Tonse-Pamodzi accuses security agencies of seizing campaign funds, denies kidnapping reports

The political atmosphere in Lusaka has grown increasingly tense following revelations by the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance that its leadership and logistical assets have been targeted by state security organs. Alliance spokesperson and State Counsel George Chisanga categorically refuted widespread social media rumors alleging that he and two senior colleagues had been abducted, clarifying that they were instead responding to actions executed by a joint team involving the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC). Speaking to the press, Mr. Chisanga disclosed that law enforcement operatives descended on assets and resources earmarked for voter mobilization, seizing millions of kwacha collected as voluntary contributions from well-wishers. According to the alliance, the confiscated funds and logistical equipment—including motorbikes and bicycles designated for rural polling station monitors—represent a severe blow to their grassroots campaign strategy. Opposition figures have decried the operation as an aggressive state-sponsored strategy designed to cripple their electoral machinery and tilt the political playing field in favor of the ruling administration. Legal representatives and senior alliance members have questioned the timing and legal basis of the raids, arguing that political parties are not legally mandated to publicly disclose internal funding sources during the heat of an election cycle. The incident has reignited fierce national debates concerning the deployment of statutory bodies like the DEC and the Zambia Police Service during electoral periods. Civil society organizations and election monitors have repeatedly called for absolute institutional neutrality to safeguard the credibility of the democratic process and ensure that all participating parties can campaign without fear of intimidation. As the nation counts down to the polls, the seizure of campaign resources highlights deep-seated vulnerabilities in Zambia's electoral landscape. Opposition leaders have vow