Zambia’s 2026 Election: The Reality of Unfulfilled Promises and the Quest for Leadership Integrity BODY: Lusaka, Zambia – As the nation prepares for its general election on August 13, 2026, Zambia finds itself at a critical juncture. With 14 presidential candidates cleared by the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the election is not merely a contest of political manifestos but a referendum on the broken promises that have left many Zambians disillusioned.
The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) under President Hakainde Hichilema made ambitious promises during the 2021 campaign, including fuel at K12 a litre, mealie meal at K50, fertiliser at K250, and an end to load shedding.
However, five years on, these promises remain unfulfilled, casting a shadow over the credibility of the current administration. Brian Hapunda, presidential advisor for the Socialist Party, notes that Zambians are no longer swayed by campaign promises after years of disappointment. Officials have commented on the matter, reflecting the nation’s growing demand for accountability and transparency.
The UPND’s push for legislative reforms, including the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025, has also raised concerns about the restructuring of state power. Bishop Musonda Trevor Selwyn Mwamba, President of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), has projected the country’s legal, judicial, and electoral future, highlighting the implications of these reforms.
The Zambia Economist has questioned whether the Zambian Treasury can finance the promises made by competing political manifestos without undoing economic progress.
The economic challenges faced by the country are further compounded by the crowded ballot, with 14 candidates vying for the presidency.
The African Telegraph suggests that the crowded ballot in the upcoming election is more than a contest of party slogans; it is a referendum on broken promises. President Hichilema of the UPND seeks a second term, but he faces formidable rivals, including Fred M’membe of the Socialist Party, Harry Kalaba of Citizens First, Kelvin Fube Bwalya of Zambia Must Prosper, Brian Mundubile of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, and several smaller-party and independent candidates.
The Lusaka Times has analyzed the promises made by Hichilema and his government, noting the gap between what was ordered and what has been delivered. “Zambians were promised fuel at K12 a litre. Five years later, they are still waiting, “the analysis stated.
Kasonde Mwenda, writing for the Zambian Observer, echoes these sentiments, highlighting the consequences of broken promises and the need for a new direction.
As Zambia prepares for its 2026 general election, the nation is at a pivotal moment.
The upcoming polls will not only determine the country’s leadership but also test the commitment of political leaders to fulfill their promises. For many Zambians, the stakes are high, and the demand for truth at the ballot box has never been more urgent.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Panafricanvisions
Source: Pan African Visions
