2026 Chawama by-election


The Chawama National Assembly by-election was held on 15 January 2026 to elect a Member of Parliament for the Chawama Constituency in the Lusaka District of Zambia. The by-election was won by Nundwe Bright of the FDD, who defeated Muunda Morgan of the UPND and seven other candidates.

Background

The seat became vacant after the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, declared it so due to the prolonged absence of the incumbent MP, Tasila Lungu. The Speaker invoked Article 72 of the Constitution of Zambia following Lungu's absence during events related to her father's burial delays.

Candidates

Nominations opened on December 16, 2025, with the campaign period running from December 17, 2025, to January 14, 2026. The Electoral Commission of Zambia expects over 15 candidates, requiring Grade 12 certificates or equivalents. A total of nine candidates successfully filed their nominations. The candidates represent a mix of established political parties and independent runners.
No.CandidateParty
1Mulenga DavisonCitizens First
2Musukuma NtazanaLeadership Movement
3Mutete MohammadNew Congress Party
4Muunda MorganUnited Party for National Development
5Nundwe BrightForum for Democracy and Development
6Phiri JamesNational Democratic Congress
7Mageza AlfredIndependent
8Mwenya GeorgeIndependent
9Siatwaambo ElijahIndependent

Results

Reactions

The Electoral Commission of Zambia stated that the election was conducted smoothly and peacefully, with ECZ chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis confirming that the process was completed without incident. Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa commended Chawama voters for a peaceful poll, describing the outcome as evidence of a thriving democracy and a positive signal ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Former Patriotic Front minister Chishimba Kambwili described the opposition campaign in Chawama as effective and attributed the victory of FDD candidate Bright Nundwe to addressing local concerns such as hunger, load shedding, and dissatisfaction with the national government. He also emphasised opposition cooperation in the campaign.