…as 14 candidates complete filing as ECZ nomination window closes
By Francis Chipalo
Democratic Union Party President Ackim Njobvu and running mate Miriam Banda have filed their presidential nomination papers at the Mulungushi International Conference Center, joining 13 other candidates cleared to contest the 13 August 2026 general election.
Njobvu filed on Friday afternoon as the Electoral Commission of Zambia closed its five-day domination window.
The ECZ received fees from 30 aspirants, but only 14 met the constitutional and procedural requirements to proceed.
Speaking after filing, Njobvu said he was entering the race as a serious contender and called for a change of government, accusing the UPND administration of failing Zambians.
“it is time to retire President Hichilema and the UPND,” he said.
The 14 candidates who successfully filed are:
Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema with Mutale Nalumango for the UPND; Given Mwenya Chansa and Harrison Chewe for the Movement for Economic Emancipation; Richard Silumbe and Kamwenesha Kaela for the Leadership Movement; Harry Kalaba and Moses Mawere for Citizens First; Fred M’membe and Dolika Banda for the Socialist Party; Kelvin Fube Bwalya and Milner Katolo for Zambia Must Prosper; Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu for the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity; Howard Kunda and Chipo Miyoba for the Zambia Wake Up Party; *Brian Mushimba and Andyford Mayele Banda for the Organised People’s Party; independent candidate /Given Katuta with John Nyirenda; Xavier Chungu and Gerald Dingiswayo Mwanza for the Liberal Democrats Party; Richwell Siamunene and Nicholas Banda for the New Focus Party; Danny Pule and Betty Mushala for the Christian Democratic Party; and Ackim Njobvu with Miriam Banda for the Democratic Union Party.
The ECZ was by press time expected to publish the final list of validly nominated candidates after completing verification.