Fear, intimidation killing campaign mood, says Njobvu
By a Correspondent
THE August 13 general election campaigns have been rendered boring and lifeless by a climate of intimidation and fear of political violence, Democratic Union (DU) presidential candidate Ackim Njobvu has said.
In an interview, Njobvu said the unusual silence on the ground was worrying, which suggested that many citizens felt unable to freely express their political views or participate openly in the electoral process.
“Let me be honest, this 2026 campaign feels boring, quiet and that silence is worrying. Why? Because when citizens go quiet during elections, it usually means fear. It means people don’t feel free to speak, to rally, to choose. We are seeing it everywhere. Opposition players are under pressure, independent candidates are pulling out of races and young people, they are checking out,” he said.
Njobvu projected serious voter apathy in the upcoming elections due to the intolerant political situation in the country.
He said the low political mood in the nation reflected continued fear and pressure on opposition political players, which had contributed to the muted campaigns.
Njobvu said while the UPND boasted of better performance, there was no money as expected during the campaigns.
He said the recent withdrawal of several independent parliamentary candidates in different constituencies, mainly in Southern Province, was also a sign of betrayal.
Njobvu said voter apathy among young people was evident as they felt betrayed by UPND’s failure to deliver on campaign promises made ahead of the 2021 elections.
“They feel betrayed after the promises of 2021. UPND says they have performed, but on the ground, there is no money moving, no energy, no hope. Zambia, elections are not a waste. They are your power. Even with hostility, even with fear, please show up on August 13, and to UPND, if you truly believe you are popular, then prove it on a level field. No intimidation, no paid withdrawals,” he said.
Njobvu, however, urged Zambians to participate in the electoral process despite the hostilities if they wanted to change the way politics were done.
“Rally behind the Democratic Union for a fresh and better Zambia,” he said.
Njobvu also called on the international community, players in the electoral process and other stakeholders to take interest in the prevailing political atmosphere in the country ahead of the election.
Njobvu said the UPND was using violence and intimidation to cling to power.
“…if the party believes it is still popular, it should ensure there is a level playing field for all political players,” he said.
