NRPUP cites selective law enforcement, media bias and political intimidation ahead of August 13 polls

By Simon Muntemba

NRPUP presidential hcandidate Brian Mundubile has presented a 10-point dossier of concerns to the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), alleging that government institutions are undermining the credibility of Zambia’s August 13, 2026 General Elections.

Leading a high-level NRPUP delegation during a meeting with the EU EOM in Lusaka today, Mr. Mundubile said the country’s electoral environment was increasingly being tilted against the opposition through legal manipulation, selective application of electoral laws and intimidation.

The delegation comprised Running Mate Makebi Zulu, Tonse First Vice President S.C. Chifumu Banda, 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.

Mr. Mundubile told the observers 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 he said disrupted candidate adoption and forced several aspiring parliamentary candidates to file as independent candidates due to time constraints.

The delegation also criticised the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s (ECZ) attempt to compel independent candidates using the candle symbol to change their campaign symbols, describing the move as administrative interference. The decision was later halted through court intervention.

Mr. Mundubile further alleged the selective application of electoral laws by the ECZ, pointing to the indefinite suspension of NRPUP campaigns in Kaputa while, according to the delegation, similar or more serious incidents in Magoye and Lusaka attracted no comparable action.

He also accused certain government officials and security institutions of making statements perceived as intimidating the opposition, while raising concern over statements issued by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) targeting opposition campaign activities.

The NRPUP leader said the ECZ campaign timetable had limited the opposition’s ability to campaign effectively across the country.

He further complained that campaign rules were altered during the election period while the ruling party continued campaigning through official working visits.

Mr. Mundubile also complained of delays in approving helicopter transport for opposition campaigns, contrasting this with what he described as the incumbent President’s unrestricted use of state resources.

The delegation further accused state-owned media of largely ignoring opposition activities or only reporting on them negatively.

Mr. Mundubile also questioned the independence of the ECZ, alleging that some commissioners had known political affiliations with the ruling party.

He further expressed concern over the transparency of polling staff recruitment.

On constitutional amendments, the NRPUP delegation argued that recent changes were designed to provide the ruling party with an electoral advantage.

Particular concern was raised over constituency delimitation, proportional representation and the linkage of reserved seats for women, youths and persons with disabilities to presidential election outcomes.

The delegation also alleged intimidation of opposition candidates and coalition partners, citing the withdrawal of Mr. Mundubile’s passport without court proceedings and alleged attempts to induce opposition candidates to withdraw from the elections.

Mr. Mundubile further 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 electoral process.

EU Response and NRPUP Appeal
Responding to the concerns, the European Union Election Observation Mission clarified that it is an independent election observation mission, separate from the EU Delegation accredited to Zambia.

The Mission said it would assess all the issues raised from legal, political, electoral and media perspectives as part of its overall election observation mandate.

In closing, Mr. 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,” Mr. Mundubile said.

Ends….