Corruption remains a major concern: No candidate is mentioning it, and it is absent from the UPND’s new manifesto

LUSAKA – Zambia, a nation grappling with persistent governance challenges, faces a peculiar silence on one of its most debilitating issues: corruption. As the country inches closer to the August 2026 general election, a striking observation has emerged – the topic of corruption is conspicuously absent from the campaign messages of aspiring political candidates, and notably, from the recently launched manifesto of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). This oversight has not gone unnoticed by governance experts and civil society organisations, who view it as a missed opportunity to address a systemic problem that continues to erode public trust and stifle economic development. For decades, corruption has been identified as a major impediment to Zambia's progress, diverting critical resources meant for public services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure into private pockets. The previous administration, like many before it, faced numerous allegations of graft, leading to public outcry and calls for greater accountability. The UPND, upon assuming power, promised a robust fight against corruption, yet its current campaign narrative appears to sidestep this crucial commitment. The absence of corruption as a central theme in political discourse is particularly perplexing given the public's sustained frustration with illicit financial flows and abuse of office. Many citizens expected political parties, especially those aspiring to lead, to present concrete strategies for strengthening anti-corruption institutions, enhancing transparency, and ensuring punitive measures for offenders. Instead, the focus seems to have shifted towards other areas, leaving a significant void in the national conversation about integrity in public service. Analysts suggest several reasons for this deliberate omission. Some believe that political parties may be wary of alienating potential donors or powerful figures who could be implicated in past or ongoing corrupt