UPND Sweeps All Four Local Government By-Elections

The governing United Party for National Development (UPND) has scored a clean sweep in local government by-elections held yesterday across Central and Western Provinces, winning all four contested ward seats and demonstrating continued electoral strength ahead of the 2026 general elections.

In Muchinka ward of Chitambo District, Central Province, UPND candidate Shadrick Chola secured a decisive victory with 597 votes, more than doubling the tally of his only rival Jonathan Chilufya of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) party, who managed 297 votes.

The victories extended to Western Province, where the ruling party won in three wards: Litawa and Mutondo in Nalikwanda Constituency of Mongu District, and Liangati ward in Senanga District.

The by-elections were conducted by the Electoral Commission of Zambia under heightened electoral supervision. In Mutondo Ward, the contest featured the UPND against UPPZ, while Litawa Ward saw a three-way race between UPND, UPPZ, and the Leadership Movement.

The UPND's performance in Western Province is particularly significant, as the region has historically been a stronghold for the party. President Hakainde Hichilema has prioritized development in the province since taking office in 2021, reversing what many residents describe as decades of marginalization under previous administrations.

The victories come as the UPND government continues to implement various social protection programs, including Social Cash Transfer, Food for Work initiatives, and the Drought Rapid Response program, which have been particularly well-received in rural communities.

Opposition parties, including the Patriotic Front (PF), Socialist Party, and Citizens First, fielded candidates in various wards but failed to secure any seats in yesterday's polls.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has not yet released the complete vote tallies for all four wards. Further details on the margins of victory in Mutondo and Liangati wards are expected to be announced in the coming days.

The by-elections were necessitated by various circumstances, including the deaths of sitting councillors and other vacancies in the respective wards.

Political analysts view the results as an indication of the UPND's continued popularity in its traditional strongholds, though opposition parties are expected to mount more coordinated challenges as the 2026 general elections approach.