TONSE ALLIANCE DEMANDS K5 MILLION COMPENSATION FROM POLICE OVER DISRUPTED CHIPATA CAMPAIGN
The Resolute Party and the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity NRPUP have demanded K5 million in compensation from the Zambia Police Service for the unlawful disruption of campaign activities involving Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance Presidential Candidate Brian Mundubile in Chipata.
Through their lawyers, Aongola & Co. Legal Practitioners, the two parties both Special Purpose Vehicles within the Tonse Alliance have written to the Eastern Province Commissioner of Police Robertson Mweemba citing unlawful interference with constitutionally protected campaign activities.
In a demand letter dated 23rd June, 2026, the parties claim that police officers in Chipata District prevented the Alliance from conducting lawful campaign programmes, resulting in significant financial loss and electoral prejudice.
The demand follows a clarification by the Electoral Commission of Zambia, which stated that it did not prohibit any presidential candidate from conducting campaign activities.
The Commission explained that its earlier communication merely requested candidates to submit campaign calendars for coordination and electoral administration purposes.
Eastern Province Tonse Alliance Chairperson Maxson Nkhoma delivered the letter to the Police in Chipata.
According to the parties, the police action lacked lawful justification and violated their constitutional rights to political participation, assembly, association, expression, and electoral engagement.
The K5 million compensation claim covers expenses incurred on transportation, fuel, accommodation, mobilisation, publicity, communications, and logistical arrangements for the planned campaign activities. It also accounts for the disruption of scheduled programmes involving candidates, party officials, members, and supporters, as well as the denial of an opportunity to engage with prospective voters and disseminate campaign messages.
The lawyers have given the police seven days to make satisfactory arrangements for settlement, failing which they will commence legal proceedings against the Attorney General on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia.
Such proceedings, the letter states, will seek general damages, special damages, constitutional remedies for the violation of protected rights and freedoms, interest, and costs.
By Samuel Khwawe
