Tonse Alliance official appoints ordinary citizens as campaign managers for the Mundubile-Makebi Zulu ticket ahead of August elections

Binwell Mpundu has thrown himself into the 2026 election campaign with characteristic theatrics, issuing a sweeping nationwide mobilisation call that appoints ordinary Zambians as campaign managers for the Brian Mundubile-Makebi Zulu presidential ticket while excluding citizens he accuses of supporting violence, corruption and injustice.

The statement, issued under the heading “Special Announcement”, was signed by Mpundu in his self-styled role as chairman for presidential affairs and carried the urgent tone that has increasingly defined political mobilisation efforts within the opposition alliance ahead of the August 13 general elections.

“The assignment starts this moment,” Mpundu declared, directing supporters to carry the message of Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu across the country as political parties intensify grassroots mobilisation before the official campaign season fully accelerates.

The statement drew attention not only for its nationwide appointment of citizens as campaign operatives, but also for the categories of people Mpundu openly excluded from the assignment. He said those not part of the mobilisation included citizens who support violence, corruption, tribalism, injustice, weak leadership and what he described as the continued suffering of ordinary Zambians.

Mpundu also targeted governance institutions and accused sections of the state machinery of political bias. He criticised what he described as incompetence in leadership, unequal distribution of national resources, poor economic conditions and laws he claimed restrict freedoms and democratic rights.

His remarks extended to the Electoral Commission of Zambia, where he alleged that governance institutions were being influenced by political cadres, a claim likely to add to already heightened political tensions following the countrywide nomination process held in recent days.

The statement arrives at a politically sensitive moment after nomination activities across several districts were accompanied by reports of confrontations, isolated violence, disputes over adoption certificates and allegations of intimidation involving rival political camps.

Opposition political messaging has steadily sharpened following the nominations, with several parties now placing governance, economic hardship, unemployment and democratic freedoms at the centre of their campaign narratives heading into the August elections.

Mundubile recently filed his presidential nomination papers alongside Makebi Zulu, positioning the Tonse Alliance ticket as a direct challenge to President Hakainde Hichilema and the ruling UPND.

The alliance has increasingly framed its campaign around governance concerns, rising public frustration over economic pressures and claims that democratic space is shrinking under the current administration.

Mpundu’s latest mobilisation message also touched on youth unemployment, wages and the handling of mining opportunities, including criticism surrounding foreign participation in Zambia’s mineral sector.

He accused authorities of failing to adequately protect ordinary citizens from poverty and economic hardship while also condemning the shooting of youths involved in mining-related disputes, remarks likely aimed at tapping into growing frustrations among unemployed young voters and communities dependent on mining activities.

The statement closed with Mpundu encouraging supporters to directly contact him whenever they encountered challenges during campaign activities, reinforcing the alliance’s attempt to project itself as a grassroots-driven political movement ahead of the polls.

He signed off the announcement with the phrase: “The Last Man Standing.”

District Electoral Officers in Muchinga Province have hailed the peaceful manner in which nominations were held in held in various districts in Muchinga

Chinsali District Electoral Officer, Zakeyo Mbao said the nomination process in the district was incident-free.

Mr Mbao has since thanked stakeholders and political parties for ensuring that the nomination exercise remained peaceful throughout.

And Mr Mbao also disclosed that five candidates successfully filed their nominations for the Chinsali mayoral position.

He named the candidates as Belinda Mulenga of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Martin Chitondo of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP).

Others who are vying for the same position are Musa Mutambo, Samson Muchemwa and Kelvin Kalenga who are contesting as independent candidates.

And Mafinga District Election Officer, Joseph Nonde said the just-ended nominations for Parliamentary, Council Chairpersons and Councilors in the district was fair and free from violence.

Mr Nonde said the nomination process under the Council Chairperson seat also resulted in 3 candidates successfully filling in their papers to stand a chance to serve the people of Mafinga.

And Isoka District Electoral Officer, Brian Musonda also praised the peaceful manner in which the exercise was conducted in the district.

Mr Musonda also disclosed that five candidates from different political parties successfully filled in their nominations to contest the Council Chairperson positions.

He has since urged political parties to adhere to the electoral code of conduct during campaigns until the end of the electoral process.

Meanwhile, Mpika District Electoral Officer, Samuel Musenga has called for the continued peaceful atmosphere from stakeholders, like it was exhibited during nominations.

And six candidates are vying for the position of Council Chairperson in the district.

These include Resolute Party candidate Abraham Kasonde, independent candidate Donald Musukwa and NRPUP candidate Chola Chilumba.

Others contesting the Council Chairperson seat are UPND’s Samuel Kabungo, Citizens ‘ First Party’s Wilfred Chikunba and an independent candidate, Habboy Kabaso.

In Nakonde district, three candidates successfully filed their nominations for the Council Chairperson election in Nakonde District.

The successful candidates are Paul Simfukwe of UPND, Mabvuto Saini an independent, and Muwemba Mugala of the NRPUP

Meanwhile, in Lavushimanda district, six candidates have also successfully filed in nominations for the mayoral seat, comprising three independent candidates and candidates representing the UPND, NRPUP and the Organised People’s Party (OPP).

Lavushimanda District Electoral Officer, Jonas Mwendakawa also stated that the nomination process was conducted smoothly in the area.

Kanchibiya District’s five candidates from different political parties and those standing as independent candidates are officially in the race to the Council Chairperson seat.

Candidates contesting include; UPND candidate Brian Bwalya, Titus Chiluba of the NRPUP, and Citizens’ First Party’s Victor Chileshe.

With others being independent candidate Silach Kachingwe and Socialist Party candidate Mulenga Chilufya.

Meanwhile, in Shiwang’andu district, three candidates which include NRPUP Candidate Vincent Kunda, Citizens’ First Party candidate Robert Ngosa and UPND candidate Festus Mwila filled in their nomination papers successfully.

36 candidates from different political parties as well as independents successfully filed in nominations papers for Mayor and Council Chairpersons seats in all the eight districts across the province

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in Lavushimanda District in Luapula has urged political parties, aspiring candidates, election agents and other stakeholders to adhere to the timetable for the 2026 General Elections campaign period.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lavushimanda Town Council, District Electoral Officer, Jonas Mwendakawa said it is important for all stakeholders to continue implementing the remaining electoral activities in an orderly and peaceful manner.

Mr Mwendakawa said stakeholders should appreciate the Commission’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections in line with the constitution and electoral laws.

He added that peace remains key to achieving development in both the district and the country at large.

“Let us all ensure that we abide by the timetable that we are going to agree upon for ourselves,” he said.

Mr Mwendakawa, however, expressed concern over the absence of some stakeholders at the meeting, stating that such actions could lead to misunderstandings during the electoral process.

Meanwhile, Lavushimanda District Police Officer Commanding, Jericho Tambuka urged political players to conduct peaceful campaigns throughout the election period.

Mr Tambuka said elections are not a war, but a democratic process that allows citizens to freely choose their leaders in a peaceful environment.

“I would like to encourage all political players to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns during this 2026 General Elections period,” he said.

He further emphasised the need for political parties and supporters to avoid violence, insults, hate speech and provocation against opponents during the campaign period.

The General Election Campaign period is running from 23rd May, 2026 to 12th August, 2026.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has closed the filing of nominations in Mpulungu district in Northern Province.

 District Electoral Officer, Sarah Masiye says the Commission has successfully received nominations from different political parties and independent candidates in both Mpulungu North and South constituencies.

Speaking to the media, Ms Masiye said the commission has received Parliamentary candidate nominations from National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) Freedom Sikazwe, Social Party’s (SP) Justin Mazimba, United Party for National Development (UPND)’s Jobicks Kalumba and Martin Pende who is contesting as an independent candidate.

Ms Masiye revealed that under Mpulungu South Constituency, the commission received nominations from the United Party for National Development (UPND)’ Njenje Chizu, National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP)’s Teddy Mutale, Citizens First’s Lewis Chizu and also Leonard Mbao who is contesting as an independent candidate.

She has also disclosed that the commission has received nominations from four candidates who are contesting on Council Chairperson Position from political parties and independent candidates who are contesting on local Government tickets.

Ms Masiye said the UPND has filed in Chalwe Simfukwe

 while the NRPUP filed in George Tembo with RP filing in Keagan Chifunda while Kingsley Bwali is contesting the forthcoming General elections as an independent candidate.

She has since encouraged the political party candidates to campaign peacefully so as to help deliver the much needed peaceful elections in Mpulungu.

Meanwhile, political party candidates have assured of political violence free in the forthcoming campaign and elections in Mpulungu district.

NRPUP candidate, Freedom Sikazwe explained that he is a seasoned politician who understands the challenges and needs of the people of Mpulungu district.

Mr Sikazwe who served as Member of Parliament says he is ready to serve the people of Mpulungu and deliver quality services.

And the UPND candidate, Jobicks Kalumba says the party has started a number of developmental projects that needs to continue.

Dr Kalumba revealed that the UPND has come to bring development to all parts of the country adding that he is coming to continue with developmental projects.