By the Independent Political Correspondent
Wednesday, 25th February, 2026
In what many political observers are calling a significant barometer of shifting opposition dynamics, Citizens First (CF) leader Harry Kalaba has once again emerged at the top of the latest EMV online polls, maintaining a commanding lead with 43.6% of the vote.
The poll, conducted on the platform associated with Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, widely perceived to attract a Patriotic Front (PF)-leaning audience, saw Kalaba outperform several prominent opposition figures. Coming in second was Makebi Zulu at 40.96%, followed by Socialist Party (SP) leader Fred M’membe at 9.33%. PF parliamentary leader Brian Mundubile trailed with a modest 2.71%, while figures such as KBF, Given Lubinda, and Sangwa remained at the tail end of the rankings.
A Lead That Speaks Volumes
What makes Kalaba’s performance particularly noteworthy is the context. EMV is widely regarded as a PF-dominated platform, yet the CF leader has not only competed — he has excelled. Leading in such an environment is no mean achievement. It suggests that his appeal cuts across traditional party loyalties and reaches voters who are actively evaluating the most viable alternative ahead of 2026.
The results paint a clear picture: Kalaba is commanding a serious lead. He appears undeterred by tribal narratives suggesting that the opposition’s presidential candidate must come from Northern Province. Such thinking is retrogressive and does little to advance national unity or electoral strategy. Zambia’s political future cannot be anchored in provincial entitlement but in national viability.
If the objective is to liberate Zambia and mount a credible challenge to the ruling United Party for National Development, then the opposition must rally behind a candidate capable of winning across regions. The poll suggests that Kalaba may well be that candidate.
Timing Is Everything
Incidentally, the significance of this second poll cannot be overstated. The first was conducted on the very day CF launched its nationwide election preparations, beginning with a strategic engagement of Lusaka Province constituency leaders. The second poll coincided with a press briefing by opposition “Elders” calling for unity among opposition parties.
While Citizens First remains committed to collaboration and coalition-building, concerns have been raised regarding reports that some individuals involved in organizing unity efforts have simultaneously been campaigning against Kalaba behind the scenes. Ironically, these de-campaigning efforts appear to be backfiring. The more critics attempt to diminish his standing, the more visible — and arguably more likable — he becomes.
A National Candidate
One of Kalaba’s key strengths lies in the geographic diversity of his support base. His voters are drawn from across the country, reflecting broad national appeal rather than regional concentration. This is a crucial factor in Zambia’s electoral arithmetic.
In what can only be described as a vivid illustration of grassroots loyalty, one Canada-based Kalaba supporter reportedly made 83 attempts before finally getting through to speak on the EMV program. Such persistence reflects the kind of committed base that fuels electoral victories. Winning in 2026 will not simply require numbers — it will require passion, organization, and resilience.
The Road to 2026
The Citizens First maintains that it has met the constitutional and organizational parameters required to contest the 2026 general elections. Leading on a PF-inclined platform further strengthens the argument that Kalaba is emerging as a formidable opposition contender.
As the political temperature gradually rises and detractors sharpen their arrows, one thing is becoming evident: the electorate is watching closely. They are witnessing a leader who refuses to be deterred by tribalists or undermined by shadowy campaigners.
The EMV polls may not be scientific surveys, but they offer insight into sentiment within politically engaged audiences. On that score, Kalaba’s lead is not accidental — it is sustained.
Leading under such conditions deserves commendation. The Independent therefore salutes Citizens First and its leader for their consistency and strategic focus.
The people are watching — and the numbers are speaking.
