KALABA SAYS HE WILL APPOINT VICE PRESIDENT BEFORE SWEARING-IN AS PRESIDENT NEXT MONTH

LUSAKA – Citizens First (CF) president Harry Kalaba has made a bold declaration, asserting that he will name his running mate and Vice President-designate before he is sworn in as President next month. This pronouncement, delivered with conviction, has ignited discussions within Zambia's political circles, highlighting the former foreign affairs minister's unwavering ambition and strategic foresight, even in the absence of an immediate electoral contest or presidential vacancy. Mr. Kalaba's statement, though seemingly premature given the current political calendar, underscores his party's preparedness and vision for national leadership. It suggests a meticulous approach to governance, where key leadership positions are considered and decided upon well in advance. Such a move, if actualised, would deviate from the norm where running mates are typically announced closer to or during the nomination process for general elections. Political analysts suggest this could be a tactic to project an image of a government-in-waiting, ready to assume power and hit the ground running with a clear leadership structure. The CF leader's emphasis on 'next month' could be interpreted in several ways. While literally implying a very near future, it is more likely a rhetorical flourish designed to convey urgency and confidence in his political trajectory. It serves to galvanise his party base and project an image of a decisive leader to the broader Zambian electorate. This kind of forward-looking declaration is not uncommon in Zambian politics, where opposition figures often articulate their plans for government well ahead of formal election cycles, aiming to shape public perception and maintain relevance. For the Zambian populace, such pronouncements offer a glimpse into the potential future political landscape and the personalities that might occupy key offices. It allows for early public discourse on the suitability and qualifications of potential candidates for the Vice Presidenc