into families and education. That pattern, he noted, helps create stability at community level and strengthens social welfare.

He also pointed to the role women play in grassroots mobilisation and community engagement. According to Zulu, women involved in political outreach often engage directly with residents, listening to concerns and explaining policy messages in practical terms. This form of engagement, he explained, helps political organisations understand the daily challenges facing communities.

The presidential candidate used the discussion to call for stronger institutional support for women’s issues within government. Zambia, he argued, requires a robust governance structure that directly addresses inequalities affecting women. Treating gender matters as minor administrative responsibilities, he noted, weakens accountability and reduces the impact of empowerment programmes.

Zulu supported the strengthening of a dedicated gender ministry capable of driving policy reforms aimed at women’s advancement. Such an institution, he explained, would ensure gender considerations are integrated across government systems while addressing cultural barriers that restrict women’s opportunities. A focused ministry, he added, would allow government to measure progress and hold institutions accountable for results.

He also linked women’s empowerment to broader economic development. Women who receive financial opportunities or access to credit frequently reinvest those resources into households and community activities. That pattern, Zulu noted, often leads to improved family welfare and stronger local economies.

Maternal healthcare formed another major focus of the discussion. Zulu described maternal deaths as a national challenge that requires stronger investment in hospitals, specialised training for medical personnel and modern medical equipment. Societies with functioning health systems, he noted, should not continue losing mothers during childbirth.

Improving maternal health services, he explained, protects both families and communities from the social consequences of losing mothers during childbirth. Children often grow up without their primary caregiver when maternal deaths occur, creating long-term social disruption within households. Strengthening maternal care therefore remains essential for building healthier communities.

The conversation also turned to the role women have played in shaping Zambia’s political history. Zulu cited former Vice President Inonge Wina and former First Lady Vera Chiluba as examples of women whose leadership influenced national development. Their work, he observed, demonstrated the impact women can have through public service and humanitarian initiatives.

Wina’s tenure in the vice-presidential office, he noted, reflected discipline and a commitment to public service. The programmes associated with Vera Chiluba’s Hope Foundation were also highlighted as early national initiatives that focused on women’s empowerment across multiple provinces.

Historical figures such as Alice Lenshina and Mama Chika Moneka were also mentioned as women who shaped the country’s political and social landscape. Recognising their contributions, Zulu argued, helps preserve the nation’s history and encourages younger women to step into leadership roles.

He also stressed the importance of removing cultural barriers that limit the opportunities available to women. Girls and women, he noted, must receive equal access to education, leadership opportunities and economic participation if the country is to benefit from their full potential.

Zulu pointed out that women already hold senior leadership positions in financial institutions and other major organisations. That record, he argued, demonstrates their capacity to manage complex responsibilities at national level.

Expanding opportunities for women in governance, health systems and economic participation remains central to his political outlook. Policies supporting women, he explained, generate social returns because resources invested in women often flow back into families and communities.

The United Party for National Development has issued a strong clarification after remarks attributed to a party official calling for a convention before the upcoming general elections. The ruling party says the statements circulating in the media do not represent its official position and have the potential to mislead party members and the public. The clarification follows a report in the Daily Nation newspaper quoting Mr Longwe demanding that the party hold internal elections before the country heads to the polls. According to the report, Longwe argued that the governing party must conduct a convention to renew the mandate of its leadership.

The Daily Nation article quoted Longwe as saying the UPND constitution requires the National Management Committee to face elections every five years. He suggested that since the current leadership was elected around August 2021, the party should organise a convention ahead of the next general elections. Longwe reportedly raised the matter in correspondence addressed to UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda, where he urged the leadership to act quickly on the issue. In his argument, he proposed that the party should convene an internal election process in June to allow members to choose their leaders before the national polls.

Longwe further suggested that holding a convention before the elections would allow the party to renew its internal mandate and strengthen democratic participation among members. He indicated that such a process would demonstrate the party’s commitment to internal democracy while preparing it for the next national contest. According to the newspaper report, Longwe questioned whether the party’s leadership intended to proceed without holding the internal elections required by its constitution. His remarks introduced a fresh discussion around internal processes within the ruling party as the political season gathers momentum.

However, the UPND leadership has moved quickly to distance itself from those remarks. In a statement issued by UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe, the party said it had not issued any communication cancelling or dismissing intra-party elections as suggested in the publication. Simuuwe said the statements attributed to Longwe were misleading and did not reflect any official decision taken by the party leadership. The party spokesperson emphasised that official positions of the UPND are communicated through established structures and recognised party channels.

Simuuwe explained that the party maintains a clear leadership framework through which policies and organisational decisions are conveyed to members and the public. According to him, statements relating to party policy, including matters concerning intra-party elections, can only be issued through authorised party structures. He said members who bypass these structures and issue statements to the media risk creating confusion among the party membership. The UPND spokesperson warned that such actions may undermine internal discipline within the organisation.

The party has also questioned Longwe’s authority to speak on internal matters relating to party governance. Simuuwe said records available to the party indicate that Longwe left the UPND some time ago. He added that it remains unclear whether Longwe has formally rejoined the party or through which process such readmission may have occurred. Because of this, Simuuwe said Longwe cannot claim to interpret party policies or speak on internal organisational matters.

Simuuwe further noted that Longwe is not a member of the National Management Committee, the body responsible for guiding the party’s administrative and policy direction. As such, he said Longwe does not hold any position that authorises him to issue statements on behalf of the party or interpret its constitutional provisions. The UPND spokesperson said members must rely on official communication channels when seeking clarity on internal party processes. He added that speculation in the media should not be mistaken for official party positions.

The UPND leadership has urged members across the country to remain calm and disciplined as the party continues to strengthen its internal structures. Simuuwe said the party leadership would guide members at the appropriate time on all matters relating to internal processes, including intra-party elections. He explained that such guidance would come through the established party structures rather than through public commentary or media speculation. According to him, maintaining organisational discipline remains essential for the party’s stability.

Simuuwe also reminded members that the UPND constitution contains provisions discouraging members from publicly disparaging the party or misrepresenting its position. He said individuals who disregard these rules and bring the party into disrepute could face disciplinary action in accordance with party regulations. The party spokesperson emphasised that unity and discipline remain central to the organisation’s strength as it prepares for future political activities. He urged members to focus on strengthening the party rather than engaging in public disputes.

The UPND says its priority remains serving the Zambian people and strengthening the party under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema. Simuuwe said the party remains focused on governance and development while continuing to organise its internal structures. He assured members that the leadership would communicate clearly when the time comes to address matters relating to internal elections or other party processes. For now, the party has urged members to remain united and avoid speculation about internal organisational matters.