Brian Mundubile has confirmed that he is engaged in discussions with Makebi Zulu regarding possible cooperation ahead of Zambia’s August 13 general election.
Mundubile acknowledged the talks while addressing questions about opposition positioning and coordination. He described the engagement as discussions centred on working together, though he stopped short of announcing a formal alliance or structured coalition arrangement.
The confirmation places the Patriotic Front (PF) at the centre of renewed opposition dialogue as political formations prepare for the presidential, parliamentary and local government elections scheduled for later this year.
Mundubile has been acting in a leadership role within the PF during a period marked by internal reorganisation and legal processes affecting the party’s leadership structure. With the elective convention expected to determine the party’s presidential candidate, the question of cooperation with other political actors has gained prominence.
He did not disclose specific terms under discussion with Makebi Zulu, nor did he outline whether the talks involve electoral pacts, campaign coordination or broader political strategy. The emphasis remained on dialogue.
Makebi Zulu has been an influential figure in opposition politics and has previously taken positions critical of the ruling administration. Engagement between the two signals recognition that opposition fragmentation can weaken competitiveness in a presidential race conducted under a first-past-the-post system.
Political cooperation discussions are not new in Zambia’s electoral history. Alliances, informal arrangements and strategic withdrawals have shaped past outcomes. However, the viability of any collaboration depends on agreement over leadership, campaign messaging and constituency-level coordination.
Within the PF, internal consolidation remains an immediate priority. The party’s elective convention is expected to formalise leadership and confirm its presidential candidate. The timing of that process intersects directly with any potential opposition engagement.
Mundubile’s statement signals openness but does not confirm convergence. Dialogue at this stage may serve as groundwork for later decisions once internal party matters are settled.
The August 13 election date sets a firm timeline. Parties must finalise candidates, structure campaign operations and secure national presence. Opposition actors face the strategic calculation of whether to compete independently or coordinate to consolidate votes.
Mundubile did not indicate whether additional opposition figures are involved in the discussions. He confined his remarks to engagement with Makebi.
No joint statement has been issued. No memorandum of understanding has been announced. No framework agreement has been presented publicly.
The confirmed position remains that talks are ongoing.
Whether those discussions result in structured cooperation will depend on subsequent negotiations and internal party resolutions.
The election calendar remains fixed. Political actors continue shaping their strategies within that framework.
Mundubile’s acknowledgement establishes that opposition dialogue channels are active. The next development will depend on decisions taken within party structures and the outcome of further engagement between the two figures.
There is nothing to talk about. Just go back to your party, avoid illegal things to demonstrate that you are Presidential material. Have you not seen and heard HH’s adverts on radio and TV? He is a step ahead of the game. Even with factions, adverts can still talk for you.Where are yours? Wake up and smell the coffee. The young man claiming and bragging to be the founder of Tonse as if Tonse has achieved anything will continue misleading people like Mundubile
And firstly where is the economic turn around plan even before these talks? No jokes or masewera now please. We gave UPND a chance in 2021 but they have blown it but yourselves are not serious
UPND has really done us proud
Kambwilli is there for you and such discussions will end up in tomoil
Desperate time calls for desperate unity, kikikiki. Ati sticks in a bundle are unbreakable, kikikik.
The main reason for TONSE Alliance is because of weakness and desperation.
I’m coming to register my alliance in April. And we will win in August