Tonse unveils manifesto, picks Mundubile for 2026 poll
By Ludia Ngwadzai
THE Tonse Alliance unveiled its 2026 election manifesto at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka, confirming Brian Mundubile as its presidential election flag bearer’ and promised a modern, industrialised Zambia where opportunity is not a privilege for the connected few, but a right for every citizen in Lusaka yesterday.
The alliance pledged to end suffering and undemocratic governance.
Secretary general Dr Chris Zumani Zimba, former political advisor to late President Edgar Lungu, said the alliance was formed to find the most popular leader in the opposition to unite Zambians ahead of the 2026 polls.
“The alliance held a conference and elected Honourable Brian Mundubile who emerged as the most popular candidate,” Dr Zimba said.
The launch was attended by hundreds of opposition supporters, mostly Patriotic Front (PF) members and leaders.
In a write-up on Smart Eagles Facebook page seen by The Mast, Zimba said Lungu had shared his “Plan B” with him after courts blocked the former president from contesting in 2026.
“Mundubile was among the top five PF members whom President Lungu wanted to use to win the election as his Plan B,” he said.
“The political wind of change is blowing towards Brian Mundubile and the Tonse Alliance.”
Dr Esther Banda, one of the technocrats who drafted the document, described it as a “transformative manifesto” that will result in improving the lives of ordinary citizens” once implemented.
Dr Banda said the phrase “nakulu Mutinta ne misepela pa makasa” in the manifesto refers to poor, marginalised Zambians especially mothers and youths who hustle before sunrise whose economic situation must improve.
“Development should be felt by the citizens, not political rhetoric,” she said.
Dr Banda said the manifesto sought to restore democracy, the rule of law, and public trust while rebuilding the state and professionalising the civil service.
Alliance vice president Chifumu Banda said the document would change Zambia’s social and deliver economic transformation.
Closing the launch, Mundubile pledged an inclusive government if elected.
He envisioned a modern, industrialised Zambia where opportunity is not a privilege for the connected few, but a right for every citizen.
“Under the Tonse Alliance, I will form a government that is inclusive, with equal recognition and power for Zambians from all 10 provinces,” Mundubile said.
“Only through unity of purpose would the alliance liberate Zambia. Enough is enough of suffering and undemocratic governance.”
The launch positions Mundubile as the opposition bloc’s unity candidate and heir to Lungu’s political base ahead of what is expected to be a heated run-up to 2026.
