FDD Scoops Chawama Seat as Bright Nundwe Wins Tight Parliamentary By-Election

The Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has emerged victorious in the Chawama Constituency parliamentary by-election after its candidate Bright Nundwe defeated eight contenders to scoop the seat with 8,085 votes in a tightly contested poll.

Mr Nundwe’s closest rival, Morgan Muunda of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), closely followed with 6,542 votes. The by-election, which was largely peaceful, turned into a political horse race between the two leading candidates.

Mr Nundwe was backed by the Given Lubinda-led Patriotic Front (PF) faction and some members of the Tonse Alliance, while Mr Muunda enjoyed strong support from the ruling party. By midnight, supporters from both camps had already begun celebrating what they believed would be victory for their respective candidates.

Mr Nundwe’s campaign stood out for its grassroots approach, which included washing clothes and cooking for residents as a way of connecting with voters. His strategy appears to have resonated with the electorate, ultimately securing him the parliamentary seat previously held by Patriotic Front’s Tasila Lungu.

📊 Official Results and Declaration (H2)

Chawama Constituency Returning Officer Lewis Lupando officially declared Mr Nundwe as the duly elected Member of Parliament in the early hours of today. A total of 18,096 votes were cast in the by-election.

“I therefore declare that the said Nundwe Bright to be this day duly elected as Member of Parliament for Chawama Constituency,” Mr Lupando announced, as jubilant supporters lifted the winner shoulder-high. Among those present were PF faction acting president Given Lubinda and PF Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa.

Other results were as follows:

• Davison Mulenga (Citizens First) – 1,534 votes

• George Mwenya (Independent) – 466 votes

• Elijah Siatwaambo (Independent) – 428 votes

• Muhammad Mutete (National Congress Party) – 319 votes

• Alfred Ndiweni (Exodus Party for Peace and Prosperity) – 239 votes

• Musukuma Ntazana (Leadership Movement) – 100 votes

• James Phiri (National Democratic Congress) – 93 votes

⚖️ Background to the Vacancy (H2)

The Chawama parliamentary seat was declared vacant following the prolonged absence of former MP Tasila Lungu, who remains in South Africa mourning her late father, former President Edgar Lungu, who died on June 5, 2025.

The burial of the former Head of State has been delayed due to an ongoing legal dispute between the Lungu family and the Zambian Government regarding the manner and location of the funeral. The family has opposed President Hakainde Hichilema presiding over the burial, while Government insists on a state funeral in Zambia.