Jailed Presidential Candidate Xavier Chungu Withdraws From Race, Endorses Mundubile

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential candidate Xavier Franklin Chungu has officially withdrawn from the 13 August 2026 General Election, saying he has been unable to campaign after spending weeks in detention.

In a statement issued from prison, Mr. Chungu said his decision followed "deep reflection, prayer and consultation," adding that he could not continue with his candidature because he had not been given what he described as a fair opportunity to present his vision to the Zambian people.

Mr. Chungu alleged that he was arrested on 28 May, detained for several days before being taken to court, rearrested after being granted bail, and has remained in custody following the Director of Public Prosecutions' opposition to his release. He claimed the legal proceedings had effectively prevented him from campaigning. These allegations have not been determined by a court.

Despite withdrawing from the presidential race, Mr. Chungu said he did not want his decision to weaken the opposition.

He announced that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) would endorse National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu.

"I have decided to put the interests of our country above my own personal ambitions," Mr. Chungu said.

He called on his supporters and all Zambians who believe in constitutionalism, democracy and the rule of law to rally behind the Mundubile–Makebi ticket in the upcoming election.

Mr. Chungu also described his withdrawal as a reflection of what he believes are broader challenges facing Zambia's democracy, while expressing hope that the country would continue to resolve political differences through the ballot box.

His withdrawal reduces the number of candidates contesting the presidency ahead of the 13 August General Election.