FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STATEMENT BY THE CITIZENS FIRST ON THE DESECRATION OF THE SIXTH REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT'S MORTAL REMAINS It is with profound shock, sorrow, and great discomfort that I address the nation regarding the deeply troubling news of an alleged forceful access to and movement of the mortal remains of our late Sixth Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, from a morgue in South Africa. This heinous act and lack of sober judgement is not only injurious to the dignity of humanity and the late former President's family, but it is also a grave misrepresentation of who we are as the people of Zambia. The sanctity of the dead is a value held across all cultures, traditions, and faiths. To violate that sacred trust in such a brazen manner is morally reprehensible and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We issue a stern and unequivocal warning to the perpetrators of this despicable act: such lawlessness will not be tolerated. We place on record that the UPND government does not just owe the Zambian people an apology, but much more, it owes the South African government and it's citizens an even bigger apology for the shame of dragging them into this embarrassing impasse to the point of having them cited for contempt in their own courts of law. This is not merely a criminal matter—it is a moral outrage of the highest order. What makes this situation even more alarming is that it has now escalated beyond one man's obsession to have access to President Lungu’s mortal remains, to rattling of relations between Zambia and the Republic of South Africa. What began as a national tragedy is fast becoming an international incident, and this should concern every Zambian. As a nation that proudly proclaims itself a Christian nation, this development is not only embarrassing but wholly unacceptable. It is a dark and shameful day when the remains of a former Head of State can be subjected to such indignity. Even more disturbing is the timing. On one hand, the President was busy appearing holy and sanctimonious while hosting Bishops on the eve of a National Prayer Breakfast Day, an event that is meant to foster unity, reconciliation, and spiritual reflection. One can not ignore the painful contradiction this presents. At a time when the nation is called to prayer, unity, and reverence, we are instead confronted with actions that reflect disorder, disrespect, and moral decay. I therefore call upon all Zambians, especially true worshipers and followers of Christ, to reflect deeply on what is unfolding before us. This is not merely a political issue; it is a spiritual one. Scripture reminds us that the enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. We must not be blind to the times we are living in. Now, more than ever, our nation must turn to prayer. We must humble ourselves, seek divine guidance, and stand united against forces that seek to erode our values, destroy human dignity, and obliterate our national identity. This is a moment for solemn reflection, repentance, and intensified prayer. Zambia must not lose its soul. May God have mercy on our nation. Harry Kalaba President Citizens First
STATEMENT: GOVERNMENT UNYIELDING ON UPHOLDING FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS�Lusaka, Tuesday 14th April 2026 We have noted with deep concern that the Government has once again unilaterally, and without adequately addressing concerns raised by stakeholders, presented to the National Assembly the 2026 Electoral Process (Amendment) Bill. This Bill proposes changes to the 2016 Electoral Process Act. The proposed amendments contain clauses that will pose a serious threat to the conduct of democratic, credible, transparent, peaceful, free, and fair elections. Key concerns include proposals such as the removal of certain security features on ballot papers and the alteration of the election campaign period. These, when considered alongside other developments—such as the reported recruitment of 4,000 police officers and the appointment of 40 judges to superior courts without a clearly transparent process—raise serious questions about the integrity of the 2026 General Elections. As Citizens First, we have formally applied to the Zambia Police for permission to hold peaceful public protests across the country. These protests aim to encourage President Hakainde Hichilema to reaffirm his commitment to ensuring that Zambia holds free and fair elections, and to abandon processes that threaten the integrity of our democratic system. Our protests will be peaceful, lawful, and grounded in prayer. Participants will gather with Bibles and other sacramentals as a symbolic expression of faith and civic responsibility, calling on the Government to safeguard democracy and strengthen, rather than weaken, democratic institutions. We emphasize that peaceful protest is a fundamental form of expression, protected under the Constitution and the Public Order Act. As Citizens First, we remain committed to advocating for a credible electoral process and to opposing any actions that may undermine the democratic foundations of our nation.
10th April 2026 His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye President of the Republic of Burundi Chairperson of the African Union Your Excellency, RE: Concerns Regarding the Integrity of the Electoral Process in Zambia I have the honour to address you in your esteemed capacity as Chairperson of the African Union. Your Excellency, as you may recall, the Republic of Zambia has maintained an admirable record of conducting credible, free, and fair elections since the advent of multi-party democracy in 1991, with peaceful transitions of power. However, it is with deep concern that I bring to your attention recent developments under the administration of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, which threaten to undermine this longstanding democratic tradition. We have growing fears that the forthcoming elections scheduled for August 13, 2026, will not meet the standards of credibility, transparency, and fairness. Concerns regarding the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ): 1. The Electoral Commission of Zambia is constitutionally mandated to consist of five commissioners appointed by the President. 2. The current composition of the Commission raises serious concerns regarding inclusiveness and regional balance. For the past year, the four serving commissioners have come from the same region, undermining national geographical representation. 3. Of these four commissioners, two are strongly affiliated with the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). 4. On April 9, 2026—just one week before the commencement of presidential nominations—the President appointed a fifth commissioner, who is known to be aligned with the UPND and has been aspiring to stand on its ticket as a Member of Parliament. Making changes this late in the electoral process coupled with partisan appointments results in three out of five commissioners being affiliated with the ruling party. This situation represents an unprecedented development in Zambia’s 60-year history and raises serious concerns about the integrity and impartiality of the electoral body. Concerns regarding potential exclusion of political parties: Your Excellency, Presidential candidates’ nomination period starts next week on 15th April and while that is taking place, the ECZ is advancing an electoral bill that may disqualify political parties based on alleged failure to demonstrate intra-party democracy, such as holding general conferences and registering office bearers. Late introduction of such bills to parliament may result in disenfranchisement and exclusion of political parties as well as voters. Further, Governments compliance administrative processes under the Registrar of Societies have proven excessively onerous. In my own case, despite holding a general conference on December 7, 2024, the registration process took approximately 11 months, with certification only completed in November 2025, to render us ready to participate in the August 13, 2026 polls. Your Excellency, as you may know, free, fair, and transparent elections are the cornerstone of democracy and are firmly enshrined in the principles of the African Union, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Any perceived compromise in electoral integrity not only threatens national stability but also undermines confidence in democratic systems across the continent. Request for intervention: Considering the above, we respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to: • Dispatch an urgent fact-finding or observer mission to Zambia. • Engage with your counterpart, His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, on the need to safeguard electoral integrity. • Encourage measures to restore public confidence in the independence of the Electoral Commission; and • Urge reconsideration for reversal of the recent commissioner appointment, notwithstanding the politically inclined nature of the latest appointee, but particularly the timing in the electoral cycle rendering inadequate time to train, orient and learn the roles and importance of the ECZ. Your Excellency, Zambia has long stood as a beacon of democratic stability in Africa. It is our earnest hope that, with your timely intervention, this proud legacy can be preserved. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Yours faithfully, Harry Kalaba President, Citizens First Party Zambia Former Foreign Affairs Minister
Happy Easter Sunday, He has risen! In the words of Saint Augustine of hippo "We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!". Today is a reminder that no matter how long the night, resurrection is always possible. May this day remind us all of the power of faith, renewal, and grace, and inspire us to walk in love, compassion, and truth, just as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, showed us.
As we move closer to the 13th of August, we must remember that change is not something we wait for. It is something we choose. Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of travelling across our country and engaging with communities from all walks of life. Everywhere I have gone, the message has remained the same. People want opportunity, stability, and a future they can truly believe in. That can only be achieved when we stand together with one shared purpose. The road ahead will demand unity, courage, and a firm belief in something bigger than ourselves. Not just for us, but for the next generation. The future is closer than we think. Zambia, our time is now. Harry Kalaba Citizens First
Development in Zambia is not a fantasy. It is possible. We are not lacking resources. We are not lacking talent. We are not lacking potential. What we have lacked is the right leadership, direction, and execution. Countries do not develop by chance. They develop because of disciplined leadership, clear vision, and consistent decision making over time. You can see this in countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, and Mauritius, where progress has been driven by deliberate policies and long term thinking. Zambia has everything it needs to rise. From natural resources to a young and capable population, the foundation is already there. What is required is leadership that prioritises long term growth over short term gain like we have unfortunately witnessed in this dark administration, systems over slogans, and results over promises. Under the right leadership, development is not a question of if. It is a question of when. And when it happens, it will not come from hope alone. It will come from bold decisions, accountability, and a standard of excellence that refuses to settle. That is exactly what we aim to do with Citizens First. To bring leadership that is focused, disciplined, and committed to building a Zambia that works for its people. Zambia can work. Zambia can grow. Zambia can lead. Harry Kalaba, Citizens First
On this sacred day of Palm Sunday, we remember a moment when hope entered Jerusalem not with force, but with humility, unity, and purpose. The people stood together, laying down their palms as one, united in faith and expectation. As we celebrate this triumphant entry, may we be reminded of Christ’s humility and the power of unity. To my fellow politicians, the symbolism of Palm Sunday is clear. This is the time to rise above what divides us to set aside our egos, our pride, and our personal ambitions and to work together as one. Zambians are calling on us for leadership, for direction, and for unity. Today, let us lay down not only palm branches, but also our pride, rivalries and self-interests. Zambia demands more from us, and we must answer that call. This Palm Sunday must mark a turning point. Let us answer it decisively and together build a stronger, united, and hopeful Zambia. I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Palm Sunday.
It is both troubling and unacceptable that at a time when our nation is confronted with urgent and pressing challenges, the President has chosen to prioritize campaign tours over governance. Leadership is not about optics or movement - it is about responsibility, especially in moments of national strain. Today, citizens are grappling with a looming fuel crisis that threatens livelihoods, disrupts businesses, and undermines economic stability. Queues are growing, supply is uncertain, and anxiety is rising. Yet, instead of addressing this crisis head-on and providing clear, transparent answers, the President is expending national resources flying across the country in early campaign mode. Zambians deserve an explanation: what concrete measures are being taken to avert or resolve this fuel shortage? Equally concerning is the continued deterioration of our telecommunications network. In an era where communication is the backbone of democracy and commerce, the current state of connectivity is not just inconvenient. It is dangerous. If left unaddressed, it poses a real threat to the integrity and transparency of the upcoming electoral process, particularly in the transmission of results. We therefore call upon the opposition and all democratic stakeholders to urgently begin developing an independent and resilient communication backbone. This is not an act of defiance, but one of necessity, to safeguard the voice of the people against any systemic failures or deliberate constraints that may arise. The contradiction in the government’s messaging cannot be ignored. We are told the country is operating in the “champions league” and is open for business. But how does a nation conduct serious business amid fuel shortages, escalating energy costs, and a fragile communications infrastructure? These are not the hallmarks of a thriving economy—they are warning signs of deeper governance failures. The people deserve honesty. They deserve leadership that confronts problems, not campaigns around them. As we approach the polls, citizens must take time to reflect deeply. This is not just about choosing leaders - it is about choosing the future direction of our country. Zambia deserves better, and that change begins with demanding accountability today and making a resolve to reject and retire liars. Harry KALABA President Citizens First
Happy New Year from us….
SEASON’S GREETINGS & MERRY CHRISTMAS
Fellow Citizens,
May this festive season renew our faith, strengthen our resolve, and inspire us to work for even harder towards united Republic anchored on dignity, shared sacrifice, and common purpose.
May God bless you and your families,
May God bless our beloved nation - Zambia. 🎄 🎁
Harry Kalaba
Citizens First
Morning Zambia!
We as Citizens First believe that Zambia’s path to lasting prosperity is through industrialisation. It is the most sustainable way to generate alternative revenue and drive economic growth. By industrialising, we can turn our minerals into factories, jobs and national wealth. Zambia has the resources; what we lack is the leadership to use them effectively.
In recent years, the so‑called “new dawn” granted mining companies generous incentives, including duty‑free equipment imports, VAT refunds, and royalty deductions. As a result, Zambia often gives back most of what it collects. In April 2024, for example, mines paid about K1.8 billion, but after refunds the government kept only around K600 million. In some months, nearly 70 percent of mining tax was returned, leaving the country with very little actual revenue.
Research shows Zambia loses up to US$3 billion a year through mining tax avoidance, profit shifting, and exemptions. This is money that could build industries, factories, and create thousands of jobs. In 2022, Zambia borrowed US$1.55 billion from the IMF, a sum that could have been covered by collecting just half of the revenue currently lost in the mining sector.
The CF will revise these tax breaks. Not to chase away investment, but to secure fair returns for our people. By adjusting the mining fiscal regime to capture even a fraction more revenue, we can fund industrial parks for steel fabrication, agro-processing, and battery manufacturing.
As long as we keep exporting raw materials without closing the financial leakages in the mining sector, other countries will continue to profit more from our resources than we do. The real value lies in building industries that can process and manufacture our minerals, because that keeps the wealth here at home, where it can benefit all our people.
Harry Kalaba,
Citizens First
It was of no surprise witnessing the people of Chiengi turn up in large numbers to support Harry Kalaba and the Citizens First Party. The people of Chiengi are aware of Zambia’s poor leadership and governance and have shown their hope of a better Zambia by putting their trust in Harry Kalaba and the Citizens First. The struggles we have long faced as a country will soon be over when we form government.
Romans 8:31 KJV - “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
When God turns to you, it is now your turn! #citzensfirst #ifyoudontvotedontcomplain
