Victor Cheelo has emerged victorious in most wards during the United Party for National Development (UPND) primary elections in Monze East after defeating Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu in the majority of polling areas.
Cheelo won four out of the six wards whose results have so far been announced, securing a total of 149 votes against Mwiimbu’s 80 votes.
The results showed that Mwiimbu, who is the current Monze Central Member of Parliament, failed to secure any vote in Chisekese Ward where Cheelo polled 44 votes.
In Singonya Ward, Cheelo continued his strong performance after obtaining 35 votes while Mwiimbu managed only five votes.
Chipembele Ward also favoured Cheelo, who secured 36 votes compared to Mwiimbu’s eight.
The contest was closer in Ufwenuka Ward where Cheelo narrowly defeated Mwiimbu by 23 votes to 18.
Mwiimbu only managed to secure victories in Mayaba Ward, where he polled 30 votes while Cheelo received none, and in Manungu Ward where he obtained 19 votes.
In the same ward, Mizinga Chibbabbuka secured 11 votes while Cheelo received 10.
The results have placed Cheelo in a strong position as the contest for the Monze East parliamentary adoption gathers momentum ahead of the 2026 general elections.
