Kalaba praises Mundubile’s fight, demands independent election review

Citizens First president Harry Kalaba has commended Tonse Alliance leader Brian Mundubile for what he called a “spirited and courageous fight” in the August general election, while demanding an independent review of a process he described as deeply flawed. In a statement issued…

Citizens First president Harry Kalaba has commended Tonse Alliance leader Brian Mundubile for what he called a “spirited and courageous fight” in the August general election, while demanding an independent review of a process he described as deeply flawed.

In a statement issued on 19 August, Kalaba praised Mundubile for standing firm under what he alleged were conditions of intimidation, provocation and systemic irregularities. He said this required resilience and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles.

Kalaba also commended ordinary Zambians for their conduct after the 13 August polls. He said citizens chose restraint over chaos and dignity over disorder, despite what he described as clear provocation and a worrying departure from established election management standards.

The Citizens First leader did not stop at praise. He said the process raised serious concerns that could not be ignored.

He cited reports of intimidation, interference with polling processes, and inconsistencies in the handling of electoral materials. He also pointed to what he called the uneven application of the law during the election period.

Kalaba said these issues fell short of the democratic standards Zambia has historically upheld. He warned that the country’s international standing was now at risk.

“Zambia was once regarded as a beacon of stability, democracy and good governance on the African continent,” Kalaba said. He warned that the country now risks being seen as a cautionary tale rather than a model for the region.

He said Zambia was in danger of becoming, in his words, a laughing stock both regionally and globally. Kalaba insisted this was not a label the Zambian people deserved.

The Citizens First leader placed responsibility for restoring credibility squarely on the institutions that manage elections. He said those institutions must rise above reproach.

“The integrity of whom the people choose must be protected not only in outcome, but in process,” Kalaba said. He argued that without this, the legitimacy of governance itself would remain in question.

Kalaba reaffirmed his party’s commitment to peaceful democratic engagement going forward. He said Citizens First would continue advocating for transparency, accountability and protection of the sovereign will of Zambians.

He called for a thorough, transparent and independent review of the electoral process. Kalaba said this was necessary so that the concerns raised could be addressed and public confidence restored.

He offered a broader reflection on what democracy should mean in practice. “Democracy is not merely about putting an ‘X’ on paper,” Kalaba said. “It is about ensuring that every individual is free to choose whomever they wish, and that their choice is protected from interference.”

Kalaba closed his statement on a unifying note, saying Zambia belongs to all its citizens. He said the country must work together to reclaim and restore the democratic values that define it as a nation.

The Citizens First leader also addressed the human cost of the election period directly. He extended condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones before, during and after the polls, without specifying names or numbers.

Kalaba additionally demanded that government issue a comprehensive statement regarding former Lunte member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya. This follows continued uncertainty over Kafwaya’s circumstances, with his wife having previously sought information about his whereabouts.

The Zambia Police Service has said it is waiting for government to issue a statement on Kafwaya’s status, with spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi confirming the police would stick to guidance provided by Secretary to Cabinet Patrick Kangwa. Kalaba said transparency on the Kafwaya matter would be a good starting point for the national healing he believes the country now needs.

Kalaba’s intervention adds to a growing chorus of opposition-aligned voices questioning aspects of the election’s conduct. Transparency International Zambia has separately flagged process concerns in 16 of 117 assessed constituencies, citing unsealed ballot papers and delays in issuing result forms, though the organisation’s own parallel monitoring found no material difference from the results announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

Political analyst Dr Neo Simutanyi has also argued that the opposition has strong legal grounds to petition the outcome, citing disputed results and alleged electoral violence in several constituencies. Mundubile himself has said his party will pursue legal redress over what NRPUP alleges were irregularities in the handling of ballot security and electoral materials.

Government has not yet responded directly to Kalaba’s statement. President Hakainde Hichilema, in his acceptance speech following the declaration of results, urged citizens to reject the use of militias or violence in pursuit of public office and pledged to serve all Zambians regardless of how they voted.

Kalaba’s statement did not name individuals or provide documentary evidence for the specific allegations of intimidation and interference he referenced. The claims remain, at this stage, allegations advanced by an opposition party leader rather than findings established by any investigative or judicial body.