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3 clusters · 2 sources · 29 days · First seen · Last updated

Zambia presidential election campaign

Overview

In July 2026 the presidential race in Zambia entered a heated phase as candidates intensified campaigning in Lusaka and across the country.

By early August, opposition leader Brian Mundubile, running under the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity, reported that the government had blocked the online platform used for public donations to his campaign. He also faced travel restrictions, seizure of his passport and phones, and limited media access, while incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema continued to benefit from state resources and corporate backing. The opposition’s people-centred platform, focused on free education, cash transfers and school feeding, gained popularity among rural voters despite these constraints.

On August 9, authorities reportedly conducted a series of arrests targeting the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance campaign team and its supporters. Following disruptions during campaign events in Western Province, police raided the Mundubile media centre in Longacres. High-profile detainees included businessman Valden Findlay, Deputy Secretary General Kennedy Kaamba, former diplomat Ambassador Martha Lungu Mwitumwa, and blogger Hannah Katontoka. Other detainees included various bloggers, security personnel, and entertainers such as musician Moses Ng’andwe. The campaign has characterized these actions as a crackdown on its personnel, and Brian Mundubile recently cancelled a trip to Livingstone, citing concerns regarding security and organized violence.

Entities

Brian Mundubile · Lusaka · Martha Lungu Mwitumwa · Zambia Police Service · Hakainde Hichilema

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Zambian police detain members of Mundubile campaign team

    Zambian police have detained numerous members of Brian Mundubile’s Tonse Pamodzi Alliance campaign, including former diplomat Martha Lungu Mwitumwa, bloggers, and entertainers.

  2. 12 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Brian Mundubile's Zambian Campaign Hit by Government Block on Donation Platform

    Zambian opposition candidate Brian Mundubile's campaign donation platform was blocked by the government as he campaigns nationwide with limited resources, while he reports growing public support and a “feeling”

  3. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Zambia's Presidential Election Campaign Heats Up in Lusaka

    Zambia’s presidential race intensifies as opposition candidate Brian Mundubile campaigns in Lusaka, incumbent Hichilema focuses on Muchinga, and a Barotseland elder‑respect controversy adds tension ahead of the

Sources

zambianeye.com · zambianobserver.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history