News Digest - Friday, May 22nd, 2026

As our nation stands at a critical juncture with the 2026 general elections approaching, we witness both the vibrancy of our democratic process and the challenges that test our commitment to peaceful participation. From the validation of presidential nominations to disturbing incidents of political violence, from infrastructure development to international attention on our electoral conduct, these are days that will shape Zambia's trajectory for years to come.

Main Stories

1. President Hichilema Retains Vice President Nalumango as Running Mate
   President Hakainde Hichilema will stand for re-election alongside Vice President Mutale Nalumango, after the Electoral Commission of Zambia validated their nominations under Article 100 of the Constitution and Regulation 11 of the Electoral Process Regulations. This confirmation by ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis secures the UPND's presidential ticket for the August 13 polls, setting the stage for the incumbent administration to present its case for continued stewardship of our republic.

2. UPND Cadres Attack Gary Nkombo During Nomination Filing in Mazabuka
   Former UPND national chairman Gary Nkombo was assaulted by party cadres at the Mazabuka Civic Centre as he attempted to file nomination papers as an independent candidate for Mazabuka Central, with his shirt ripped, arm bruised, spectacles broken, and even his wife manhandled—all reportedly in full view of police officers who failed to intervene despite ECZ officials calling for help. The UPND has since expelled 15 individuals identified as "thugs" from the party, with Secretary General Batuke Imenda condemning the lawlessness, though this incident raises serious questions about the culture of political intolerance that continues to plague our democratic spaces.

3. Electoral Commission Suspends UPND Ward Nominations Amid Double Adoption Chaos
   The ECZ suspended UPND ward-level nominations nationwide and postponed Lusaka mayoral filings after confusion erupted from multiple adoption certificates issued for single positions, notably involving former deputy mayor Ketty Nanyangwe and vlogger Chitambala Mwewa. Mwewa has since stepped down citing what he described as an "undercurrent of violence" and alleged hired disruption, while Nanyangwe maintains she holds valid party clearance—leaving the commission to insist that parties must resolve internal disputes before candidates can proceed.

4. Patriots for Economic Progress Blocked from Filing Nominations After Records Altered
   The PeP presidential ticket of Sean Tembo has been prevented from filing nominations after unauthorized changes to party records at the Registrar of Societies on May 8 and May 21 reclassified the party as a church organization with activities listed as "Ministry and Preaching," and reassigned the secretary general position without authorization. Tembo has appealed to President Hichilema and ECZ Chairperson Zaloumis to restore the records and extend the nomination period, framing the issue as one of democracy, natural justice, and fair play for our nation's multiparty system.

5. European Union Calls for Violence-Free Polls, Affirms Continued Funding
   EU Ambassador Karolina Starsiak has urged Zambians to refrain from political violence and allow peaceful exercise of voting rights in August, while confirming that European Union funding to Zambia will not be reduced despite global tensions including the Middle East conflict. Her commendation of Zambia's "long-standing tradition of peaceful and credible elections" serves both as encouragement of our democratic heritage and a reminder that the eyes of our international partners remain fixed on how we conduct ourselves in these defining weeks.

6. Government Advances Kabwe-Ngabwe Road Upgrade to Bituminous Standard
   The Road Development Agency has engaged East Consult Limited as design engineer and construction supervisor for the 150-kilometer Kabwe-Ngabwe Road upgrade, with lead engineer Richard Njobvu confirming the scope of works. This infrastructure project represents tangible progress in connecting our communities, facilitating commerce, and reducing the burden of travel on citizens who have long endured deteriorating road conditions in this corridor.

7. Independent Parliamentary Aspirant Andison Buumba Ngandu Dies in Road Crash Hours After Filing Nomination
   Andison Buumba Ngandu, known as Chibulo Chilema, died from injuries sustained in a crash at Shamayuwa Trading Centre in Chinkankata District shortly after successfully filing his nomination papers at New Nega Nega Civic Centre for the August elections, with another person also perishing in the incident. The aspiring representative for Chinkankata Constituency was taken to Kafue General Hospital with serious injuries but did not survive, cutting short what had begun as a courageous step into our democratic arena.

Other Notable Stories

Governance & Elections:

• The UPND has condemned and expelled 15 members identified as "thugs" following the violent attack on Gary Nkombo, with Secretary General Batuke Imenda stating the party does not condone lawlessness or hooliganism.
• ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro has directed parties to resolve dual adoption disputes internally, with the commission temporarily suspending nominations in areas where violence occurred and reaffirming commitment to credible, peaceful processes.
• Two UPND ward councilor candidates in Manyinga District, North Western Province, have gone unopposed after no other candidates filed nomination papers.
• Three candidates have filed for Manyinga District Council Chairperson, with independent Bernard Kamboyi first to submit at 09:10 hours when the centre opened.
• Chief Mukupa Katandula of the Tabwa people in Kaputa District has called on aspirants to conduct issue-based campaigns and reject violence ahead of August 13.

Health & Social Services:

• ActionAid Country Director Faides Tembatemba has argued that former Health Minister Alex Katakwe should not be reappointed if UPND wins, stating his remarks about "eating moderately" and receiving gifts risk normalising corruption in the ministry despite his apology.

Education & Child Protection:

• Nkhwazi Primary School has denied liability in Lusaka High Court for alleged sexual assault and psychological trauma of a Grade 6 pupil by swimming instructor Leeroy Phiri, with the school stating it will require strict proof that only Phiri committed wrongful actions as the pupil seeks K2 million in damages.

Consumer Protection:

• ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga has cautioned citizens to remain vigilant about product safety, purchasing only from trusted outlets and carefully reading labels including manufacturing and expiry dates.

Tax Administration:

• Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has affirmed government commitment to easing tax compliance through the proposed tax administration bill, aiming to reduce administrative hurdles and ensure fair, transparent revenue processes.

Sports:

• Mines United will play their final Super League match against Green Eagles at Railway Stadium in Kabwe, with coach Perry Mutapa expressing pride in his team's progress as Green Eagles chase table position.
• Copper Princesses Under-17 head coach Carol Kanyemba has set ambitions for a return to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup ahead of their qualifier against DR Congo, seeking to improve on their 2024 round of 16 exit.

International:

• The US House voted 216-204 to reject legislation for a Smithsonian American Women's History Museum after Republicans added language restricting transgender women from being featured, with Rep. Nicole Malliotakis blaming polarization and Democratic Women's Caucus condemning Trump being given authority over content.
• President Donald Trump announced 5,000 troops will deploy to Poland, reversing a prior cancellation of a 4,200-soldier brigade, with the decision linked to election of Polish President Karol Nawrocki and welcomed by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.

Tribute:

• Archbishop Alick Banda praised the late Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu as a bold voice against corruption and dictatorship who spoke for the voiceless, noting he was demonised by some in power for his stance; following the funeral mass at Cathedral of the Child Jesus, congregants chanted support for Brian Mundubile as "their 2026 president" as President Hichilema's convoy departed Pope Square.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

1. Electoral Integrity and Violence: The ECZ's handling of dual adoption disputes and its response to violent incidents will be critical in maintaining public confidence. We must watch whether police impartiality improves and whether parties genuinely discipline offenders rather than merely distancing themselves after the fact.

2. Multiparty Democracy Under Strain: The PeP's exclusion through altered records and the mayoral nomination chaos reveal systemic vulnerabilities in our party registration and candidate verification processes. The integrity of our elections depends on transparent, timely resolution of such administrative obstacles.

3. Infrastructure Delivery and Economic Confidence: The Kabwe-Ngabwe road engagement and continued EU funding commitments offer positive signals, but sustained progress on energy, roads, and public services will be essential for voter assessment of whether promised harvests have truly materialised across our nation.