HARRY KALABA REPORTS HH TO AU

In his letter shared on his Facebook page, Kalaba argues that the integrity of the upcoming election is now in question due to what he describes as a compromised Electoral Commission and last-minute legal manoeuvres that could edge out competing political parties. 

At the centre of his "worry" is the Electoral Commission of Zambia, which Kalaba says is suffering an unprecedented credibility crisis. He notes that four of its commissioners hail from one region, that two have close ties to the ruling United Party for National Development, and that a fifth appointed just a week before presidential nominations is also aligned to the ruling party. 

According to Kalaba, this creates a situation where three out of five commissioners are associated with the party in power. He argues that such a configuration, happening at a late stage in the electoral calendar, raises questions about neutrality and preparedness especially when the Commission is expected to preside over what may be the country’s most "uncompetitive" election in recent history due to "weak" and "unstable" opposition. 

Kalaba also warns of looming disqualification risks for political parties. He claims the ECZ is pushing an electoral bill that could lock out parties based on internal administrative requirements such as holding conventions or timely registration of office bearers. 

His concern is that introducing such a bill after nominations open could unfairly sideline entire political groups and their supporters. 

The Hakainde Hichilema administration maintains that its reforms are intended to strengthen governance structures, but Kalaba insists the timing and manner of implementation undermine confidence. 

He cites his own party’s struggle to register under the Citizens First, taking nearly 11 months to receive certification even after holding its convention in December 2024. Against this backdrop, Kalaba has called on the African Union to send an urgent fact-finding mission, engage President Hichilema directly, and push for reconsideration of the most recent commissioner appointment. 

He argues that without intervention, Zambia risks slipping from its celebrated status as one of Africa’s democratic success stories. 

JUST TO UNLOCK YOUR MIND 

Zambia’s elections have long stood as a continental reference point peaceful transitions since 1991, strong voter participation, and a generally respected electoral system. 

 It's also common practice in Zambia that most of these key institutions always- all the time are led by people who are sourced within the rulling party of the time. 

Kalaba as a former foreign affairs ministers knows in a rulling party PF, knows how much of the appointments was dominated by one side of the country - this is because most members were from as the case now. 

But Kalaba’s move places Zambia’s electoral integrity in the continental spotlight long before a single ballot is cast. Whether the AU steps in or not, the pressure now sits squarely on institutions tasked with safeguarding the 2026 elections. 

[Brave Heart News | UnlockingMinds]