Tayali urges Mundubile to embrace unity and responsible opposition
Tayali urges Mundubile to embrace unity and responsible opposition
EEP president Chilufya Tayali has called on Brian Mundubile to accept the outcome of the presidential election and use the moment to promote unity, reconciliation and a new era of political engagement in Zambia.
Lusaka, 18 August – In a message addressed to Mr Mundubile, Mr Tayali said the election contest was over and that political leaders should now focus on the broader responsibility of building and uniting the country.
Mr Tayali described Mr Mundubile’s performance in the election as impressive, particularly because it was his first presidential contest, and said the result had established him as a significant political figure with an important role to play in opposition politics.
He urged Mr Mundubile to issue a public statement acknowledging the election outcome, congratulating the winner and thanking his supporters while reassuring the country that political competition should not come at the expense of national unity.
Mr Tayali also encouraged Mr Mundubile to attend the inauguration of the successful candidate, arguing that such a gesture would demonstrate political maturity, statesmanship and confidence rather than weaken his standing.
“My brother Brian, we have experienced enough acrimony in our politics,” Mr Tayali said, calling for reconciliation, dialogue and national progress instead of continued political confrontation.
He said Zambia could not develop if political leaders remained permanently divided, arguing that the governing party had a responsibility to govern while the opposition should provide effective checks and balances.
According to Mr Tayali, both sides should nevertheless recognise that they ultimately serve the same citizens and the same country.
He appealed to Mr Mundubile to tell his supporters that an election should not turn fellow citizens into enemies and encouraged him to become a strong but constructive opposition leader capable of holding those in power accountable while supporting policies that benefit the country.
Mr Tayali said his appeal was also informed by his belief in Mr Mundubile’s leadership potential, recalling that he had previously encouraged him to consider contesting the presidency.
He described the current period as another defining moment for Mr Mundubile’s political career.
Mr Tayali said the end of the election campaign should mark the beginning of a new chapter centred on unity, responsible opposition and national development.
“There will always be another political contest. But between elections, there is only one Zambia, and it belongs to all of us,” he said.
-Nkanionline 2026 #NewsOnDemand