Opposition nominations gather pace as Mundubile and Kalaba file for August 13 poll

Citizens First president Harry Kalaba has successfully filed his presidential nomination papers at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre yesterday, accompanied by his running mate Moses Mawere. Speaking to journalists after filing, Kalaba said the Orange Alliance is committed to campaigning across the country on issues of national development.

He becomes the second candidate to lodge papers, following Movement for Economic Emancipation leader Given Chansa and his running mate Harrison Chewe, who filed yesterday. The Electoral Commission of Zambia is accepting presidential nominations between 18 and 22 May.

A third major development came as Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile successfully filed his nomination on the National Revolution Party United Party (NRPUP) ticket, ending days of speculation after his earlier plans to stand under the Forum for Democracy and Development collapsed amid disagreements over party leadership and alliance direction.

The late switch exposed the volatility inside opposition coalition structures, where access to recognised electoral platforms has become a survival issue ahead of the poll. Mundubile, the longtime Mporokoso lawmaker and former PF chief whip, was joined at filing by Makebi Zulu, the constitutional lawyer who rose to prominence during the legal battles surrounding the late President Edgar Lungu. Their joint appearance signalled a notable recalibration between Tonse Alliance and PF-Pamodzi structures.

Bishops Council of Zambia president Martin Silwimba commended the peaceful nomination process and urged candidates to follow ECZ regulations, settling contests through the ballot rather than confrontation.