Mundubile holds virtual rally for Southern Province amid violence and intimidation fears

258 Views National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu held a virtual rally for Southern Province on Monday, citing concerns over violence and intimidation ahead of the August 13 polls. Mundubile had earlier vowed to travel to Southern Province as candidates wind up campaigns ahead […]

258 Views

National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu held a virtual rally for Southern Province on Monday, citing concerns over violence and intimidation ahead of the August 13 polls.

Mundubile had earlier vowed to travel to Southern Province as candidates wind up campaigns ahead of voting day.

The province is regarded as a key battleground and has seen heightened political activity in the final week of campaigning.

Tonse Pamodzi Alliance Presidential Spokesperson George Chisanga said the alliance had initially indicated that Mundubile would proceed with physical campaign activities in Southern Province in line with the Electoral Commission of Zambia schedule, but noted that the party was weighing its options in light of recent developments.

Chisanga said the alliance considered incidents reported in Western Province last week, where at least 32 people linked to the campaign were detained, as well as what he described as the conduct of police during campaign events in the area.

He said an urgent consultative meeting of senior alliance members was recently convened in Lusaka to deliberate on security and decide the way forward.

Following the meeting, the leadership resolved to hold a virtual engagement instead of a physical rally, saying the safety of supporters, candidates and party officials could not be guaranteed.

Chisanga said violence and political thuggery should not be tolerated in a democratic country and expressed concern over the conduct of the police during the campaign period.

He called on the Zambia Police Service to act professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law to ensure that all parties are able to campaign freely.

The alliance said the virtual rally was attended by thousands of supporters from across Southern Province who tuned in online. Mundubile used the platform to outline the alliance’s economic plan, commitment to restoring the rule of law, and pledges on jobs, agriculture and social protection.

He told supporters that intimidation would not derail the campaign, but urged them to remain peaceful and to turn out in large numbers on election day. Zulu also addressed the rally, saying the alliance would respect the ECZ code of conduct while demanding equal treatment for all political players.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has not commented on the change of format. Police in Southern Province said they were on high alert to maintain order as campaigning concludes, and urged all parties to notify officers in line with public order requirements.

With three days to go before the general election, parties are stepping up final messages while also navigating concerns over security.

The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance said it would continue to monitor the situation and would make further decisions on physical campaign events based on advice from security agencies and ECZ.