Zambian Election Fury: Western Province Erupts in Violence, Royal Protocol Breaches as Mundubile's Campaign Faces Chaos

The political landscape in Zambia ahead of the August 13 General Election has been marked by reports of violence, drawing strong condemnation from various stakeholders, including political figures and traditional authorities. In a statement, Kalaba unequivocally condemned violence allegedly perpetrated by UPND cadres against political opponents, emphasizing that such acts have no place in a democratic country. He urged all political players to uphold peace, tolerance, and respect for differing political views as the country continues with its democratic processes.

The Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) expressed deep disappointment over a reported attack on Tonse Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu in Luampa District. The incident, where stones were allegedly thrown at Mundubile's campaign team, was described as regrettable and contrary to Barotseland's known values of peace. Speaking through the Ngambela, the BRE highlighted the disheartening timing, as reports of political violence emerged just a week after leaders gathered for peace prayers at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Mongu, where the Litunga and the Royal Establishment had made strong appeals for peaceful, violence-free elections.

The Litunga had publicly urged all political parties and their supporters to reject violence before, during, and after the elections, stressing that peace and unity must prevail irrespective of political affiliation. In response to the Luampa incident, the BRE directed the Western Province Provincial Administration to implement appropriate measures to prevent further acts of political violence and ensure peaceful campaigns for all parties. The Royal Establishment underscored that democracy necessitates tolerance of diverse political opinions, advocating for mature politics guided by respect, dialogue, and coexistence rather than intimidation or violence. The BRE reiterated its non-partisan stance, serving as a parent to all political parties and citizens without discrimination, affirming every eligible candidate's constitutional and legal right to campaign freely across Zambia, including Barotseland, in adherence to the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Constitution. The Ngambela emphasized that voters should be allowed to listen to every candidate to make their own decisions at the ballot box, as they alone have the democratic right to determine who should lead the country. The BRE also expressed concern that the reported violence occurred in Barotseland, a region widely recognized for its peaceful traditions and hospitality.

Adding another layer to the campaign dynamics, Mr. Mundubile and his delegation faced scrutiny for allegedly breaching customary protocol in Mongu. Reports indicated that Mundubile and Makebi Zulu began conducting roadshows across Mongu before paying a courtesy call on the Litunga. This move was viewed by the King as a sign of disrespect to the Barotse Royal Establishment, as campaigning commenced without formally introducing themselves or registering their presence with the Kingdom. Customary practice dictates that political candidates should first pay a courtesy call to traditional leadership upon entering an area to formally notify them of their presence and planned activities. The King, displeased by this omission, instructed the Ngambela (Prime Minister) to first engage with the delegation.

Following this engagement, Mr. Mundubile reportedly apologized to the Barotse Royal Establishment for failing to pay the courtesy call earlier, explaining that his movements had allegedly been disrupted by UPND supporters whom he claimed had armed themselves with stones and other objects. He also assured the Kingdom of future adherence to proper procedure before commencing campaign activities. Additionally, Mr. Mundubile reportedly sought to clarify remarks attributed to members of his campaign team suggesting that Western Province does not require an airport. A source noted that the apology was accepted, acknowledging the explanation about being blocked by UPND cadres, and the team was subsequently given the “green light” to campaign freely in Mongu without disturbance, believing this is how such matters should be handled.

Meanwhile, Western Province Chairperson Kapelwa Mbangweta called for peaceful campaigns and respect for the rule of law, emphasizing the province's historical peacefulness over the years and rejecting any portrayal of it as violent. The Luampa clashes reportedly left several officials injured, further heightening concerns over political violence as the August 13 general election approaches.