Slug: kalaba-2021-campaign-cost-citizens-first-2026

Excerpt: Harry Kalaba reveals spending over K20 million in the 2021 elections, outlines Citizens First's vision for Zambia ahead of the 2026 polls.

CF Leader Reflects on 2021 Loss and Outlines Vision for Zambia

Citizens First (CF) president Harry Kalaba has disclosed that he spent over K20 million during his 2021 presidential campaign under the Democratic Party (DP), highlighting the financial challenges of political contests in Zambia.

In the 2021 general elections, Kalaba secured third place with 25,231 votes, trailing behind the then-incumbent Edgar Lungu and the eventual winner, President Hakainde Hichilema.

Reflecting on the outcome, Kalaba expressed the emotional toll of electoral defeat, especially after significant personal and financial investment.

“It is painful,” Kalaba remarked during an appearance on That Zed Podcast. “It is awful. Don’t come to me after I have lost an election.”

He humorously recounted instructing his son to switch off the television as results showed him consistently in third place.

High Cost of Political Campaigns

Kalaba emphasized the exorbitant costs associated with running for political office in Zambia. He revealed that despite raising over K8 million, it was insufficient for the demands of a presidential campaign.

“In that election, I raised over K8 million, and it was nothing. It takes a lot of money to run for office. Even having K20 million, like I did at the time, is nothing compared to the actual needs,” he stated.

Research supports Kalaba's assertions. A study on the cost of politics in Zambia indicates that the average candidate spent approximately K478,000 (about $26,300) during the 2021 general elections, with some spending up to K6 million ($330,600).

Transition to Citizens First

Following internal disputes within the Democratic Party, Kalaba resigned in 2022 and established the Citizens First party. He cited prolonged court processes and the need for a fresh political platform as reasons for his departure.

In September 2024, Kalaba was re-elected as CF president and endorsed as the party's candidate for the 2026 general elections. He pledged to intensify efforts to hold the government accountable and secure victory in the upcoming elections.

Policy Proposals and Vision

Kalaba's Citizens First party has outlined several policy proposals aimed at addressing Zambia's challenges:

• Energy Sector Reform: CF plans to dismantle ZESCO, advocating for diversified power sources, including hydro and solar energy. (Kalemba News)
• Land Ownership: The party pledges to grant land ownership to Zambians from the age of 18 to promote equity and youth empowerment. (Africa Press)
• Agricultural Development: Kalaba advocates for local fertilizer manufacturing in each province to reduce dependency on imports. (Melo Media Zambia)
• Anti-Corruption Measures: CF will implement annual asset declarations by civil servants and elected officials. (News Diggers)

Call for Electoral Reforms

Kalaba has also called for transparency in Zambia's electoral processes. He urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to ensure fairness in tendering processes and to prevent the exclusion of political parties from by-elections.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the 2026 general elections approach, Kalaba and his Citizens First party are mobilizing support and forming alliances with other opposition parties, such as Zambia Must Prosper, to present a united front. (Zambia Monitor)

“We will work hard to be a party of choice because we have what it takes to take this country where it should be,” Kalaba affirmed. (News Diggers)

Category: Politics