Questions Raised Over Nevers Mumba’s Silence As Election Violence Spreads Across Zambia

By Staff Reporter LUSAKA —

As Zambia today goes to the polls in its general elections, concerns are growing both at home and across the SADC region over rising political tension and over the notable silence of one of the region’s most vocal critics of electoral violence, former Zambian Vice President Dr. Nevers Mumba

.With voting set to take place for President, Members of Parliament and local councilors, reports of clashes and intimidation have emerged in several districts in recent weeks. The unrest has sparked anxiety among voters and prompted calls for calm from civil society groups.

Prominent Global Political Analyst Dr Abigail Mupambi has spoken out on the whereabouts of Dr Nevers Mumba during recent violence in Zambia, while urging political leaders to ensure peaceful elections. Dr Mupambi said Dr Mumba, known for preaching peace in other countries during election periods, should do the same at home.

Dr. Mumba, who once led the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy and served as Zambia’s Vice President, built a regional profile for publicly denouncing political violence. He drew international attention years ago after submitting a report to SADC in which he described elections in Zimbabwe as “a shame,” citing concerns over violence during that period.That history is why millions across the SADC region are now asking: “Where is Nevers Mumba?” as similar concerns surface in his own country ahead of the 2026 vote.

Community leaders and commentators note that Mumba was previously quick to speak out against unrest in other African countries, positioning himself as a consistent voice against election-related violence.Electoral officials have confirmed that Zambians will vote for three tiers of leadership: the Presidency, Parliament, and City Fathers in local authorities.

Civil society organizations have reported incidents of confrontation in multiple districts. Some local media outlets have cited claims that political violence has cost lives, though official figures have not been independently verified and authorities have urged calm while investigations continue.The Electoral Commission of Zambia has called on all parties to uphold peace agreements signed ahead of the campaign, and security services say deployments have been increased in identified hotspots.

The current situation has reignited debate across SADC about the role of former leaders in peacebuilding during election periods. Given Mumba’s past statements to SADC condemning violence elsewhere on the continent, analysts say many citizens expected him to comment publicly on the situation in Zambia.

As of publication, Dr. Mumba has not released a public statement on the current unrest.Political observers say the coming days will be critical. “Elections are a test not just of ballots, but of leadership,” said one Lusaka-based governance analyst. “People are looking to voices they trust to help lower the temperature.”The Commission has urged Zambians to report any incidents of intimidation and to participate peacefully when polls open.

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