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ECZ launches sensitisation campaign, calls for democratic participation

THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has officially launched the "Count Me In" Campaign, a nationwide voter sensitization initiative aimed at encouraging citizen participation in the 2026 General Elections.

The commission has since called on politicians and other stakeholders to help educate citizens on the importance of participating in an election in a democratic manner, using the campaign.

Speaking during the launch, ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis said there is need to encourage peaceful participation and dissermination of accurate information to the citizens.

Zaloumis also said stressed the need for every eligible Zambian to actively participate in the electoral process to ensure that their voices are heard.

" The media and other stakeholders are encouraged to help diserminate verified election information to the public.

" Voter participation remains a cornerstone of democracy and all eligible voters need to prepare for the forthcoming elections by staying informed and exercising their constitutional right to vote," she said.

The Commissioner further said that the Commission reaffirms its commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

She said through the nationwide campaign, ECZ hopes to foster a culture that will ensure that every voter understands that their vote counts and that every citizen has a role to play in the country's democratic development.

"Voter sensitization activities will be rolled out across all 1,858 wards, 116 districts and 10 provinces of Zambia to ensure that electoral information reaches citizens in every corner of the country," the Commissioner added.

Zaloumis of alao the "Count Me In" Campaign seeks to promote voter awareness, civic responsibility and inclusive participation among all segments of society, particularly women, youths, persons with disabilities, and first-time voters.

She added that voter education and publicity play a key role in promoting informed participation, peaceful elections and public confidence in democratic institutions.

By Sanfrossa Mberi

Kalem June 1, 2026

Breaking: UPP President Saviour Chishimba has endorsed President Hichilema for the 2026 general elections.

Police arrest, charge Gary Nkombo with 2 counts of assault

*Njobvu urges ‘Restart’ for Zambia, says 24 months enough to show results*

Presidential candidate Ackim Antony Njobvu has urged Zambians to vote for his party the Democratic Union in this year’s general elections, saying the country needs a fresh start.

Speaking during Sunday Chat on Christian Nation, Njobvu said denying the DU a vote would amount to denying the country needed innovation and direction.

Njobvu recently warned that there is likely to be “gnashing of teeth” after the August elections if a PF-aligned candidate wins and that "fixing" of PF members would continue at the expense of national development should UPND emerge victorious.

On Sunday, Njobvu emphasized that Zambia requires a new government to reconcile political hatred between rival parties.

“Zambians would be denying themselves an opportunity for a restart should they not vote for the DU in this year’s general elections,” he said. “The country needs a fresh start. We must do away with both UPND and PF and elect a new government.”

Meanwhile, Njobvu said 24 months is enough time for a focused president to show direction.

“Once elected President on August 13, Zambians should expect to see results in the shortest period. The DU comes with fresh ideologies that will transform the nation,” he added.

Francis Chipalo

The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has revealed that the group of miners who were recently rescued after being trapped underground for 17 days endured extreme physical and emotional hardship during the period of their confinement.

According to accounts gathered following the successful rescue operation, the miners exhausted all available options to create an escape route from the underground shaft after becoming trapped on 3rd May 2026. Despite their efforts, they were unable to find a way out and gradually became physically weakened and emotionally distressed as days passed without certainty about their fate.

The Ministry reports that at one of the most difficult moments during the ordeal, when hope appeared to be fading, one of the trapped miners gathered his colleagues and led them in a prayer, asking for God’s mercy and protection.

In the prayer, the miners sought forgiveness for their sins and appealed for an opportunity to reunite with their families, noting that some among them, despite their young age, were primary providers for their households.

Following the prayer, silence filled the underground shaft as the exhausted miners lay down to rest, believing they had done everything within their power to survive.

Unbeknownst to them, rescue teams on the surface were continuing intensive efforts to reach their location. While the miners briefly slept underground, a determined rescue operation was progressing above ground, bringing them closer to safety.

The Ministry has commended the resilience and courage demonstrated by the miners throughout the 17-day ordeal, as well as the dedication and commitment of the rescue teams whose tireless efforts ultimately led to the successful rescue on 20th May 2026.

The Ministry further noted that the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of mine safety and emergency preparedness across the mining sector.

UPND national youth chairman Gilbert Liswaniso has formally introduced the ruling party’s Munali parliamentary candidate, Thomas Sipalo, popularly known as Diffikoti, to the electorate.

The youth leader has also concurrently launched campaigns for President Hakainde Hichilema in Munali constituency.

“Our ultimate goal is to mobilise the vote for President Hakainde Hichilema for continued peace, unity, and development,” he said while addressing Munali residents yesterday.

Mr Liswaniso also recognised the strength of the party and the foot soldiers who work tirelessly in communities to mobilise support for President Hichilema ahead of the August 13 general election.

“Your commitment, discipline, and sacrifice are what keep this party alive and strong,” he said.

“As we stand here today, we recognise that real leadership begins on the ground. It begins with ordinary men and women who believe that Munali can be better, stronger, and more united. You are not just supporters; you are the engine of the party.”

Mr Liswaniso urged UPND supporters to remain focused, peaceful, and organised.

“Let us continue to engage our communities with respect, humility, and truth. Politics must never divide us as neighbours or families,” he said.

Mr Liswaniso said the mission is to uplift people’s lives, create opportunities for the youth, support mothers and fathers, and build a future that every Zambian citizen can be proud of.

OVER 500 COMMUNITY MEMBERS BENEFITS FROM MULTI-PROVINCIAL HEALTH OUTREACH IN CHIKANKATA

Over 500 community members from 115 households in Chikumba Village, Chikankata District, have benefited from a comprehensive health outreach programme conducted by a team of health professionals and development practitioners drawn from nine provinces across Zambia led by Dr Ebenisha Choonya Majata.

The outreach, which brought together volunteers from Southern, Muchinga, Eastern, Lusaka, Copperbelt, Western, Central, North-Western and Northern provinces, was conducted in partnership with Mubuyu Health Post to supplement health services and improve access to critical healthcare interventions in the community.

The multidisciplinary team provided a wide range of health services and awareness sessions aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and strengthening community well-being.

Non-communicable disease (NCD) screening services were led by Dr. Namwinga, Dr. Kwehangana and Dr. Ndovie, enabling residents to assess their health status and receive guidance on disease prevention and management.

Men’s wellness services were facilitated by Dr. Chungu, while HIV testing, counselling and ART-related services were coordinated by Abigail Siangazi. Community members also participated in discussions on menopause, disability inclusion and menstrual health and hygiene led by EDUFLARE Foundation Executive Director Mutali.

Male circumcision services and awareness were spearheaded by Mweemba, while stroke prevention and management education was led by Chulu. RAMCAN services, including deworming interventions, were coordinated by. Chabala.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) awareness sessions were facilitated by Youth WASH Ambassador Club (YWAC) Consultant Kachusha Nkosha, who emphasized the importance of hygiene practices in disease prevention and overall community health.

The outreach was characterized by active community participation. Residents shared their experiences, discussed pressing health concerns and highlighted development challenges affecting the area, particularly the poor road network, which limits access to healthcare and other essential services.

In a show of community spirit, participants joined together in singing the popular local song “Nichalibobu Nichalichibotu,” reflecting the unity and enthusiasm that marked the day’s activities.

Speaking during the outreach, Dr. Ebenisha Choonya Majata, a native of the area, expressed his desire to contribute to the long-term development of Chikumba Village through the establishment of a health facility.

He noted that creating a clinic in the area would help improve access to healthcare services and serve as a meaningful way of giving back to the community.

The outreach demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges and highlighted the importance of taking essential health services closer to communities.

By Kachusha Nkosha | Health and Development Correspondent

DR CHITALU CHILUFYA RESIGNS FROM PF

By Kalombe Kapambwe

Dr. Chitalu Chilufya has announced his resignation from the Patriotic Front (PF) party.

In a letter addressed to the party's Secretary General, Dr. Chilufya thanked the PF for according him the opportunity to serve as a party member and Member of Parliament.

The former Minister of Health recently withdrew his bid for the PF presidency, citing ongoing legal challenges facing the party, which he said have been further complicated by the enactment of the Electoral Process (Amendment) Act No. 12 of 2026.

Dr. Chilufya has served as PF Member of Parliament for Mansa Central since 2013.

Following the delimitation exercise, the constituency was split, resulting in the creation of Mansa East and Mansa West constituencies.

He is now set to contest the Mansa West parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for August 13, 2026.

Sources from within the "Kingdom" say that Paramount Chief Mpezeni died in the University Teaching Hospital around 04:00 hours this morning...

MILES SAMPA WITHDRAWS FROM LIMA PARLIAMENTARY RACE, SHIFTS FOCUS TO PF MOBILIZATION

Immediate past Matero Member of Parliament Miles Bwalya Sampa has withdrawn from the forthcoming Lima Constituency parliamentary election following consultations with key stakeholders.

Mr. Sampa said the decision was formally made yesterday, following a High Court ruling delivered several weeks earlier that effectively barred the Patriotic Front (PF) from fielding candidates for presidential, parliamentary and local government positions.

He explained that the judgment, delivered by Judges C.C. Zulu and Mwila Kombe shortly before the close of nominations, significantly affected the former ruling party’s participation in the electoral process.

Mr. Sampa said the PF, under his leadership, would now redirect its efforts towards influencing the outcome of the presidential election, which he described as being in the national interest.

“After wider consultations with key stakeholders, yesterday, we formally withdrew our participation in the Lima constituency parliamentary elections,” Mr. Sampa said.

He added that the party would work collectively to remain relevant in shaping the country’s political direction despite its inability to field candidates in the affected elections.

The former lawmaker said the PF leadership would soon meet to determine its strategy ahead of the August 13 general election.

According to Mr. Sampa, the party’s Central Committee is scheduled to convene this weekend to deliberate on and adopt resolutions that will guide its next course of action regarding election campaigns.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sampa assured residents of Lima and Matero constituencies that he would continue engaging with local communities through ongoing social and development initiatives.

He said programmes such as Ubuntu and Kakudya Sikachepa would continue regardless of the party’s participation in the parliamentary race, emphasizing that his commitment to the people was not driven by electoral considerations.

“It was never about votes, but about the everlasting love for all the people in my birthplace area,” he said.

Mr. Sampa reiterated that he would remain actively involved in community activities and support programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

With Mr. Sampa’s withdrawal, the contest for the Lima Constituency parliamentary seat is now effectively a two-horse race between Kelvin Kaunda, popularly known as Bruce Lee Tapompele of the Tonse/Pamodzi Alliance, and Lee Mukupa of the ruling UPND, ahead of the August 13 general election.