Mundubile, Makebi Zulu validated for presidential race
…ECZ clears opposition alliance amid disqualification fears
Mundubile (l) with Makebi Zulu arriving for filing in. Picture by Bernard Kamba
Makebi Zulu files in
Brian Mundubile files in
Amid a tense political atmosphere and widespread speculation that they could be blocked from participating in the August 2026 general elections, Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu have successfully been validated by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as presidential candidate and running mate respectively.
The ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zzalomisi announced the successful validation after hours of anxiety and rumours that the opposition alliance would allegedly be disqualified through what opposition figures have repeatedly termed “imingalato” by the ruling establishment.
Mundubile filed his nomination papers with Makebi Zulu as his running mate under the newly formed National Reconciliation and Prosperity–Unity and Prosperity (NRP-UP) ticket.
The successful validation immediately triggered celebrations among supporters who had gathered around the nomination centre amid heavy security presence and growing tension.
In recent days, political debate had intensified following concerns from sections of the opposition that certain candidates could allegedly be prevented from appearing on the ballot through technicalities and legal maneuvers.
The Mundubile-Makebi alliance has quickly emerged as one of the major opposition formations attempting to consolidate support ahead of the August 13 polls.
The two leaders only recently announced a formal political alliance, describing it as a response to growing public calls for opposition unity.
Speaking earlier during the unveiling of the alliance, Makebi Zulu declared that “the 2026 election has been won today,” while Mundubile said Zambians were demanding a united opposition front.
Their validation now sets the stage for what is expected to be an intense presidential contest against incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema and other opposition candidates.
The ECZ has continued processing nominations for presidential candidates as the country heads towards one of the most closely watched elections in recent years.