NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has accused state institutions of repeatedly frustrating his party's campaign activities, alleging a pattern of unequal treatment that he says threatens the credibility of Zambia's electoral process.
Addressing journalists after concluding a campaign tour of Eastern, Muchinga, Northern and Luapula provinces, Mr. Mundubile said his alliance remained concerned by what he described as "continued efforts to frustrate our campaign activities." He cited incidents in Chilanga, where he said police prevented the party from holding campaign meetings at four planned venues, as well as similar challenges allegedly experienced in other districts.
The opposition leader also condemned the disruption of the party's approved roadshow in Lusaka, describing the use of tear gas against supporters as unacceptable. He further alleged that a 10-year-old girl was shot during the incident and called for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
"This is not simply an attack on the NRPUP or the Tonse Alliance. It is an attack on democracy," Mr. Mundubile said, while wishing the injured girl a speedy recovery.
He urged the Zambia Police Service and other state institutions to carry out their responsibilities professionally, impartially and in accordance with the Constitution, insisting that opposition parties should be allowed to campaign freely.
During the question-and-answer session, Mr. Mundubile broadened his criticism to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), accusing it of applying electoral rules inconsistently. He cited the suspension of campaigns in Kaputa while alleging that campaign activities continued in other constituencies despite incidents of political violence.
He argued that these developments should form part of any assessment of the election's credibility.
"An election is not an event; it is a process," he said, adding that international observer missions should closely monitor the campaign period and not focus solely on polling day. According to Mr. Mundubile, the conduct of the campaign so far has disadvantaged the opposition and raised concerns about whether the election will ultimately be regarded as free, fair and credible.
Despite the challenges he outlined, Mr. Mundubile said his party would continue to campaign peacefully and lawfully.
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