The political atmosphere in Serenje Central Constituency came alive yesterday as candidates from three candidates successfully filed in their nominations ahead of the Muchinda ward by-election set for February 12.
The three include Garrison Musonda of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ), Ronald Chola of the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), and Nicholas Munsele of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).
The nomination centre was a hive of activity, with supporters clad in party regalia singing and chanting slogans as their candidates arrived to formalise their participation in the upcoming poll.
UPPZ candidate Garrison Musonda was the first to arrive at 12:14 hrs, accompanied by a modest but spirited group of supporters.
He completed his nomination process at 13:20 hrs.
UPND’s Nicholas Munsele followed shortly after, submitting his papers between 13:29 hrs and 14:09 hrs, amid cheers from a visibly larger crowd of ruling party sympathisers.
FDD’s Ronald Chola entered the centre at 14:50 hrs and concluded his nomination at 15:20 hrs, greeted by a determined group of followers who vowed to rally behind him.
Returning Officer Smart Muwowo later confirmed the validity of all three nominations, declaring the process incident-free and orderly.
The by-election, scheduled for 12th February, will fill the vacant seat left by the late councilor Thomas Phiri, whose passing prompted renewed political interest in Muchinda ward.
Speaking after filing their papers, each candidate expressed confidence of victory with Ronald Chola of the FDD emphasising his deep understanding of the challenges facing Muchinda residents, pledging to prioritise solutions that directly address their daily struggles.
Garrison Musonda of the UPPZ declared himself “the voice of the people,” promising to champion development initiatives that would uplift the ward once elected.
Nicholas Munsele of the UPND highlighted the progress already achieved under the ruling party in Serenje, noting that ongoing projects in Muchinda give him confidence of winning.
He vowed to push for the construction of bridges, schools, and health facilities to further improve the lives of residents.
Meanwhile, UPND District Chairperson Norah Koyi appealed for calm and unity, urging residents to shun violence during and after the election.
“Our President has always been an advocate of peaceful elections,” she said, stressing the importance of maintaining harmony throughout the campaign period.
Police Commanding Officer Chiyambi Kayombo commended all political parties for conducting themselves peacefully during nominations, while Central Province Electoral Officer Clint Susiku reminded parties to manage their cadres responsibly.
“Peace is paramount; we are the same people, we are even related,” he remarked, underscoring the need for adherence to the official campaign timetable.
With nominations now closed, campaigns officially begin on 23rd January, setting the stage for what promises to be a spirited contest in Muchinda ward.
