Mundubile and Makebi say they chose respect over insults after Hichilema’s “boys” remarks

LUSAKA – In a move that has drawn attention to the evolving nature of political discourse in Zambia, Tonse Pamodzi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu have publicly declared their commitment to respectful engagement, even in the face of what they perceive as provocative remarks from the Head of State. The duo stated that they consciously opted against responding with personal attacks after President Hakainde Hichilema reportedly referred to them as 'boys,' signaling a desire to elevate the political debate beyond mere insults. The incident, which has sparked discussions across various political circles, saw Mundubile and Zulu underscore their belief that the Zambian electorate deserves a campaign focused on critical national issues rather than ad hominem attacks. Speaking at a recent press briefing in Lusaka, Mundubile articulated, "Our mandate is to offer solutions to the pressing challenges facing Zambians – the economy, unemployment, and the cost of living. Engaging in a war of words detracts from this crucial responsibility and disrespects the intelligence of our citizens." Zulu echoed this sentiment, adding that their alliance is built on principles of integrity and mature leadership, which they intend to demonstrate through their conduct. This strategic decision by the Tonse Pamodzi Alliance comes at a time when Zambian politics is often characterized by heated exchanges and personal criticisms, particularly during election cycles. The call for a more issue-based campaign has been a recurring theme among civil society organizations and concerned citizens who advocate for a political environment conducive to constructive dialogue and policy debate. The alliance's stance could be seen as an attempt to differentiate themselves from traditional confrontational politics and appeal to a segment of the electorate yearning for civility. Analysts suggest that by choosing to 'rise above' the perceived slight, Mundubile and