By Staff Reporter Chipata
State police have cordoned off Mpezeni Park in Chipata, Eastern Province, blocking a major rally planned by presidential contender Brian Mundubile.
The move, confirmed by Japhen Mwakalombe, head of elections in the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance, has sparked outrage among opposition supporters who accused authorities of shrinking democratic space ahead of the August 13 polls.
“I can confirm that police have sealed off the entire Mpezeni Park where President Mundubile and his running mate were supposed to address voters and party members this afternoon,” Mwakalombe said.
He said police cited a social media advisory allegedly linked to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) banning presidential rallies until a new timetable is issued.
“It is sad that state police can act on a social media report before receiving written communication from the ECZ,” he added.
Mwakalombe, a former cabinet minister and ambassador, likened the move to changing rules midway through a soccer match.
“Politics involves millions of Zambians, yet the ECZ decides to change rules in the middle of the game. This is a sad chapter in Zambian history. Even in soccer, this can’t happen,” he said.
He said the clampdown underscored the challenges facing President Hakainde Hichilema as he seeks re-election.
He said President Hichilema’s administration was being taken to account over rising poverty levels, soaring food prices, and the cost of mealie meal—a staple that has become unaffordable for many households.
He said President Hichilema’s popularity has waned, with frustrations over unemployment and economic stagnation eroding his support base.
Mundubile, has emerged as a formidable challenger, drawing huge crowds in Kitwe, Ndola, Kabwe and Petauke from his recent rallies in the past week.
Mundubile is promising economic revival and promises to restore fairness in governance.
Mundubile’s planned rally in Solwezi was also previously stopped, and has had his phones and passport seized, after he was stopped from boarding a plane in March amid an investigation against him by state institutions. He has said this was being done because President Hichilema and the ruling party were fearful of his candidature.
The opposition argue that Zambia remains the only democracy in Africa to have banned political rallies for nearly five years, a restriction that has disproportionately disadvantaged challengers while the incumbent campaigns freely.
The European Union, United Nations, and Amnesty International have all raised concerns about the shrinking democratic space in the country.
Whether today’s rally in Chipata will proceed remains uncertain, but the move could fuel further anger among the electorates who want to hear from Mundubile and the other competitors during this active campaign season ahead of the August 13 polls.
State police did not comment when reached.
