The Patriotic Front (PF) in Zambia has instructed its members to halt any unauthorised presidential campaigns or endorsements, cautioning that such actions violate party rules and undermine internal unity.

PF Information and Publicity Chairperson Emmanuel Mwamba stated that the leadership was worried about early campaigns surfacing following the death of former president Edgar Lungu.

“These acts amount to lawlessness and cause reputational damage. They create the perception of a party in disarray,” Mwamba said.

He reminded party members that the PF continues to operate according to its constitution and the directives of the Central Committee.

“We are a structured organisation governed by rules and discipline,” he said, going on to add that the party is also reorganising its leadership as part of a long-term recovery plan.

Furthermore, Mwamba revealed that the Central Committee meeting earlier this month, led by acting party president Given Lubinda, decided to start preparations for a general conference, Lusaka Times reports.

A committee was formed to develop campaign guidelines, set the date, and establish rules of engagement.

He added that the leadership will soon publish a roadmap for the conference, where a new president will be chosen. The committee will also review whether to permit additional candidates beyond the nine who have already paid the K200,000 nomination fee each.

Moreover, Mwamba stressed that discipline and adherence to procedures would continue to be central to the PF’s rebuilding efforts, accusing unnamed individuals of using social media to sow confusion.

The statement represents the party’s most forceful effort to restore order after internal unrest and succession speculation. According to insiders, the leadership is determined to avoid any perception of factionalism during the transition period.

Political analysts suggest that the PF’s emphasis on following its constitution and ensuring an orderly succession may be crucial for its survival ahead of the 2026 elections.