By the Independent Political Correspondent
Thursday, 5th February, 2026
The recently concluded EMV Podcast Opinion Poll series has delivered an interesting and revealing outcome—one that underscores a fair distribution of support across candidates, while clearly showing that Harry Kalaba is carrying the hearts and minds of many voters.
While the process itself appeared fair and unbiased, it is important to recognize the realities of the digital age. Online polls and Facebook voting, though useful in gauging trends, are increasingly vulnerable and prone to manipulation through virtual tools such as bots, coordinated trolling, and paid digital engagement. For this reason, The Independent views the phone-in vote segment of the EMV poll as the most credible indicator of genuine public sentiment.
In fact, it is widely known that in today’s digital ecosystem one can artificially inflate support online with relatively small resources. With as little as $2,500, it is possible to generate thousands of artificial engagements—over 11,000 Facebook votes and more than 22,000 online interactions—through automated systems and coordinated digital campaigns. However, what cannot easily be purchased or programmed is the voice of a real voter calling in live.
That is precisely why the strong performance of Harry Kalaba in the phone-in category stands out as decisive. Unlike online clicks, phone-in participation requires real individuals taking the time and effort to place a call and cast their vote. This process becomes even more credible when conducted under vigilant moderation, such as that provided by Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba, who ensured fairness by dropping callers who attempted to vote more than once.
It is also worth noting that the platform hosting the poll—Emmanuel Mwamba Verified (EMV)—is widely perceived as having a predominantly Patriotic Front–leaning audience. Yet even within such an environment, Kalaba emerged as number one in the live phone-in category. This reality reinforces a simple truth in politics: when people are genuinely on your side, the platform matters less than the message.
The results therefore paint a picture that many observers may have initially underestimated. Often described by some commentators as an underdog, the youthful Harry Kalaba may very well be shaping up to be the proverbial David in Zambia’s evolving political landscape. But unlike the biblical metaphor of weapons and armour, Kalaba’s momentum is not built on digital gimmicks—no “online sword” or “Facebook shield.” Instead, it is grounded on the “slingshot” of real voters who are willing to brave it all and step forward, pick up the phone, and make their voices heard.
This development sends an important message to the broader opposition landscape. There has been considerable debate among political elders and opposition figures about who should be endorsed or “anointed” as the candidate capable of challenging the UPND political establishment. Too often, such deliberations risk being influenced by narrow calculations, personal preferences, or even tribal considerations.
Yet the story of David’s anointing reminds us that leadership is not always determined by conventional expectations. Sometimes the choice that resonates with the people emerges from the ground up rather than from elite consensus. Ultimately, those still searching for a candidate may soon realize that the people themselves may already have made their choice—and the oil is ready to be poured on the one who has won hearts and minds without any financial or technical intervention or inducement.
The Independent therefore calls upon the youths, the women who carry the everyday burdens of family life, the church mother bodies, and all well-meaning Zambians to carefully observe the signals emerging from the grassroots. The moment calls for unity of purpose and collective action behind a leadership that is resonating with ordinary citizens – Harry Kalaba.
At the same time, we urge Harry Kalaba and the entire CF leadership to maintain their posture of humility, openness and inclusiveness. This moment should not be seen as a political victory but as an opportunity to reach out to other opposition leaders and begin the work of building a broad and representative alliance. One practical step in that direction could be the early formation of a shadow cabinet, bringing together credible figures from across the opposition spectrum to demonstrate readiness to govern.
Congratulations to CF and to Harry Kalaba for a strong showing. But more importantly, congratulations to Zambia for demonstrating that the search for leadership can still emerge from the collective voice of the people.
The task ahead now is clear: organize, mobilize, and begin assembling a united front—from Members of Parliament to Mayors and Councillors—under a broad and inclusive CF platform with the primary objective being in the name, Citizens First. The signal from the ground has been sent. The responsibility now lies with all those who believe in a new direction for Zambia to act upon it.
