MUNDUBILE FIRES BACK AT HH’S ‘VOTE FIDGET’ CLAIM
…accuses state machinery of attempting to influence election outcome.
Nchelenge – Friday, 10 July 2026.
NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has rejected President Hakainde Hichilema’s claim that the opposition is planning to “fidget” with votes in the August 13 general election, instead accusing the government of using state institutions to influence the electoral process.
Mr. Mundubile alleged that the Local Government Service Commission has been moving across the country engaging councils and civil servants, particularly teachers, in what he described as efforts aimed at manipulating the forthcoming election.
The NRPUP leader was responding to President Hichilema, who at a campaign rally in Chililabombwe on Wednesday urged Zambians to protect their votes, claiming that the opposition was planning to interfere with the electoral process because it knew it would lose.
President Hichilema also described himself as the country’s “Chief Spy”, saying he was aware of discussions taking place among opposition leaders regarding their plans after losing the election.
But addressing a campaign rally in Nchelenge, Mr. Mundubile turned the accusation back on the ruling party, challenging President Hichilema to explain why the Local Government Service Commission was allegedly engaging civil servants ahead of the polls.
“Contrary to what the President is saying about the opposition wanting to fidget with votes, we know what is happening on the ground. The Local Government Service Commission is going round the country engaging councils and strategising how to manipulate the upcoming election,” Mr. Mundubile alleged.
He said his remarks should not be interpreted as a threat against teachers or other public workers, but rather as a call for civil servants to uphold professionalism and remain neutral in political affairs.
“We know what is happening. The Local Government Commission is engaging them. You are good people, but please stay away from those activities,” he said.
Mr. Mundubile said civil servants were an important part of the country and should not be dragged into partisan politics, arguing that public institutions must serve all citizens regardless of their political affiliation.
He further dismissed claims that an NRPUP government would victimise public workers, assuring teachers, council employees and other civil servants that their welfare would be protected.
“We will look after you very well. We know that you are going through a rough time economically. That is why we will implement a debt swap,” he said.
Mr. Mundubile said the proposed debt swap programme would ease the financial burden facing local authorities, allowing councils to improve service delivery and ensure workers receive their salaries consistently.
He said an NRPUP government would restore professionalism in public institutions, end political interference in government operations and ensure national resources benefit all Zambians regardless of political affiliation.
Mr. Mundubile said his “Light After Darkness” campaign was focused on restoring hope among citizens through job creation, improved support for farmers, youth empowerment, fair mining opportunities, reliable public services and an economy that works for ordinary Zambians.