Unfazed Mundubile heads to Southern Province vowing to finish campaign despite ‘intimidation’

203 Views Tonse Pamodzi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile is pressing ahead with the final leg of his campaign in Southern Province, brushing off what his team calls intimidation in Western Province and declaring that nothing will stop him from taking his message to voters ahead of the August 13 election. Tonse Pamodzi Alliance presidential […]

203 Views

Tonse Pamodzi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile is pressing ahead with the final leg of his campaign in Southern Province, brushing off what his team calls intimidation in Western Province and declaring that nothing will stop him from taking his message to voters ahead of the August 13 election.

Tonse Pamodzi Alliance presidential spokesperson George Chisanga says the alliance will go ahead with all scheduled activities in Southern Province in line with the Electoral Commission of Zambia calendar.

He maintains that the decision was taken after senior alliance leaders reviewed recent events and agreed that fear cannot dictate the democratic process.

Chisanga told Hot FM that the alliance is aware of what happened in Western Province, where rallies were disrupted and police used force to break up gatherings.

He noted that the conduct of some officers during those meetings raised serious questions about impartiality.

“Because of that, an urgent meeting of senior alliance members has been convened in Lusaka to take stock of the situation and map the way forward,” he said.

He said the meeting looked at security, logistics and how to engage authorities to ensure the remaining campaign days are peaceful.

“Violence and political thuggery have no place in a democratic country,” Chisanga said. “We are concerned about how police have conducted themselves during this campaign period. Our expectation is that law enforcement protects all Zambians equally, regardless of party.”

He added that the alliance will not be provoked into abandoning peaceful campaigning, and that the best response to intimidation is to meet voters and present policies.

Southern Province is the last major stop for Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu. The alliance has lined up rallies, community meetings and door-to-door engagements across several districts.

Chisanga said the team is determined to close the campaign on a high note and to give voters in the province an opportunity to hear directly from the Tonse Pamodzi leadership.

The August 13 election is shaping up to be one of the most contested in recent years.

With the campaign clock winding down, the alliance says it is focused on getting its message across and on ensuring that every vote is counted fairly.

Chisanga closed by saying the Lusaka consultative meeting concluded with clear guidelines for candidates and agents, and that the alliance remains committed to peace, but will not accept attempts to silence it.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police m Graphel Musamba has reaffirmed the Zambia Police Service’s commitment to strengthening community policing as a critical strategy for promoting peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral processes.

The police chief made the remarks during the official opening of the Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop for Community Safety Unit Liaison Officers on Community Policing and the Prevention of Electoral and Political Violence, held today, August 6, 2026, at Bliss Hotel in Kabwe, Central Province.

In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Inspector General of Police – Administration Charity Munganga, Musamba said Zambia Police Service remains committed to equipping officers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively prevent, identify and respond to situations that may threaten public peace and security.

He added that the initiative demonstrates the Service’s continued commitment to proactive policing and conflict prevention ahead of future electoral processes.

The Police Chief noted that the workshop builds on lessons learnt from previous elections, where community policing played a significant role in strengthening cooperation between the police and communities, thereby contributing to the maintenance of peace and the prevention of electoral violence.

He said enhancing the capacity of Community Safety Unit Liaison Officers will further strengthen public confidence and improve collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

The Inspector General further observed that the country continues to face emerging challenges, including the growing use of social media, misinformation and disinformation, which have the potential to undermine peaceful electoral processes if left unchecked.

He emphasized that community policing remains a cornerstone of public safety and urged participants to apply the knowledge and practical skills acquired during the training to promote peace, dialogue and early conflict prevention in their respective areas of operation.

Meanwhile, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Electoral Advisor Robert Gerenge, represented by UNDP Project Manager Takawira Musavengana, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peaceful, inclusive and credible elections.

He stressed that preventing electoral and political violence requires sustained collaboration among law enforcement agencies, communities and development partners to safeguard democratic processes.

And Commissioner of Police in Charge of Community Services Joseph Shamampota also underscored the vital role played by Community Safety Unit Liaison Officers in fostering dialogue, strengthening community partnerships and facilitating early conflict prevention.

He encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the workshop to enhance community engagement and reinforce trust between the Zambia Police Service and the public.

The workshop has brought together Community Safety Unit Liaison Officers from across the country to strengthen their knowledge and practical skills in community policing and the prevention of electoral and political violence, reflecting the shared commitment of the Zambia Police Service and the United Nations Development Programme to strengthening community policing, promoting peaceful electoral processes and fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies, communities and development partners.