Govt thumps up Chawama by-election as evidence of Zambia’s democratic growth (Read reaction from opposition)

Government has acknowledged that the outcome of the Chawama parliamentary by-election reflected Zambia’s strengthening democratic trajectory and continued respect for the will of the people.

Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, said the peaceful and orderly conduct of the by-election reinforced the country’s standing as a regional beacon of stability, sending a strong message to both domestic and international observers.

Speaking during a media briefing in Choma District of Southern Province on Friday, Mweetwa said the newly elected lawmaker was expected to advance the aspirations of the Chawama Constituency and deepen grassroots representation.

“Zambia continues to navigate a challenging recovery period, with the government making headway in debt restructuring efforts under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema,” Mweetwa said.

Meanwhile, Citizens First (CF) Party President, Harry Kalaba, congratulated the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) and its candidate, Bright Nundwe, on securing the seat. Kalaba said the victory signalled the people’s confidence in Nundwe’s leadership and vision.

“We also congratulate the entire Tonse Alliance family for this achievement. May this victory inspire continued service, unity, and commitment to the people of Chawama and the nation at large,” he said.

Democratic Union (DU) President, Ackim Antony Njobvu, reacted differently, describing the loss as the beginning of the UPND’s decline.

He urged the ruling party to “use the remaining months” to prepare for what he claimed would be its exit from government.

Njobvu also thanked Chawama residents and the Zambia Police for maintaining peace during the election, though he condemned the reported attack on Nundwe supporter and Munali parliamentary hopeful Chrispin Chiinda.

“Inimisowa has started. The great opposition—the people of Zambia—have spoken,” he said.

Read More: FDD’s Nundwe breaks through in Chawama, defeating UPND challenger

Similarly, the Centre for Peace Research and Advocacy (CPRA) joined CF and DU in congratulating Nundwe and the FDD.

CPRA Executive Director, Cliffton Chifuwe, said the result demonstrated the strength and resilience of Zambia’s democratic institutions. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the by-election as evidence of growing democratic maturity.

Chifuwe commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for professionally managing the process, saying the Commission’s efficiency and adherence to electoral regulations helped build public confidence in the final outcome.

Nundwe won the Chawama parliamentary by-election with 8,085 votes, ahead of UPND’s Morgan Muunda, who collected 6,542 votes.

Other candidates included CF’s Davison K. Mulenga with 1,534 votes, independent candidate George Mwenya with 466, and fellow independent Elijah Siatwaambo with 428 votes.

The by-election followed the prolonged absence of former MP Tasila Lungu, who had been mourning the death of her father, former President Edgar Lungu.

Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti declared the seat vacant under Article 72(2)(c) of the Constitution after Lungu failed to attend parliamentary sessions for more than six months.

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