Zambian govt challenges opposition to prove Chawama by-election rigging claims

The presidency has challenged opposition figures who alleged electoral malpractice in the Chawama by-election to present credible evidence to support their claims.

State House Chief Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, said some individuals had issued sweeping and baseless accusations against State institutions, an act he described as an attempt to weaken and discredit them.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Hamasaka stressed that governance institutions responsible for elections deserved respect regardless of the outcome, warning that unfounded rigging claims erode public trust and undermine democratic order.

“President Hakainde Hichilema congratulated the elected candidate and commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia, law enforcement, and the electorate for conducting a peaceful and credible poll,” he said.

Hamasaka said this gesture reflected the President’s commitment to democratic values and respect for institutional processes.

He added that the Chawama by-election demonstrated government’s respect for democratic outcomes, even when the ruling party did not win—contrasting this with what he described as the violence and intimidation that occurred under the previous administration.

“Governance institutions responsible for elections deserve respect, whether the outcome favours us or not. Frivolous claims of rigging erode public confidence and undermine the orderly flow of democracy,” Hamasaka said.

Hamasaka reiterated that the Chawama by-election stood as a clear example of the government honouring democratic outcomes, even when the ruling party was not the winner.

“It also contrasts sharply with the violence and intimidation that characterised elections during the past administration, when contestation frequently descended into confrontation,” he said.

Hamasaka added that the peaceful nature of the poll demonstrated how far the country has come and how essential it was to safeguard these gains.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.