The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has rejected the presidential nomination of aspiring candidate of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) leader, Charles Chanda after determining that he did not meet constitutional and electoral requirements to contest the forthcoming presidential election.

Announcing the decision in Lusaka , ECZ Chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis stated that Mr Chanda’s nomination papers had been rejected in accordance with Article 100 of the Constitution of Zambia Amendment Act No. 2 of 2016, as well as Regulations 11 and 18 of the Electoral Process General Regulations.

Ms Zaloumis explained that the Commission established that Mr Chanda was discharged from bankruptcy based on information provided by the Commission.

She explained that the office of the official receiver had written to ECZ on April 22, 2026, attaching a judgment in the matter involving Nathan Sinkala and 109 others against Mr Chanda under cause Number 2022/HP/092.

“In addition, the petitioners in the same matter also advised the Commission in writing and attached the judgment indicating that the bankruptcy matter had not been discharged,” Ms Zaloumis said.

She further noted that ECZ had identified another irregularity relating to the candidate’s adoption documents.

Ms Zaloumis, who was flanked by her Vice, Vincent Mukanda, explained that Section 2, read together with Section 30B of the Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2016, requires an adoption certificate to be signed by both the president and secretary-general of a political party, who must be recognised office bearers under the Societies Act.

“The adoption certificate presented did not bear the name of the secretary-general,” she said.

She added that under powers vested in her as Returning Officer by Article 52(2) of the Constitution, ECZ had rejected the nomination on grounds that the candidate was ineligible to contest the August 13 general elections.

Shortly after the announcement, Mr Chanda protested the decision by the ECZ and challenged the bankruptcy claims.

Mr Chanda insisted that he was not bankrupt and argued that the matter was still before the courts.

“I have letters from the courts. I am not bankrupt. We have fought the case and the case is in court. You cannot act on a letter without coming back to me. I am not bankrupt,” Mr Chanda stated.

He further claimed that ECZ had acted on correspondence without giving him an opportunity to respond.

The visibly annoyed Mr Chanda also questioned the basis of the decision, stating that the allegations did not reflect his financial standing.

The exchange became tense as Mr Chanda attempted to present documents he said were obtained from the courts, while ECZ officials moved to conclude the proceedings.

In frustration, Mr Chanda tore the letter of rejection that was presented to him by the Returning Officer to the amazement of Commission personnel, media and security personnel.

The rejection means Mr Chanda will not be included among candidates for the forthcoming presidential election in August this year unless the decision is overturned through available legal processes.

Mr Chanda who was accompanied by his presidential running mate, Charles Tembo and a handful of his supporters, emotionally left Mulungushi International Conference Centre, the place that has been designated as presidential nomination Centre after heavy presence of Police Officers.

The ECZ has lined up a program this week at the Centre which has commenced today up to Friday May 22, 2026 for filing in of presidential nomination papers for political party leaders.

Mpika District Electoral Officer, Samuel Musenga has urged uniformed staff to remain professional and diligent in the execution of their duties before, during, and after the forthcoming general elections.

Mr Musenga said police officers must be on high alert in maintaining law and order, especially as the country heads towards the general elections scheduled for August this year.

Mr Musenga said this during the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) briefing for uniformed officers that was held in Mpika district ahead of the filing of nominations.

He said uniformed officers play a crucial role in creating a peaceful and secure environment that allows voters to freely and confidently express themselves in the electoral process.

Mr Musenga emphasised that uniformed staff are key in the electoral process as they are both critical and indispensable.

He noted that the presence of security personnel inspires confidence among members of the public and encourages higher voter participation.

He said it is important that every uniformed officer deployed during the electoral period fully understands their responsibilities and conducts themselves in a manner that upholds the dignity of the institutions they represent.

Mr Musenga added that the briefing was both necessary and timely, as it would equip uniformed officers with important information needed for the execution of their duties in the electoral process.

He stated that they need to ensure that they are not caught off guard by any developments in the field.

He further urged the officers to remain impartial at all times and to avoid conduct that could be perceived as partisan, warning that any breach of professional standards during the electoral period could undermine public trust in the entire election process.

Mr Musenga has further appealed to the general public and voters to strictly adhere to the electoral code of conduct and to cooperate with security officers deployed at polling centres and other electoral venues across the district.

He expressed confidence that with the combined efforts of security personnel, electoral officials, civil society, and an informed electorate, Mpika district would conduct a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.

Meanwhile, Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) Mpika District Chairperson, Amod Nyimbili commended the ECZ for conducting the briefing.

He described the briefing as a proactive and commendable measure ahead of the nomination period.

Mr Nyimbili said the briefing would significantly help the men and women in uniform to discharge their duties with greater awareness and professionalism.

He added that FODEP remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at ensuring that Zambia conducts free, fair, and peaceful elections.

“This meeting is important to prepare for free and fair elections,” he said.

The Patriotic Front faction led by Miles Sampa has withdrawn from the presidential race ahead of the August 13, 2026 general election.

Speaking during a press briefing, Sampa announced that the faction would no longer field a presidential candidate but would continue participating in parliamentary and local government elections across the country.

The party had earlier paid the K100,000 presidential nomination fee and adopted former Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya as its presidential candidate.

The PF faction had also completed the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s presidential supporter pre-processing exercise in preparation for nominations.

Sampa said the decision followed extensive consultations within the party and careful consideration of the internal challenges the former ruling party has faced since losing power to the United Party for National Development in 2021.

“It is with great disappointment to inform you that the opposition Patriotic Front at presidential level will not be on the ballot, but on MP and other positions, we are filling in nominations,” Sampa said.

He explained that the party needed time to reorganize and resolve internal disputes before participating in another presidential election.

Sampa further maintained that he remains the legally recognized leader of the PF despite ongoing court battles surrounding the party’s leadership.

He added that the challenges facing the PF are similar to those experienced by many former ruling parties across the continent.

“We will continue pursuing matters that are currently in court until the party gets the justice it deserves,” he said.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in Chinsali in Muchinga Province has advised political parties in the area to strictly adhere to the established timetable for filing in of nominations.

Chinsali District Electoral Officer, Zakeyo Mbao said it is imperative for political parties and their aspiring candidates to follow their respective schedules during the filling of nominations.

He emphasised the need for the nomination process to be done in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Mr Mbao was speaking on the sidelines of the ECZ briefing for uniformed officers and returning officers which was held at the Chinsali Civic Centre today.

“The expectation of the Electoral Commission of Zambia is for key stakeholders in the nomination process to adhere to the schedule, as this will help us to run the process efficiently,” he said.

Mr Mbao explained that the briefing of the uniformed officers and the returning officers is to ensure a smooth nomination process.

He added that the nominations will commence on Wednesday, 20th May, and run up to Friday, 22nd May 2026.

Meanwhile, stakeholders have commended the ECZ for providing a fair platform for political parties participating in the electoral process.

Nkakula Ward Councillor aspiring candidate, Charles Bishonga encouraged aspiring candidates and political parties to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Mr Bishonga said it is important for everyone to continue promoting unity in the country.

“I would like to give credit to the Electoral Commission of Zambia for ensuring that the electoral process is free and fair for all participants, and we hope that they continue putting in the efforts to deliver credible elections,” he said.

And United Party for National Development (UPND) party member, Ireen Mwansa said the created timetable for filling in of nominations is to the advantage of all political parties involved.

“Let us see to it that we all follow this timetable when the time comes,” she said.

Muchinga Province Socialist Party Vice Provincial Chairperson, Silvester Manjani said the timetable with the input from all political parties.

“We were all free to contribute to the formulation of the timetable for filling in nominations,” he said.

Former Lusaka Deputy Mayor Ketty Nanyangwe has announced that she will not contest the Lusaka mayoral seat in the 2026 general elections, citing the need to promote party unity and support President Hakainde Hichilema.

In a statement, Nanyangwe said the decision followed deep reflection, consultations and careful consideration.

She emphasized that her withdrawal from the race should not be viewed as a departure from active politics or public service, but rather as a commitment to strengthening the vision of the United Party for National Development under President Hichilema’s leadership.

“My decision should not be interpreted as a departure from active politics or from the continued service to our people,” she said.

“Rather, it reflects my commitment to the greater cause of unity, strategic alignment and strengthening our collective vision under the leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema and our great UPND Party.”

Nanyangwe reaffirmed her loyalty to the ruling party and pledged to support party decisions while working towards UPND’s victory in Lusaka and across the country.

She also thanked her supporters and encouraged them to remain united behind the party’s agenda.

“Leadership is not merely about holding office; it is about service, sacrifice and commitment to a greater purpose,” she said.

President Hakainde Hichilema has reassured the nation that the General Elections set for August 13, 2026, will take place in a calm and peaceful environment.

President Hichilema has stated that he carries the solemn duty to protect every citizen and their property beyond the election period, further assuring that security agencies have been placed on high alert to safeguard peace before, during and after elections.

According to a statement issued to ZANIS by Statehouse Chief Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, the President has noted that he took oath as Commander -in- Chief of the Armed Forces, to defend and uphold the constitution.

He has since affirmed that all arms and institutions of government will continue operating effectively, despite the dissolution of Cabinet and Parliament.

The President has therefore directed all Permanent Secretaries and controlling officers to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to Zambians during the election period.

“Our citizens should continue to access all government services without disruption. People should still receive healthcare, education and other essential public services”, he said.

President Hichilema also called on political players to conduct issue –based campaigns, emphasising that political competition should focus on service.

The Head of State added that despite belonging to different political parties, Zambians remain one united people.

“Political competition should be about improving service delivery for our citizens. As we enter the campaign period, I urge my fellow politicians to avoid insults and name-calling, and instead concentrate on issues that affect our people”, he stated.

The President further appealed to all Zambians, particularly the youth, to use social media responsibly, stressing that digital platforms must build the nation and not tear it down.

“Social media is a powerful tool for civic participation, but during this campaign, it must be used with integrity. We must not allow our digital spaces to become channels for misinformation, insults or incitement. The standards of conduct we expect on the campaign trail should apply online”, he stressed.

President Hichilema also reminded Zambians that peace and unity are a foundation of the work that follows, and further appealed to citizens to uphold peace and unity in the spirit of One-Zambia, One Nation.

“A peaceful election is the ground on which we deliver Zambia’s harvest together. Our differences as parties must never come at the cost of our common task, building a country for every Zambian, in every province, in every household”, he emphasised.