For years, election seasons in Zambia have followed a familiar script. Politicians move from community to community, handing out money or gifts while asking voters for support.
But veteran lawyer John Sangwa appears to be trying something very different ahead of the 2026 General Election.
The leader of the Movement for National Renewal says that instead of giving money to voters during campaigns, he wants citizens to financially support his presidential bid.
Yes - the opposite of what many Zambians are used to.
Mr. Sangwa is calling on supporters to contribute voluntary monthly donations to help fund his campaign.
According to him, contributions should range from not less than 5 thousand Kwacha to not more than 20 thousand Kwacha per month.
He insists the donations are completely voluntary and meant to support what he describes as a citizen-driven political project.
However, the idea has created mixed reactions. Some people say it is a good attempt to change Zambia’s long-standing campaign culture, where candidates are often expected to “dish out” money to potential voters during rallies and community visits.
Others have reacted with doubt with some comments even describing Sangwa as an amateur in practical Zambian politics. However, the 2021 general elections proved that dishing money to citizens no longer results in automatic voting for that candidate. Zambians will eat your money and vote for someone else.
Another question that has emerged is how the collected money would be managed and accounted for, an issue that often raises concerns when political fundraising is involved.
JUST TO UNLOCK YOUR MIND
According to News Diggers Sangwa says that he does not foresee any obstacles in registering the Movement for National Renewal as a political party, adding that there has been no interference since the movement was formed.
But there is an important political reality.
Civil movements and fully registered political parties are rarely treated the same in Zambia’s political ecosystem.
Once a movement transforms into a political party, the environment becomes significantly tougher. Political parties are subject to greater scrutiny, tighter monitoring, and more intense competition from both the government and rival opposition groups.
In practical politics, the rule of the game is often simple but ruthless: strengthen yourself while weakening your opponent.
That means scrutiny increases, pressure grows, and alliances shift.
Whether Sangwa’s unusual fundraising approach will inspire a new political culture or simply prove too idealistic for Zambia’s highly competitive electoral politics remains to be seen.
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