Violence Has No Place in My Movement, Says Mundubile

Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has come out strongly against political violence, declaring that intimidation, harassment and attacks on political opponents are incompatible with democratic competition and will play no part in his movement.

Speaking as concern mounts over reported incidents in various parts of the country during the campaign period, Mr Mundubile said Zambia’s democratic tradition can only be safeguarded if political actors commit themselves to peaceful engagement and genuine respect for differing views.

Elections, he said, should be decided by ideas, policies and the will of the people, not by fear or force.

Mr Mundubile was clear that every citizen must be free to attend rallies, support candidates of their choice and participate in campaigns without facing threats or interference. Political parties, he added, carry a direct responsibility to steer their supporters toward peaceful conduct and to avoid actions that could inflame tensions within communities.

His remarks come at a charged moment. With the August 13 general election now less than two months away, campaign activity is intensifying across the country. Parties are deepening their mobilisation efforts, launching programmes and pushing into communities as the race for State House gathers momentum. Questions of campaign conduct and election-related violence have become increasingly prominent during the campaign period.

The Tonse Alliance leader said violence ultimately undermines democratic participation. When citizens feel threatened, he said, they withdraw from political life and the entire process is weakened. Voters deserve the space to evaluate competing ideas and leadership qualities without fear or intimidation.

He was equally direct about the role of political leaders in setting the tone. Supporters, he noted, take their cues from those seeking office, which means leaders carry a heightened responsibility to model restraint, tolerance and respect for the rule of law. Disagreement, he said, is a normal and healthy feature of democracy. It should never become a licence for hostility or confrontation.

Mr Mundubile also turned his attention to law enforcement, calling on agencies to remain professional and impartial in carrying out their duties. Public confidence in the electoral process, he said, depends in part on citizens believing that institutions responsible for maintaining order apply the law consistently, regardless of political affiliation. He urged that all reports of violence be investigated thoroughly and without bias.

His comments add to calls from political leaders, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and governance bodies for peaceful campaigns. Many have pointed to Zambia’s history of conducting elections without widespread conflict as an achievement worth protecting.

Mr Mundubile acknowledged that election seasons naturally stir strong emotions. Political parties and citizens are competing over issues that matter deeply to the country’s future. But he insisted that those emotions must never be allowed to threaten peaceful coexistence or national unity.

Instead, he urged all players to keep the focus where it belongs, on the substantive issues facing Zambian citizens: employment, economic growth, service delivery and development. The quality of democratic participation, he said, improves when voters are exposed to competing policy visions rather than political confrontation.

His remarks also touched on the responsibilities that come with political leadership. Genuine public support, he said, cannot be won through coercion. Lasting political legitimacy comes from earning the trust and confidence of citizens through persuasion and demonstrated commitment to their interests.

Campaigns are expanding across constituencies throughout the country as political parties intensify their activities ahead of the August polls. For Brian Mundubile, the message was clear: Zambia’s elections should be a contest of ideas and leadership qualities, not a contest of fear and force.