Zambia's political landscape is rapidly heating up as the nation prepares for the general elections slated for August 2026. A significant number of presidential aspirants have come forward, signaling a highly competitive race, even as calls for opposition unity appear to have largely gone unheeded. The K100,000 presidential nomination fee to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has been paid by a multitude of candidates from various political parties and alliances.

Among the prominent figures who have already paid their nomination fees is Harry Kalaba, contesting under his Citizens First party. Kalaba has also actively been meeting other political leaders to potentially form a united opposition front, eventually forming the Orange Alliance with Saboi Imboela. Similarly, Brian Mundubile, president of the Tonse Alliance and backed by the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), has also submitted his fee. Other notable candidates include Chanda Katotobwe of Sean Tembo’s PeP, Kelvin Bwalya Fube (KBF) representing Zambia Must Prosper, and Charles Chanda, leader of UPPZ. Moses Mawere, President of the Exodus Party (EPPP) and former Minister of Sports, has also confirmed his participation, pledging to improve Zambian livelihoods if elected.

The Patriotic Front (PF) is currently experiencing considerable internal turmoil ahead of the elections. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, a former Minister of Health, has emerged as a presidential candidate for the Miles Sampa-led PF faction, having paid his K100,000 nomination fee. Separately, Makebi Zulu, who heads a significant faction of the Patriotic Front under the PF Pamodzi Alliance and is considered a close ally of the former late President Edgar Lungu, is also expected to pay his nomination fee soon. This internal division underscores the challenges facing the former ruling party. Dr. Fred M’membe of the Socialist Party has also formed an alliance called Zambia People’s Pact and is among those who have paid their fees.

Adding to the diverse field, Kapembwa Simbao of the Zambia We Want party has also formed an alliance and intends to contest. Richwell Siamunene, a former Minister under PF who broke away from Simbao’s party, is also attempting to enter the race. An interesting observation by politician Brian Hapunda highlights the ethnic distribution among candidates, noting that there will be no fewer than eight candidates from the 'Bemba' speaking regions competing against one 'Southerner,' Hakainde Hichilema, the incumbent President. Notably, the incumbent President himself has not yet paid his nomination fee, with the deadline coinciding with the filing of nomination papers.

The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) is also navigating its internal dynamics. Hon. Haimbe, a Lusaka Central lawmaker, recently completed his nomination process, emphasizing the importance of maturity, discipline, and unity within the party. He stressed that internal competition should not divide but strengthen the 'UPND family,' reaffirming his support for President Hakainde Hichilema’s development agenda. This message of cohesion is crucial as aspiring candidates position themselves for adoption. In a significant shift, Jere, a prominent legal mind and commentator previously linked to the Patriotic Front, has abandoned his former party and earlier considerations for Matero, opting instead for a fresh political path in Lusaka Central under the ruling party banner. His entry is expected to intensify the contest in the Lusaka Central constituency, which is already a competitive field.