Zambian opposition raises arrests and election concerns with EU
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambian Observer
Zambian opposition alliance Tonse Pamodzi has shared with the European Union Election Observation Mission its concerns about the arrests of opposition figures, the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya and the electoral process in two constituencies. The meeting precedes the publication of the mission’s final report on the 13 August general elections, according to the Zambian Observer.
Zambian opposition alliance Tonse Pamodzi raised concerns with the European Union Election Observation Mission about the arrests of opposition figures and alleged irregularities in several elections on 2 November in Lusaka, the Zambian Observer reports. The meeting took place ahead of the publication of the mission’s final report on the 13 August 2026 general elections.
The delegation, led by lawyer Chifumu Banda, raised the death of Mutotwe Kafwaya, for which it is calling for an independent investigation, as well as the arrests of opposition figures. It also criticised the withdrawal of candidates other than those from the ruling UPND party in the Mandevu and Lumezi constituencies, according to the alliance’s acting secretary-general, Muhabi Lungu.
The alliance also raised the case of Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, who are accused in a treason case. It accused the Director of Public Prosecutions of failing to bring them to court to answer the charges. Lungu said he hoped the discussions with observers would help strengthen confidence in the electoral system.
The head of the EU mission, Michael McNamara, and members of his team submitted the final report to Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The meeting with Tonse Pamodzi comes amid the withdrawal of candidates in Mandevu and the alliance’s call to annul the election on 30 October, in connection with the Mandevu by-election.
