Nkana MP Mpundu Steps Aside to Focus on National Role

With fewer than 200 days until the general elections, Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu has confirmed he will not defend his seat, choosing instead to pursue a broader national role within the Tonse Alliance.

In a television interview, Mpundu said he considers his work in Nkana complete and will now channel his energy into mobilising nationwide support for the alliance and its presidential candidate, Brian Mundubile.

"I've done my part in Nkana and I hope the people there can find someone even better to represent them," he said. "There's a bigger calling now, and I intend to help galvanise support for the Tonse Alliance across the country."

Asked about the alliance's stance on key policies, Mpundu stressed that the priority would be improving existing programmes rather than abolishing them. He singled out free education as a policy worth preserving but argued it urgently needs strengthening.

"Free education is a good thing, but it must be supported by proper infrastructure," he said, pointing to overcrowded classrooms as evidence that the current system is under strain.

Mpundu called for extending free education to tertiary level, noting that many qualifying students from low-income families are unable to continue their studies due to financial barriers. He argued that government-sponsored education should cover all institutions, not just public ones.

"The true benefit of free education will only be realised when it reaches every child, all the way through to tertiary level," he said.