ECZ RELEASES LIST OF VALIDLY NOMINATED PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES FOR 2026 POLLS

According to a public notice issued by ECZ corporate communications manager Patricia Luhanga on June 29, 2026, the nominations were lodged between May 18 and May 22, 2026, with voting set to take place from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours.

The candidates, their running mates, political parties and approved ballot symbols are:

1. Kelvin F. Bwalya (ZMP), Running Mate: Milner J. Katolo - Symbol: A Traditional Thatched Hat.

2. Given M. Chansa (MEE), Running Mate: Harrison Chewe - Symbol: An African Broom Held Between Two Hands.

3. Xavier F. Chiungu (LDP), Running Mate: Gerald D. Mwanza - Symbol: Farmer Ploughing with Cattle.

4. Hakainde Hichilema (UPND), Running Mate: Nalumango W.K. Mutale - Symbol: Palm with Raised Thumb.

5. Harry Kalaba (CF), Running Mate: Moses Mawere - Symbol: Big Tree.

6. Given Katuta (Independent), Running Mate: John Nyirenda - Symbol: Spoon.

7. Howard Kunda (ZAWAPA), Running Mate: Chipo Miyoba - Symbol: The Head.

8.  Fred M'membe (SP), Running Mate: Dolika Banda - Symbol: A Crossed Shovel and Axe.

9. Brian M. Mundubile (NRPUP), Running Mate: Makebi Zulu - Symbol: A Lamp.

10. Brian Mushimba (OPP), Running Mate: Andyford M. Banda - Symbol: Gift Box.

11. Ackim A. Njobvu (DU), Running Mate: Mirriam L. Banda, Symbol: A Jar of Honey.

12. Daniel C. Pule (CDP), Running Mate: Bert M. Mushala - Symbol: Red Breasted Bream Fish.

13. Richwell Siamunene (NFP), Running Mate: Nicholas K. Banda - Symbol: A Pot with Three Legs and Cooking Stick.

14. Richard Silumbe (LM), Running Mate: Kaela Kamweneshe - Symbol: The Waves.

The ECZ's Ms. Luhanga stated that the notice serves to inform the general public that the listed candidates were validly nominated to participate in the presidential election.

The Commission further advised members of the public seeking additional information to contact the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer at Elections House in Lusaka or their respective District Electoral Officers.

JUST TO UNLOCK YOUR MIND

A total of 30 presidential candidates paid the K100,000 nomination fees but that did not guarantee them being on the ballot as ECZ had to scrutinise their papers during the nomination process. Others candidates did not even file while other were rejected included Charles Chanda whose now in alliance with UPND. Chanda's nomination papers were rejected because he was declared bankruptcy, a matter he argued was still before the court and "ECZ had no right to interfere in a matter that was before court," 

Another famous rejection was for Sean Tembo's party, PeP, on the of filing nomination it was discovered that the party at the Registrar of societies, was registered as a church and not a political party. But days later the Registrar clarified that no one changed the organisation's details and everything was intact. 

This year's number of presidential candidate has reduced by two compared to 2021. 

In the previous general election there were a total of 16 presidential candidate that saw Hakainde Hichilema beat Edgar Chagwa Lungu by a margin of almost 1 million different. 

[Brave Heart News  | UnlockingMinds]