Zambia's Political Shake-Up: UPND Grapples with Candidate Withdrawals and Adoptions for 2026 Polls

Zambia's political landscape is experiencing significant shifts within the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) as the party gears up for the 2026 general elections.

The preparations involve both the official adoption of parliamentary candidates in various constituencies and a notable wave of withdrawals from re-contesting positions by several prominent party members and lawmakers, reshaping the party's electoral strategy.

In Ndola District, the UPND has officially announced its parliamentary candidates. Frank Tayali has been re-adopted to represent Ndola Central Constituency, demonstrating continued trust in his leadership. Similarly, Lloyd Lubosha will again stand for Chifubu Constituency.

New adoptions include Warren Mwambazi for Bwana Mkubwa Constituency, Emeldah Mpupuni for Kabushi Constituency, and Ernest Lufunda for Dag Hammarskjold Constituency, signaling the party's consolidated efforts in the region.

However, the candidate selection process has not been without its complexities. The case of Tembo highlights the challenges faced by some aspirants.

After recently leaving the Patriotic Front (PF) for the UPND, Tembo hoped to get the Kabwata seat for the August elections.

However, the party chose Teyengwa instead, disappointing Tembo and angering some of his supporters.

Concurrently, a wave of withdrawals from re-contesting various positions has swept through the UPND.

Several former senior government officials and incumbent lawmakers have announced their decision to step aside, leading to a significant realignment of the party's candidate lineup.

Among those who will not seek re-election are Mulambo Haimbe, the former Lusaka Central lawmaker; Mirriam Chinya, the former Kafue Lawmaker; and Rodney Sikumba, the ex-Livingstone lawmaker.

Also stepping aside are Douglas Syakalima, former Siavonga Member of Parliament; Ketty Nanyangwe, former Lusaka Deputy Mayor; Constance Muleabai, former Livingstone Mayor; and Dr. Elijah Muchima for Ikelengi Constituency.

The candidates said they withdrew to support President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND. Dr. Elijah Muchima said he stepped down from the Ikeleng’i race after consultations and urged supporters to vote for the President.

Rodney Sikumba expressed profound gratitude to the people of Livingstone for entrusting him with the responsibility of Member of Parliament, recounting milestones achieved during his five-year tenure.

He confirmed his decision not to seek re-election for Livingstone Central, fully endorsing President Hichilema’s candidature.

Douglas Syakalima, former Siavonga MP, similarly withdrew from the Chirundu parliamentary race, citing advice from his wife and family, opting instead to focus on campaigning nationwide for President Hichilema.

Mulambo Haimbe and Mirriam Chonya withdrew from their races to support President Hichilema’s re-election campaign and the party’s agenda.

Former Lusaka Deputy Mayor Ketty Nanyangwe and her Livingstone counterpart Constance Muleabai also joined the list of withdrawals, opting not to contest mayoral positions.

Nanyangwe emphasized that her decision reflected a commitment to unity, strategic alignment, and strengthening the collective vision under President Hichilema and the UPND, rather than a departure from active politics.

The UPND leadership has consistently affirmed that all candidate adoption decisions would be guided by thorough internal consultations, aiming to ensure cohesion and strategic positioning ahead of the August 2026 General Elections.