President Hakainde Hichilema has congratulated the Forum for Democracy and Development and its candidate Bright Nundwe following his victory in the Chawama Constituency parliamentary by-election, describing the poll as a reaffirmation of democratic practice and peaceful political competition.
In a statement released after the declaration of results, President Hichilema said the closely contested election had produced a single winner, as required in any democracy, while serving a broader purpose of reinforcing harmony, peace, and unity among citizens. He commended all participating political parties and candidates, including the ruling United Party for National Development, and paid tribute to voters in Chawama Constituency for their role in ensuring an orderly and credible electoral process.
“The collective commitment of the people of Chawama ensured that the democratic process functioned as it should,” the President stated. He also praised the Electoral Commission of Zambia and law enforcement agencies for conducting what he described as a transparent, orderly, and secure election, noting that their conduct created conditions in which the will of the electorate could be freely expressed.
While the official message focused on acceptance of the outcome and national cohesion, the by-election has also generated political debate following the absence of President Hichilema and Vice-President Mutale Nalumango from campaign activities in the constituency. Commentators and political activists have questioned whether the decision to stay away reflected internal assessments of voter sentiment in Chawama.
Some critics have linked the mood of the electorate to unresolved national controversies involving the family of the late former president Edgar Lungu, including the continued non-burial of his remains, legal proceedings involving his widow, and the declaration of the parliamentary seat previously held by his daughter as vacant while funeral matters were still pending. These issues have been cited by commentators as sources of anger among sections of the Chawama community.
Calls have also been made by some political figures for the government to reconsider ongoing court cases involving the former first family, with appeals framed around reconciliation and respect for cultural practices. Government officials have not issued a response to these demands in the context of the by-election.
The Chawama result confirms Bright Nundwe as the duly elected Member of Parliament under the FDD, marking a notable political outcome in the constituency. As reactions continue to unfold, the President’s statement remains the only official position from State House on the vote, emphasizing institutional credibility, peaceful participation, and unity after the polls.
Am waiting for Spaka to Congratulate Kambwili…….this shows that if Opposition can put their acts together then they can defeat HH…no doubt….HH too much talk no action
He should be ready to do the same thing in August….concede defeat and congratulate the winner……looks like the Chakwera effect will happen in Zambia
Zambia rejoicing over a virtually unknown party troucing the mighty upnd who still refuse to recognise where the problem lies within.
They are not unknown its a new dawn @CB SC 2026 ….its coming home
That is a peaceful democracy………
We congratulate the FDD winner……
We are more excited by the peace exhibited………..
There is nothing better than seeing country men of all parties having a drink together discussing developing of the country, no matter the election outcomes……….
Now let’s get back to work, we have much a do……….
We are here , still the winning team
FWD2031
@Spaka
Continue saving forward 2031….you will be shocked come August…..
Anonymous
I’ll even start by signing of as 2041……….
Don’t take a Chawama vote as a county vote…………
HH remains the ultimate benchmark to reach , and none of the current crop even nears that benchmark……….
The one to replace HH is still in school……….
We are here , the winning team
FWD2041
HH the ultimate benchmark ? A bench mark Zambia is not suited to at this time
Sacrificing this grz over one man is truly incomprehensible
Who , in your mind …….
can come up against HH from the opposition ????
FWD2041
Is this a sign of things to come in August this year?