Zambia Will Be in Safe Hands Under Harry Kalaba – Saboi Imboela Declares as New Era Democratic Party Endorses Citizens First Leader for 2026 Presidential Race
LUSAKA | Sunday, May 4, 2025 –
National Democratic Congress (NDC) President Saboi Imboela has declared her support for Citizens First (CF) Party President Harry Kalaba, stating emphatically that Zambia will be in “safe and competent hands” if he is elected president. The remarks were made during a luncheon organized by the Citizens First Lusaka Province Women’s Wing, where women’s political empowerment, leadership, and national unity were central themes.
Ms. Imboela commended Mr. Kalaba for his demonstrated commitment to gender inclusion and women’s leadership, citing his consistent efforts to involve women in key leadership roles within his party structures. She described him as a “gender champion”, a rare quality in Zambian politics, and said her support is rooted in the belief that he is a leader who understands and values the critical role women play in governance and national development.
“For me, I look at how male leaders empower women in their political organizations. President Kalaba has stood out because of his commitment to gender equality,” said Ms. Imboela. “He has proved that the future is female. He is a man who trusts and works with women, and that speaks volumes about the kind of Zambia he wants to build.”
She praised Kalaba’s energy, discipline, and political focus, stating that he is a leader with the vision and drive to move the country forward.
“President Kalaba, I like your energy, focus, and determination. When Zambians vote for you, I am confident this country will be in safe hands,” she added.
The event, which brought together women leaders, political figures, and community organizers from various provinces, served as a powerful show of unity across opposition lines and highlighted the growing influence of women in shaping Zambia’s political future.
Adding to the momentum, New Era Democratic Party (NED) President Exildah Mwenya publicly endorsed Harry Kalaba as her party’s preferred presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections. The endorsement further solidifies Kalaba’s position as a front-runner among opposition leaders seeking to challenge the ruling party in the next elections.
“I want to announce today, on behalf of the New Era Democratic Party, that we are officially endorsing President Harry Kalaba for the 2026 presidential elections,” said Mwenya. “He is a man of peace, a man with integrity, and a man with a heart for the people of Zambia.”
Mwenya emphasized that Kalaba embodies the principles of peace, mental clarity, and servant leadership—qualities she believes the country desperately needs during these trying times.
“Inchitelelwe chilapela umutende. For a person to be mentally sound, there must be peace. That is what I have found in President Kalaba. He brings hope and calm in an increasingly divided political space.”
The double endorsement by both NDC and NED is a strong political signal that Harry Kalaba is emerging as a unifying figure in Zambia’s opposition landscape. Observers say this development could lead to a broader coalition of progressive parties coming together under a shared vision of leadership based on peace, integrity, and inclusivity.
As the 2026 general elections approach, Kalaba’s campaign has focused heavily on governance reform, youth empowerment, economic revitalization, and strong anti-corruption measures. But more recently, his stance on gender equality and women’s leadership has gained significant traction, especially among women’s groups, civil society, and younger voters.
The Citizens First party, founded by Kalaba after his departure from the ruling Patriotic Front, has been steadily gaining popularity, positioning itself as a clean, people-centered alternative to mainstream politics.
Political analysts believe that endorsements from established leaders like Saboi Imboela and Exildah Mwenya could boost Kalaba’s appeal, especially in urban centers and among undecided voters who are looking for a fresh start for Zambia.
In his brief remarks during the luncheon, President Kalaba thanked the two female leaders for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to building an inclusive and gender-balanced government if elected.
“Zambia belongs to all of us—men, women, young people, and the elderly. My leadership will reflect that diversity. I thank you for believing in me, and I promise never to take that trust for granted,” Kalaba said.
With more than a year to go before election day, the political alliances are forming fast, and Citizens First appears to be positioning itself at the heart of a new political era—an era defined by peace, unity, and empowerment.