MUNDUBILE PRESENTS 10-POINT DOSSIER TO EU ELECTION OBSERVERS, CALLS FOR ENHANCED MONITORING OF ZAMBIA’S 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS STATEMENT
MUNDUBILE PRESENTS 10-POINT DOSSIER TO EU ELECTION OBSERVERS, CALLS FOR ENHANCED MONITORING OF ZAMBIA’S 2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS
Lusaka-16 July 2026-
The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) presidential candidate, Hon. Brian Mundubile, today led a high-level delegation in a meeting with the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), where he presented a comprehensive 10-point dossier outlining the opposition’s concerns regarding the electoral environment ahead of Zambia’s August 13, 2026 General Elections.
Hon.Mundubile told the Mission that the country’s electoral playing field was increasingly being tilted against opposition political parties through legal manipulation, selective application of electoral laws, abuse of state institutions and political intimidation.
The NRPUP delegation comprised Running Mate Hon.Makebi Zulu, Tonse First Vice President S.C. Chifumu Banda, Tonse Second Vice President Ms. Exildah Mwenya, Tonse Chairperson S.C. Sakwiba Sikota, and Rev. Godfridah Sumaili.
The European Union delegation was led by Chief Observer Mr. Michael McNamara, Deputy Chief Observer Dr. Beata Martin Rozumilowicz, and Political Analyst Ms. Kadi Viik.
During the engagement, Hon. Mundubile outlined ten key areas of concern.
On the electoral legal framework, he submitted that recent electoral reforms had been enacted in a manner that disadvantaged opposition political parties. He cited ex parte court proceedings affecting the FDD Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which disrupted candidate adoption and compelled several aspiring parliamentary candidates to file as independent candidates due to time constraints.
He also raised concern over the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) attempt to compel independent candidates using the candle symbol to change their campaign symbols, a move that was ultimately halted through court intervention.
Regarding the administration of elections, Hon. Mundubile expressed concern over what he described as the selective application of electoral laws by the ECZ. He cited the indefinite suspension of NRPUP campaigns in Kaputa while similar or more serious incidents in Magoye and Lusaka attracted no comparable action.
The delegation further expressed concern over the alleged abuse of state institutions, stating that statements by certain government officials and security institutions had created an atmosphere of intimidation for opposition political parties.
Particular concern was also raised over statements issued by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) targeting opposition campaign activities.
Mr. Mundubile further submitted that the ECZ campaign timetable had significantly limited the opposition’s ability to campaign effectively across the country.
He also noted that campaign rules were altered during the campaign period while the ruling party continued conducting campaign activities through official working visits. He further highlighted delays in approving helicopter transport for opposition campaigns while the incumbent President continued to enjoy unrestricted access to state resources.
The delegation also expressed concern over persistent media bias, stating that state-owned media had largely denied the opposition fair coverage except where reporting portrayed opposition parties negatively.
On the independence of the Electoral Commission, Hon. Mundubile questioned the perceived neutrality of the Commission, citing concerns over the alleged political affiliations of some commissioners and the lack of transparency in the recruitment of polling staff.
The delegation also argued that recent constitutional amendments had been designed to provide the ruling party with an electoral advantage, particularly with respect to constituency delimitation, proportional representation and the linkage of reserved seats for women, youths and persons with disabilities to presidential election outcomes.
Mr. Mundubile further raised concerns over the alleged intimidation of opposition candidates and coalition partners, citing the withdrawal of his passport without court proceedings as well as alleged attempts to induce opposition candidates to withdraw from the elections.
The delegation also reported incidents of political violence targeting opposition supporters, particularly women and young people, warning that fear and intimidation were discouraging citizens from participating freely in the democratic process.
Responding to the concerns, the European Union Election Observation Mission clarified that it is an independent election observation mission, separate from the European Union Delegation accredited to Zambia. The Mission indicated that it would objectively assess all issues raised from legal, political, electoral and media perspectives as part of its election observation mandate.
In concluding the engagement, Hon. Mundubile appealed to the European Union to increase the deployment of election observers across Zambia, particularly in politically sensitive areas.
“We appeal to the European Union to deploy more election observers throughout Zambia, especially in politically sensitive areas, to strengthen transparency, build public confidence and contribute to the credibility of the 2026 General Elections,” Hon. Mundubile said.
Issued by:
Newton Bwalya
Presidential Press and Media Affairs Director
