Nine Candidates File Nominations for Chawama By-Election
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has confirmed that nine candidates successfully filed their nomination papers for the Chawama Parliamentary by-election scheduled for 15th January 2026.
The nomination process, held on Tuesday at Chawama Primary School, concluded peacefully with six political parties and three independent candidates meeting the requirements to contest the seat.
Leading the field is Morgan Muunda of the United Party for National Development, who stepped in as the party's candidate at the last minute after initial nominee Timothy Kantenga was disqualified due to voter registration issues. Muunda has pledged to prioritize improving access to clean water and sanitation, as well as ensuring effective utilization of the K40 million Constituency Development Fund.
The opposition Tonse Alliance will contest through the Forum for Democracy and Development, which it has adopted as its provisional special purpose vehicle. The FDD candidate is Bright Nundwe. The alliance, which includes the Patriotic Front and several other opposition parties, views this by-election as a critical test ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Other candidates include Alfred Ndeweni of the Exodus Party for Peace and Prosperity, James Phiri of the National Democratic Congress, and Davison Mulenga of Citizens First. Mulenga, a retired army captain who previously served as District Commissioner for Lusaka, has been described by his party as bringing a strong track record in public service and grassroots development.
Also in the race are Ntazana Musukuma of the Leadership Movement and independent candidates George Mwenya and Elijah Siatwambo. Mwenya was the first to file his nomination papers and has indicated his intention to complete development projects currently underway in the constituency.
Speaking after the close of nominations, ECZ Commissioner Major General Vincent Mukanda praised all parties and candidates for adhering to required procedures and ensuring a violence-free process. "The entire nomination process was conducted peacefully," he stated, calling on all stakeholders to maintain the same standards during the campaign period and on polling day.
ECZ Commissioner Ndiyoi Mutiti noted that while thirteen candidates had initially shown interest, four did not appear at the nomination centre and no explanation was provided.
The Chawama seat became vacant following a ruling by National Assembly Speaker Nelly Mutti on 28th November 2025, after former Member of Parliament Tasila Lungu failed to attend parliamentary sessions for several months. Lungu had been absent since June following the death of her father, former President Edgar Lungu, and remained in South Africa dealing with family matters and legal proceedings.
The ECZ has barred Lungu from contesting the by-election, citing Article 72(4) of the Constitution, which prohibits anyone who causes a vacancy in the National Assembly from contesting an election during the term of that Parliament.
The official campaign period runs from 17th December 2025 until 18:00 hours on 14th January 2026. ECZ Lusaka District Electoral Officer Victor Kagoli has assured stakeholders of robust security measures at polling stations and comprehensive training for electoral staff to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
The by-election comes just months before Parliament dissolves ahead of the 2026 general elections scheduled for 13th August, making the winner's term in office relatively short but politically significant as a barometer of voter sentiment in the capital.