Mweetwa assures democracy ahead of 2026 polls

Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa has reaffirmed President Hakainde Hichilema's commitment to democratic tolerance, pledging that this year's elections will be held in a peaceful and united atmosphere.

Mr Mweetwa, who also serves as UPND spokesperson and sits on the party's National Management Committee, said the ruling party remains grounded in the principles of peace, unity, and national development. He was addressing hundreds of mourners at the burial of his late mother in Choma's Masuku area, where he stressed that intra-party competition within the UPND strengthens rather than weakens democratic values.

He argued that the forthcoming poll presents a clear choice between progress and regression, pointing to President Hichilema's agricultural policies, which have delivered better pricing and sustained support to farmers. For civil servants, he added, the election is a choice between continued stability and a return to past uncertainties. With only two weeks remaining before the dissolution of Parliament, he urged citizens not to grow complacent and to turn out in large numbers to return President Hichilema to office.

National Management Committee member Trevor Mwiinde echoed the call for respectful competition, while Choma Mayor Javarn Simoloka welcomed the freer campaigning climate that has emerged since 2021. Southern Province Permanent Secretary Namani Monze said the strong turnout reflected the unity fostered by peaceful governance.

Mositunua Conference president Maxwell Muvwimi paid tribute to the late Elizabeth Muleya, 72, describing her as a woman of excellence whose Christian values had shaped generations. She is survived by seven children, 39 grandchildren, and 40 great-grandchildren.