UPND Celebrates Decisive Victory in Lumezi By-Election

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has secured a commanding win in the Lumezi parliamentary by-election, marking another significant milestone in the party's expanding influence across the nation.

Lufeyo Ngoma, the UPND candidate, emerged victorious with an impressive 11,521 votes, demonstrating strong community support in what has traditionally been considered challenging territory for the ruling party. His closest competitor, Goodson Banda of the New Congress Party, secured 6,821 votes, while Citizens' First candidate Wiseman Mvula garnered 556 votes.

The victory margin of 4,700 votes between the top two candidates underscores the decisive nature of the win, with Mr Ngoma securing nearly twice as many votes as his nearest rival. Even when combining all opposition votes totaling 8,644, the UPND candidate maintained a substantial lead of 2,877 votes.

Speaking after his victory was confirmed by Lumezi Constituency Returning Officer George Mulenga, Mr Ngoma struck an inclusive tone, emphasising his commitment to serving all constituents regardless of their political affiliations.

"Now that I am here, I want to aid the people of Lumezi," the newly-elected MP declared. "Thank you to the people of Lumezi for choosing development, for choosing free education."

Campaign Manager Peter Phiri praised Mr Ngoma's character, describing him as "a humble MP who is committed to fulfilling every task laid before him".

This sentiment of democratic progress was echoed by UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda, who expressed profound gratitude to voters across multiple constituencies where the party secured victories.

Speaking from the UPND National Secretariat in Lusaka, Mr Imenda highlighted the particular significance of winning in Eastern Province, noting that Lumezi has historically been difficult terrain for the UPND to navigate successfully.

"Our party went in to conquer, and we did it," he stated, emphasizing the strategic planning and community engagement that underpinned the victory.

The Secretary General also celebrated concurrent victories in Tuuwa ward in Sikongo, Western Province, and Fibalala ward in Milenge District, Luapula Province, describing them as part of a broader pattern of growing support for the UPND across the country.