Mundubile reportedly arrested after claiming election victory

Zambian police have reportedly arrested National Restoration United Party (NRUP) president, Tonse Alliance torchbearer and presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, hours after he claimed that he had won the presidential election. Mundubile is reportedly being held at Twin Palm Police Station in Ibex, Zambia. The exact circumstances and reasons behind his reported arrest remain unclear, with police yet to provide an official explanation or indicate whether he is facing any charges. Earlier on Thursday, Mundubile addressed Zambians and the international community, saying his party’s Parallel Voter Tabulation (PVT) showed that he had won the election. “According to the results received and compiled through our Parallel Voter Tabulation (PVT), based on information transmitted to us from polling stations and totalling centres across the country, our tabulation indicates that we have won this election,” he wrote on Facebook. Mundubile said his party was concerned about the continued delay in the transparent announcement and verification of presidential results, warning that the delay could create an opportunity for interference or manipulation. He also cited reports from Mufulira that military personnel had taken control of certain totalling centres and that Gen 20 forms were allegedly being removed. He further raised concerns over reported incidents involving ballot boxes in Chawama and Matero, as well as reports that returning and presiding officers in North-Western Province had been instructed to stop issuing results and Gen 20 forms. In Northern Province, he alleged that a senior government official was involved in the movement of ballot boxes, including claims that officers transporting them had been instructed to pass through the official’s residence before proceeding to a totalling centre. Mundubile called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia to preserve every ballot box, Gen 20 form and other electoral records, protect the chain of custody and publish results polling station by polling station and constituency by constituency. He also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and within the law, saying, “The people of Zambia voted. Their decision must be respected.” The reported arrest comes as ECZ earlier today announced suspension of votes counting following violence that erupted in some areas after the polls on Thursday