Monze Central United Party for National Development (UPND) aspiring candidate Victor Cheelo has acknowledged the party’s loss in the Chawama Parliamentary by-election, saying the ruling party nevertheless gained public trust by ensuring peace and order during the electoral process.
Chawama Constituency went to the polls on Thursday to elect a new Member of Parliament following the declaration of the seat vacant after prolonged absence by former lawmaker Tasila Lungu. Ms Lungu lost the seat after Parliament ruled that her continued absence from the National Assembly, following the death of her father, former President Edgar Lungu, rendered the seat vacant.
According to the official results, Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) candidate Bright Nundwe won the election with 8,085 votes out of a total of 18,096 ballots cast. He defeated United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Morgan Muunda, who polled 6,542 votes.
Reacting to the outcome, Mr Cheelo said although the UPND lost the seat, the party earned the trust of Zambians by maintaining peace and order throughout the by-election period.
He compared the conduct of the Chawama by-election to previous elections held under the former Patriotic Front (PF) administration, stating that past by-elections were often characterised by violence and alleged abuse by party cadres and law enforcement officers.
Mr Cheelo said the party would reflect on the outcome and address internal challenges to avoid similar losses in future elections.
He also expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for promoting a peaceful political environment during the by-election period, describing the election as orderly and calm.
We have always had peace. That’s how we became a democracy
AMEN AND TRUTH BE TOLD.