By Burnett Munthali
Dr. Fred M’membe, president of Zambia’s Socialist Party (SP), has successfully filed his nomination papers for the 2026 presidential election, accompanied by his running mate, Ms. Dolika Banda.
The nomination was filed on the third day of the presidential nominations, marking a significant step in M’membe’s bid for the presidency.
M’membe, a seasoned politician and journalist, has been a vocal critic of the current government, advocating for socialist policies and reforms.
As the leader of the Socialist Party, M’membe has positioned himself as a champion of justice, dignity, and democratic renewal, emphasizing the need for a transformative vision for Zambia.
The Socialist Party, founded in 2018, has been gaining traction in Zambian politics, with M’membe’s leadership at the helm.
M’membe’s presidential bid is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the country’s politics, focusing on issues such as universal education and healthcare, cooperative farming, and economic justice.
The 2026 presidential election is shaping up to be a significant contest, with several candidates vying for the top spot, including President Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND).
Zambia’s electoral commission is expected to announce the list of approved candidates soon, paving the way for the August 13, 2026, general election.
