Opposition presidential candidates have expressed concern over the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s decision to introduce a coordinated Presidential Campaign Timetable, arguing that the move is abrupt, disruptive and risks interfering with campaign programmes already underway across the country.
Citizens First presidential candidate Harry Kalaba says the Commission’s directive has come as a surprise and does not align with his party’s programme of action, adding that his campaign activities will continue as planned despite the new arrangement.
Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, through its presidential spokesperson George Chisanga, has also rejected the advisory, describing it as unfair and costly to candidates who have already deployed campaign teams to various provinces.
He says they are going ahead with te planned rallies in Eastern Province.
Meanwhile, Organized People’s Party presidential candidate Brian Mushimba has accused the Commission of encroaching on the political space, saying candidates should be allowed to freely market their ideas to voters without additional restrictions.
The reactions follow an announcement by ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro that all presidential campaigns will, after June 19, be conducted according to an official timetable to be developed and agreed upon with the country’s fourteen presidential candidates at a stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for June 22.
The Commission says the measure is intended to promote order, fairness and effective coordination of campaign activities ahead of the August 2026 General Election.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
