#TheEditorZambia
…as UPND’s Morgan Muunda is predicted to win…
POLITICAL analysts have concluded that the ruling party candidate Morgan Muunda will sin today’s parliamentary by- election in Chawama.
The people of Chawama Constituency go to the polls today to vote for their Member of Parliament to replace Tasila Lungu Mwansa, whose seat was nullified due to prolonged absence from parliament. 
The seat fell vacant in line with Article 72(2)(c) of the Constitution of Zambia. This followed Tasila Lungu’s six months absence from the House.
Election analysts have predicted a good voter turnout following the peaceful environment that characterised the campaign period.
During the campaigns, all political parties and independent candidates exercised high levels of peaceful and orderly conduct.
The Chawama by- elections campaigns have been the most peaceful witnessed in sharp contrast to previous electoral periods, especially under the PF administration which were often marred by violence, intimidation, and insults.
Under the PF government, by-elections where marred with intimidation, violence, vote buying, character assignation, and insults which undermined democratic tarnets.
The peaceful by elections campaigns are a testament to President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for civility, love, peace, unity, and coexistence among political players.
Political commentors have praised President Hichilema for being consistent in preaching love, peace and unity in the country.
Back in 2001, a by- election in Chawama was characterised by violence. Observers then likened the violence to the infamous “Ku Klux Klan” style.
According to information available, the violence in the previous Chawama by-election started after then minister without portfolio Michael Chilufya Sata led a gang of unruly MMD cadres, armed with machetes and stones on a tour of the 34 polling stations to intimidate would be voters.
The violence was engineered by the then ruling MMD, and Michael Sata, in particular. The violence created confusion and enabled the MMD to tamper with the ballot boxes. Later, Michael Sata went on to form the Patriotic Front and his party mastered it’s violent culture during elections.
But this particular by-election in Chawama, is peaceful as observed all political players and observers.
Political commentators considers this by-election in Chawama as a litmus test for the popularity of political parties that plan to contest the forthcoming general elections.
As voters trickle to polling centres in the four wards in the constituency, it is highly anticipated that Chawama Parliamentary by-election, the electorates stand at a historic crossroad.
This is not merely a routine electoral exercise. It is a defining moment that will determine the trajectory of the constituency.
The lectorates in Chawama are expected to make informed, sober, and forward-looking decision – one that is grounded not in emotion, protest, or sentiment, but in reason, evidence and a clear vision for the future of Chawama.
Morgan Muunda, unlike other candidates, has not only shown up during the elections. He has been in the constituency helping with social services such as drilling of boreholes, helping clean clinics, among other services.
Muunda assisted in constructing toilets using personal resources to restore some dignity to traders and residents in the community. Beyond infrastructure, Muunda’s engagement with faith-based communities has been consistent.
Several churches, Pentecostal and traditional, have benefited from his support through the construction of church buildings, procurement of equipment, and financial assistance to church groups. These acts speak to a man whose values extend beyond politics, a God- fearing individual, grounded in service.
Some opposition figures such as Chishimba Kambwili, Miles Sampa, and Given Lubinda have been misleading voters to “punish” the ruling party. But their acts begs answers: How exactly does that punishment benefit the people of Chawama?
Is it strategic to deny oneself access to opportunities like enhanced social cash transfers, cash-for-work programmes, skills training, and bursaries?
Is it prudent to bite the very hand that provides tools for empowerment? Politics driven by emotion often produces regret.
Politics driven by strategy produces progress. Giving Chawama Constituency a Member of Parliament under the ruling UPND banner is not surrender; it’s strategy.
It means direct access to decision-makers, stronger lobbying power, and faster response to constituency needs. Simply put, it’s giving the keys to someone who can access the highest office on behalf of the people.
The people of Chawama have an opportunity to make the right decision by voting for a person who has stood with them during difficult times and not opportunists who only show during the campaigns.
